This guide will give you everything you need to know about De Rollende Keukens, from what to expect to practical tips for making the most of your visit — plus why you should consider stopping by Piercings Works while you’re in town for an unforgettable souvenir!
What is De Rollende Keukens?
De Rollende Keukens is Amsterdam’s largest and most beloved food truck festival. Every year during the Ascension weekend (typically in May), dozens of food trucks, vintage caravans, and custom-built mobile kitchens line up at the Westergasfabriek to serve an incredible variety of dishes.
The festival started in 2008 as a small local gathering but has since grown into a massive event that attracts over 80,000 visitors annually. It’s a celebration of culinary creativity, bringing together local chefs, food artisans, and international flavors in a relaxed, open-air setting.
What to Expect at De Rollende Keukens
De Rollende Keukens is not your average food festival — it’s a full sensory experience. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Diverse Cuisine from Around the World
- Gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and vegan bowls.
- Asian street food like dim sum, bao buns, and sushi.
- Middle Eastern falafel, kebabs, and hummus.
- Dutch classics like bitterballen, poffertjes, and fries with mayo.
- Sweet treats like waffles, churros, and ice cream.
You’ll find a balance of comfort food and experimental flavors — from deep-fried snacks to Michelin-level dishes.
Live Music and Entertainment
- Multiple stages with live bands and DJs throughout the festival.
- Genres range from jazz and funk to house and world music.
- Street performers, magicians, and comedians add to the playful atmosphere.
Drinks and Cocktails
- Craft beers from local breweries.
- Signature cocktails and natural wines.
- Non-alcoholic options like kombucha and fresh juices.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
- The festival is **free to enter** and open to all ages.
- There’s a designated children’s area with games, face painting, and kid-friendly snacks.
- Plenty of seating and open spaces make it easy to relax with family and friends.
Location and Dates
- Location: Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam
- Dates: Always held during Ascension weekend (40 days after Easter)
- Entry: Free! You only pay for the food and drinks you order
Tip: The festival starts in the late afternoon and continues into the evening. Arriving early means shorter lines and a chance to grab the best seating spots.
Practical Tips for Visiting De Rollende Keukens
Bring Cash and Cards: Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller ones may only take cash.
Arrive Early: Evening hours can get very crowded — arriving before 6 PM means shorter wait times and more seating options.
Weather-Ready: The festival is open-air, so dress appropriately for the weather (umbrellas and layers recommended).
Travel Light: Bags are checked at the entrance; keeping it simple makes it easier to move around the crowds.
Food Sharing: Dishes are often served in small portions, so sharing with friends lets you try more options.
Add a Unique Experience to Your Visit: Get a Piercing at Piercings Works
After filling up on delicious food at De Rollende Keukens, why not commemorate the day with a stylish new piercing or tattoo at Piercings Works?
Why Piercings Works?
- Located just **10 minutes by bike** from the Westergasfabriek.
- Established in **1996**, Piercings Works is Amsterdam’s go-to studio for body art.
- Known for its **professionalism, safety standards, and creativity** — they use only high-quality materials like titanium and gold.
- Friendly and experienced staff will make you feel comfortable and walk you through the process.
Location and Contact Information:
- Address: Reguliersbreestraat 46, 1017 CN Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 (0)20 4282049
- Website: www.piercingsworks.com (https://www.piercingsworks.com/en/)
- Instagram: @piercingsworks (https://www.instagram.com/piercingsworks/)
- Facebook: Piercings Works NL (https://www.facebook.com/PiercingsWorksNL/)
Popular Piercings and Tattoos to Consider:
- Ear piercings: Conch, helix, rook, and daith.
- Nose piercings: Nostril, septum, and high nostril.
- Lip piercings: Labret and Monroe.
- Minimalist tattoos: Fine line designs or micro tattoos.
- Custom designs: Bring your own design, or collaborate with one of their talented tattoo artists.
Location & Dates
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Where: Westerpark, Amsterdam
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When: Usually held around Ascension weekend (late May) – check official site for this year’s dates
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Entry: FREE! Food & drinks are paid on-site (some vendors take card, others prefer cash)
Customer Experience:
Visitors consistently praise Piercings Works for its welcoming vibe, knowledgeable staff, and clean environment. Whether you’re getting your first piercing or adding to a growing collection, you’ll be in expert hands.
Combine Food, Music, and Self-Expression
De Rollende Keukens is all about **celebrating creativity and flavor — and what better way to round off the experience than by expressing yourself through body art at Piercings Works?
After a day of tasting gourmet street food and dancing to live music, head to Piercings Works to create a lasting memory of your time in Amsterdam. Whether it's a delicate ear piercing or a bold tattoo, you'll carry a piece of the festival with you forever.
Final Tips:
Bring your appetite — you’ll want to try as much as possible!
Go with friends — food festivals are always better when shared.
Make it memorable — cap off your visit with a unique piece of body art from Piercings Works.
Ready to experience Amsterdam’s most exciting food festival?
Mark your calendar for Ascension weekend, head to De Rollende Keukens, and let your taste buds and creativity run wild!