Oriental Supermarket

Windowless and lit by harsh fluorescent bulbs, what the cavernous Oriental Supermarket lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in sheer selection.

Roughly divided up by country rather than ingredient - this means there are about five different chilli sauce sections, for example, which can be confusing - Oriental Supermarket is nevertheless one of the best places for Asian food and ingredients in Amsterdam. Think Indian tamarind paste, Javanese palm sugar, Vietnamese ground bean paste, Japanese buckwheat noodles and Chinese rice paper.

In addition, there's an extensive dried herb and spice section, which includes everything from ground cinnamon and turmeric to fennel seeds and curry leaves. A small number of fresh vegetables and good-value herbs is also available, while items such as tofu, lemongrass, prawns and dim sum can be found in the cool section.

Firma Tel fishmonger, also popular with Nieuwmarkt’s Chinese population, is just round the corner.