I first encountered Poptasi via their popular macaron workshops in Amsterdam Osdorp, one of which I followed in September 2011. The workshop was fun and informative, the macarons were superb, and the duo even had their own distinctive brand and aesthetic; I had a hunch that the small company would soon expand from its modest, residential bakery and workshop space. Fast forward scarcely a half-year later, and my prediction came true: Poptasi opened the first macaron shop in the Netherlands on the auspicious day of March 20 - otherwise known as Macaron Day.


Poptasi Pastry's macaron shop on Gerard Doustraat retains all the elements that made their workshop so memorable - the professionalism, the cute aesthetic and the excellent macarons - but in a more central location, and with a variety of pre-made macarons to order on the spot. The new location is in the heart of De Pijp, a prime destination for foodies thanks to an eclectic restaurant scene and the famous Albert Cuypmarkt, an open-air street market. The workshops continue at the new location, but some are booked months in advance, so act quick - or settle for effortless, ready-made versions available at the counter. Flavors veer more towards the experimental than the traditional, with a few - like stroopwafel (the beloved Dutch syrup waffles) and spekkoek (an Indonesian spiced cake) - that macaron lovers are unlikely to find outside the Netherlands.

Poptasi Pastry Store Information:

• Address:
  Gerard Doustraat 103
  1073 VS Amsterdam
  Tel.: +31 (0)6-573 44911
• Hours:
  Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Location: De Pijp

• Directions:
  From Amsterdam Central Station, take tram 16 or 24 (direction: VU Medisch Centrum) to the Stadshouderskade stop. Head south on Ferdinand Bolstraat and make the first left after Marie Heinekenplein onto Quelijnstraat. Turn right at Eerste van der Helststraat; make a final left at Gerard Doustraat.
• Official Website:
  www.poptasi.com