ARCA AMSTERDAM: WHERE EAST MEETS WEST
words by NATALIE GAL
In the very heart of Amsterdam, just across from Centraal Station, you’ll find ARCA, a restaurant that blends bold flavors with warm hospitality, led by none other than Henrique Sá Pessoa. From the moment you step into the city, ARCA offers a place to pause, taste, and dive into a multicultural experience that reflects both Amsterdam’s global spirit and Henrique’s culinary roots.
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Chef Henrique for an interview (which you can read here), where we talked at length about his journey, his travels, and the many ways they’ve shaped his approach to food. One thing that stood out was how seamlessly he weaves Asian influences into the fabric of traditional Portuguese cuisine, a cuisine known for its deep ties to the sea, bold use of spices, and a heritage of discovery. The result is a flavor profile that’s entirely his own: rich, surprising, and deeply personal.
On ARCA’s current menu, you’ll find dishes that speak directly to this fusion of past and present. There’s the salted cod with fried string potatoes, parsley, egg, and black olives—a comforting nod to Portugal’s beloved bacalhau, a dish with over a thousand variations back home, and a staple in Henrique’s restaurants. Then there’s the tuna tataki with vegetable escabeche, chilli, and basil, a clear example of how Asian techniques and Iberian ingredients can meet on one plate. And of course, no visit would be complete without the Arroz de Marisco—a deeply flavorful seafood rice with tomato and coriander, echoing the coastal traditions of Portugal where meals are often slow, shared, and centered around the ocean. And the paloma cocktail—it is our absolute favourite!
If you’re feeling adventurous—or simply can’t choose—Henrique and the team have crafted two tasting menus to guide your experience. The Classic tasting menu highlights house favorites, while the Coast to Coast experience draws inspiration from Alma, Henrique’s 2-Michelin-starred restaurant in Lisbon. This menu focuses on locally sourced Dutch seafood, connecting Northern waters with that Southern energy.
I always thought Portuguese culture could be defined by its contrasts—land and sea, tradition and innovation, the comfort and safety of home and global curiosity. At ARCA, all of these elements are present, layered gently on each plate, served with a warmth that’s unmistakably Portuguese. It’s Portuguese tradition with an Asian twist, right in the middle of Dutch culture!
