Élan Wanderlust

During my 6-month stay in Rotterdam, I discovered an awesome range of independently owned gluten-free eateries.

Allow me to share my top 3 picks—each one reflects the innovative spirit of this trendy city!

1. Healthful, Spaansepoort 77, 3011 MN Rotterdam

I have ranked Healthful first because I visited on three different occasions and was warmly welcomed like an old friend by both the owner and a very tall waiter (whose name, unfortunately, slips my mind, but I still remember his gracious charm!)

What struck me first was the impeccable cleanliness behind the counter in this open-plan café. This attention to detail is thanks to the owner’s proactive nature, as he often doubles as the chef and server.

The easiest way to reach this cute café is by taking any tram or train which stops at Blaak, the station adjacent to the popular Markthal (indoor food market). It’s a 5 minute walk from Blaak and you’ll pass the iconic Kijk-Kubus Museum-house on the way!

Healthful offers an endearing menu (in Dutch & English) with gluten-free waffles, pancakes, and even savoury meals, but my sweet tooth kept me fixated on the dessert section. I can attest that their pancakes strike the perfect balance between sweet and nourishing, with presentation worthy of a Michelin-starred or gourmet restaurant.

I was quite particular about my drink request, and they nailed it every time. I chose the dragon fruit smoothie for its vibrant pink color and sharp-sweet flavor. They thoughtfully defrosted the ice smoothie before serving it to me, sparing me the dreaded brain freeze that often accompanies iced drinks!

All of this (gluten-free pancakes and a smoothie) came at a reasonable price, just under 20 EUR.

Would I dine here again on a return visit? Without hesitation, every time.

Bonus: The well-travelled owner is very open to conversation, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance while learning more about the concept behind Healthful.

2. The SUE Store, located at Karel Doormanstraat 372-374, 12 GR Rotterdam

The SUE Store is a spacious café that earns the second spot on my list due in part to its convenient location, just a 12-minute walk from Rotterdam Centraal station. The café offers a range of vegan & gluten-free treats that aren’t overly sweet, thanks to the non-refined sugars used in their preparation. I often stopped by for a gluten-free and vegan hot chocolate, accompanied by a sweet treat resembling cheesecake in texture.

They have a sit-down menu (available in Dutch & English) – reservations are recommended, especially if you’re visiting with a group, as the place tends to fill up by midday. The cosy seating and muted neutral tones of the interior create an inviting atmosphere that tempts you to stay for a couple of hours, sipping your drink, and watching the bustling Rotterdam foot traffic from your comfortable chair.

If you have time for a leisurely meal, I recommend trying their delightful gluten-free pancakes for brunch.

These delicious pancakes are affordably priced at only 13.50 EUR – what a great start to the day!

The SUE Store also has a bakery in the city, showcasing the owners’ dedication to providing more gluten-free options within a wheat-dominated society.

I was fortunate enough to sit at a table next to the beautiful and elegant owner (Kim Sue Palm) during one of my visits. She struck me as a humble woman with a passion for making gluten-free treats available to everyone!

Kudos to Kim Sue for making a difference in the gluten-free community! 💖 

3. Sharp Sharp – no longer a physical café 😢

Sharp Sharp is placed third not because it lacks flavour but due to the fact that their physical eatery closed recently, although I am not sure of the exact date. Thankfully, they continue to produce their delicious vegan & gluten-free desserts from a warehouse in Rotterdam and several cafés in the city stock their treats.

Their café had a peaceful atmosphere with a minimalist decor, allowing you to enjoy delicious gluten-free and vegan cakes or cookies. Sharp Sharp’s cakes are light in texture and smell so beautiful! I loved Flora’s favorite – this consists of lemon, raspberry and chocolate with a naturally derived floral scent.

Here is a list (from their website) of eateries in Rotterdam that sell Sharp Sharp products:

The Tea Lab – https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRtkFNyb7JUUd25J6

Dudok – https://maps.app.goo.gl/XZECTcy2KheV8ApK8

Bas Bakt – https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFGuWU8FcUVHVZZ86

Trompenburg (this is a botanical garden with a café) – https://maps.app.goo.gl/3k3LMp4F8qq9qYYx5

The Usual (a 4* hotel with an eatery called U Bar) – https://maps.app.goo.gl/H79Hbr2G6EFk6b3XA