KAIA AMSTERDAM REFOCUSES ON TASTEFUL SHARED DINING CONCEPT
words by SONNY NGO
One thing about the current economy, is that its relentless, especially for the everyday person. Going out for dinner in the evening isn’t as self-explanatory as it may have been a few years ago. Competition for the customer is fierce, and restaurants have to be able to adapt and change if they want to survive this battle royale. KAIA Amsterdam, located at Europaplein, has decided to be up for the challenge. Known for their luxurious dinners, best for a celebration or family gathering, the beloved Greek restaurant is aiming for a bit of a rebrand: shared dining.
As the contemporary Greek celebrates its three year anniversary, they undergo a shift from exclusivity to accessibility. Maintaining their high-quality ingredients and meals, the business revamps itself with a shared dining concept, new interior, and unique twists.
Of course, shared dining is already wide spread across the Dutch capital, but now KAIA puts their own spin on it. Keeping their artisanal and traditional recipes, and combining it with modern kitchen techniques and lower prices, the restaurant sets its eyes on becoming more inclusive. It’s an additional return to roots, as sharing is an integral part of Greek culture.
Along with this concept, the menu has also been updated. Using mostly local, in-house ingredients, a homey touch is given to traditional dishes. From pickled vegetables and freshly baked bread, served with fig butter and Greek oil, to crispy seabass and wild greens, each dish is given a unique KAIA-twist. I had the opportunity to taste some of the dishes during an evening with KAIA and I can confidently say that it did not disappoint. A true tingling of the palette, the dishes go from sweet to sour to overwhelmingly delicious. Though the best part of it all, was being surrounded with other people sharing my same excitement.
Besides the dishes, the interior is also enveloped in a new radiating aura. With a relaxed energy and home feel, KAIA Amsterdam carefully balances the thread of being both contemporary and traditional. The dishes remain exquisitely tasteful, but the novel look and feel remove a gatekeeping threshold, creating a welcoming restaurant.
Though this approach is full of ambition, KAIA does not seem to settle yet, as they aim for Michelin recognition next. Additionally, they have already achieved Gault&Millau status in the past, but are now once more aiming for this prestige. With the pace they’re going at now, I’m sure they will, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for them.