Thin eggplant slices battered and deep-fried until golden and tender inside, then finished with a light drizzle of honey. The honey cuts the richness of the fried eggplant, creating a sweet-savory balance that's become iconic in Spanish tapas. This is why Duende keeps the menu simple—fresh vegetables shine.
Tips from diners
Always order this. It's on the menu 365 days a year because it's too good to rotate.
The classic Spanish tapa: paper-thin slices of jamón ibérico, the black Iberian pig ham cured for years. At Duende, it arrives with a glass of sherry or vermouth, allowing the nuttiness and complexity of the ham to unfold. This is simplicity as an art form—no accompaniment, just the ham and its mate.
Tips from diners
Start here. Pair with a glass of dry sherry (fine or manzanilla). This is the Duende signature.
Sliced bread toasted and rubbed with fresh tomato, then finished with good Spanish olive oil and a pinch of salt. It sounds simple because it is—but the quality of the tomato and oil shine through. This is bread as it should taste.
Tips from diners
This is the cheapest way to start eating at Duende. Order it first, then add richer tapas.
Creamy béchamel enriched with shredded jamón, molded, breaded, and deep-fried until golden. The exterior shatters to a creamy, hammy interior. These are richer than some of the vegetable tapas but essential for balance.
Tips from diners
Order a mix of hot and cold tapas. The croquetas are best eaten immediately while hot.
A wedge of aged Queso Manchego—firm, slightly grainy texture with a nutty flavor—paired with quince paste (membrillo). The sweet-tart fruit paste against the savory, sharp cheese is a classic Spanish combination. The cheese quality changes with the season.
Tips from diners
Order this with a glass of amontillado sherry. The aged sherry brings out notes in the cheese you won't taste alone.
Duende is the oldest tapas bar in the Netherlands, located in the heart of the Jordaan neighborhood behind the Noorderkerk. For over 35 years, it has been serving fresh Spanish tapas, sherries, and vermouth with authentic Spanish atmosphere. The bar keeps it simple to highlight pure Spanish flavors—jamón ibérico, berenjenas fritas, and seasonal vegetables. Occasional live flamenco and daily flamenco classes add to the theatrical vibe.
No reservations (except for groups/concerts). Walk-ins only. The bar operates on first-come, first-served.
Peak times are 6:30-8:30 PM, especially weekends. Come before 6 PM or after 9 PM for faster seating. The bar can get very crowded.
Duende occasionally hosts live flamenco. Check the website for dates. The atmosphere becomes even more theatrical with live music.
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