Sometimes the vreak between a seating rehearsal and the actual concert isn't really long enough for a sit down meal at a proper restaurant, and the concert itself is long enough that by the end, I want to race for the train home rather than hunt around for food.
That was the case a few weeks ago during the Easter season, where the Matthew Passion is pretty long.... and seeing as I was in The Netherlands, I wanted to be home after the concert rather than out in a new city looking for food.
Thankfully, there is a great variety of takeaway places in and around the Leiden Central area... as it is home to a pretty large University... which means that you have lots of students (and musicians...) looking for a cheap and quick feed!
Holland is also pretty famous for it's seafood, and with the influx of immigrants from Turkey and Egypt, you are getting some really decent fish and chip places opening up!
NOTE: I think this shop is relatively new... Google Maps seems to have a differnent (previous?) restaurant still listed here instead of the correct one.
The Space
The space is pretty small... it is more a takeaway and quick eat rather than a sit down 5 course meal sort of restaurant. That suited me just fine, as I wanted grab a bag and run back to the green room before the concert.
Being on the main street out of the station means that this shop does get quite a bit of traffic as well, so don't expect there to be seating at the 6 or so tables that are there.
However, you can expect a very nice assortment of seafood that can be cooked up fresh in front of you! Sadly, I didn't have much time to get anything more than the stock standard fish and chips... but as I was waiting I did see the family behind the counter cooking up some pretty tasty looking sardines!
The Menu
You are just going to get a wall menu at this place... I guess there is too much for the staff to do without needing to come directly to the tables to take orders...
However, there is everything that you can ask for... all the fish on display is available in grilled and fried versions. Or as sandwiches if that is your thing!
The Food
I had run into this shop not really expecting much... probably greasy fish and soggy chips....
... HOWEVER, it was surprisingly good! The fish was not at all greasy and it was nice a crispy (not overcooked) with a great tasting batter. Plus, the chips were deliciously crunchy! For a takeaway shop, this is pretty high class fare!
So, it was great fuel for the concert ahead!
The Experience
The family who runs this shop is really very friendly... everything was well prepared as well. Wait time was short, even though the dining area was packed.
As a takeaway place, it is ideal... good food, decent prices. For a sit down meal, perhaps not so much... as the lack of seating and space means that you will have a bit of an uncomfortable experience.... plus the seating area is in close proximity to the frying and grilling areas... which makes for a bit of a slimy experience at the end of the day!
However, as I said... as a takeaway, it is great quality and value. I definitely have this on my list of places to snack at when I'm in Leiden!
Opening Times
Monday 12–9pm
Tuesday 12–9pm
Wednesday 12–9pm
Thursday 12–9pm
Friday 12–9pm
Saturday 12–9pm
Sunday 3–9pm
Contact Details
Address: Steenstraat 31, 2312 BT Leiden, NETHERLANDS
Phone: +31 (0)71 513 0532
Account banner by jimramones
Restaurant Information
Vispaleis Nordzee
Steenstraat 31, 2312 BT Leiden, Netherlands
This post participated in the Tasteem contest Takeaway
