Yesterday, I had a-tourist-in-her-own-city- moment with my sister. I live in the centre of Amsterdam and most of the time I avoid eating in the centre. Why? Because it’s poor quality of food targeted to the mass tourist without taste. But still, there are some good spots you need to visit. Just like Melly’s Cookie bar across the awful Magna Plaza behind the Nieuwe kerk, Damsquare.

Melly’s is a small cookie and coffee bar in a monumental building with a too cute interior. I brought my sister here because she loves coffee and was in a cake mood for over a week. Banana, hazelnut, lemon cake etcetera she wanted it all. I still remember that Melly had awesome banana bread she needs to try out. Like other Amsterdammers I guess, my sister skipped this joint because she thought it was too touristic.

When she entered the bar for the first time, she was stunned by the vibe and the interior. In front of you THE cookie bar with Argentine cookies like Alfajores (sandwich cookies with Dulce de Leche in between, which Melly sells in pots too), almond cookies, different kinds of pastries and home made Dulce de membrillo (quince jam) for your cheese plate. On the right, upstairs is the open kitchen where the owner, originally from Argentina, makes his classics too share.

Decaf cappuccino with a Nutella Cookie and on the right a moist slice of banana cake

Love a good cup of coffee made by friendly people with sweets on the side? Visit Melly for your dose of sugar and a smile, because the Nutella Cookie I ordered was awesome. The place has limited seats. So most of the time it’s going to be coffee to go.

Melly’s Cookie bar, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 137, Amsterdam Center

PS: Want to make your own Dulce de Leche? Buy condensed milk in a can, make two holes on opposite sides on top to prevent it from exploding from the heat and boil the can in water for three hours. Tried this once and ate the whole can with everything you can imagine eating it with! Don’t want to risk this challenge? Melly’s can help you out.