It’s cute to say, but what exactly is a “Toko”? The word translates to “a shop” in Indonesian, which originates from the Hokkien Chinese pronunciation. In the Netherlands, however, a “Toko” refers more specifically to supermarkets or grocery stores that predominantly sell products from across Asia.
The term first arrived in the Netherlands with Indonesian migrants in the 1940s. When Indonesia was undergoing a domestic revolution, many of the locals followed their former colonizers to the Netherlands in search of better work opportunities.
The Netherlands has three major Chinatowns: Amsterdam; The Hague; and Rotterdam. These cities have long served as hubs for Chinese migrant workers, forming strong communities rich in heritage and culture. To compete with the well-established Chinese commercial presence and benefit from existing Chinese-Indonesian trade ties, Indonesian migrants in the 1950s also began selling Chinese goods to broaden their appeal. Over time, Asian products blended, and the word “Toko” became a uniquely Dutch term for Asian produce stores.
Today, searching for “Toko” on Google Maps yields hundreds of results. Even the largest Asian supermarket chains refer to themselves as Tokos. However, it’s the many smaller, mom-and-pop Tokos that continue to attract visitors. So, if you happen to be there in the Netherlands and curious about the country’s Asian cultural influence while wanting a familiar snack, the following list could be a great starting point.
- Hong Kong Supermarket
Location: Kinkerstraat 298H, 1053 GC Amsterdam
While Hong Kong Supermarket has “Hong Kong” in its name, it’s actually more known for offering a diverse array of products from all over Asia, but predominantly India, Surinam and South Korea. Don’t forget to check the unpacked boxes around the aisle as they usually have better prices!
- Wah Nam Hong
Location: West-Kruiskade 4-6, 3014 AP Rotterdam
Wah Nam Hong in the center of Rotterdam is a must-visit for Asian food lovers in the city. With modern interior design and an abundance of of product choices, this Toko is always one of the hottest food spots within the city’s bustling Market Hall.
- Amazing Oriental Den Haag – Ypenburg Brance
Location: Laan van Haamstede 36, 2497 GE Den Haag
This large warehouse-style store, part of a well-known Asian supermarket chain, is situated alongside the highway connecting The Hague and Delft. Regulars—of which there are plenty— typically drive there several times a month to stock up on groceries and fill their refrigerators with Asian specialities.
Banner Image via AmsterdamYeah.
