A cheese tasting in Amsterdam, built for your brain and your palate. You’ll sample 10 Gouda pieces with dips, mustard, and crackers, plus you’ll get the family story and a short film about how Dutch cheese is made. I also like that the experience is led in English by hosts who bring personality, from Suzanne and Ado to Quinten and Heloise, not just a script.

One thing to plan around: this isn’t listed as suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the venue can involve stairs.

Key Points Before You Go

• 10 Gouda pieces paired with traditional dips, mustard, and cheese crackers
• Short film that explains the Dutch cheesemaking process (with English support at least some of the time)
• 2 included drinks to help you compare flavors as you go
• Host-led tasting with plenty of room for questions, guided by people like Martin, Alexa, Sjors, and Sergei
• 10% store discount at the end, so the tasting can turn into take-home cheese

Henri Willig’s Cheese Shop Turns Into a Mini Classroom

This is the kind of Amsterdam activity that feels small at first, then gets surprisingly educational. You start with a host (often a family crew member) who introduces Henri Willig and the business, not just the food in front of you.

Then you shift into learning mode. A short film shows the Dutch cheesemaking process, and the host ties it back to what you’re about to taste. One advantage here is that it gives you a framework for flavor, so you don’t just eat cheese—you start understanding why cheese tastes the way it does.

In practice, the energy depends on who’s guiding that session. Names showing up again and again include Suzanne, Ado, Quinten, Heloise, Martin, Alexa, Sjors, Sergei, and Mustaffah, and many guests highlight that the hosts are funny, fast on their feet, and happy to answer questions. If you enjoy conversation with your food, you’re in the right place.

What You’ll Taste: 10 Gouda Pieces With Dips, Mustard, and Crackers

Here’s the simple math: you get 10 pieces of cheese across different Gouda types (the tasting is built around multiple flavor profiles), and you pair them with dips and mustard. Cheese crackers and water are included too, so you have a solid base for each new bite.

What makes this setup work is the way it forces comparison. You’re not tasting one cheese in isolation. You’re repeatedly asking your palate the same questions: Is this sharper? Creamier? More nutty? Does the mustard cut through? Does a dip soften the edge?

If you’re a “mix and match” eater, this part is satisfying because you can build your own order of operations. I’d go in with a plan like this: taste one piece plain, then do one bite with a dip, then one with mustard. That rhythm usually makes the differences click quickly.

You’ll also have 2 drinks included, which helps because drinks can nudge the flavor of rich dairy in different directions. Some sessions include pairings guests describe as wine or beer, and a few people specifically call out port wine pairings, so don’t be shocked if you see those during your round.

The Short Film: How Cheesemaking Changes the Flavor You Notice

The film is brief, but it’s useful. Even if you’ve never thought about cheese in a technical way, it gives you a mental picture of the process that creates the flavor you’re tasting.

Why that matters: cheese tasting can feel random if you don’t have a hook. The film and the host’s explanations give you hooks like milk type and the way the cheese develops over time, so you start noticing patterns instead of guessing.

You might see the film in Dutch with English subtitles depending on the session. Either way, the host interpretation is the real glue. After the film, the tasting gets easier because you’re already primed to listen for why a certain cheese tastes the way it does.

Pairing With Mustard: The Fastest Way to Learn

This tasting isn’t just about eating cheese. It’s about learning how mustard and dips reshape the same ingredient.

Mustard is especially effective in this format because it brings brightness. That brightness can make a richer cheese taste less heavy, and it can also bring out salt or sweetness in a different way depending on the cheese type.

A practical tip: don’t treat the dips and mustard as an afterthought. Use them as your second tasting layer. Try one cheese three ways—plain, dip, mustard—and you’ll pick up differences faster than you would by simply sampling lots of bites in a row.

Also, if you’re the type who likes to take notes, you can actually make this session more than a snack stop. Mark down which combinations you like. Then your 10% discount becomes a targeted shopping mission instead of a blind buy.

Drinks Included: A Simple Way to Compare

You’ll receive 2 drinks included during the tasting. The exact options can vary by session, but guests mention both wine and beer, with some pairings including port wine.

The benefit for you is comparison. When you change drinks, the cheese changes too. One moment a cheese tastes creamy; another moment it tastes sharper. That’s the point of the pairing.

If you don’t drink much, you can still use the drinks strategically. Take a small sip, taste the cheese right after, and then reset with water. That keeps the comparison clean instead of mixing flavors.

The Hosts Make It: Funny, Personal, and Built for Questions

This is one of those activities where the host can decide whether it feels like a quick stop or a highlight. The strongest praise consistently goes to the guide personalities.

You’ll see names like Quinten and Martin in guests’ notes, with people describing guides as funny, energetic, and good at explaining the process without making it feel like a lecture. Other hosts mentioned include Heloise, Alexa, Sjors, Sergei, Suzanne, Ado, and Mustaffah, and many people call out how easy it was to ask questions.

One practical way to get more out of the hour: ask a question about what you already like. If you tend to enjoy sharper cheeses at home, say so. If you’re curious about trying something new, ask which sample is the best beginner step. A lot of the value here is that the host can point you toward a style that matches your taste.

Small groups also help. Some sessions feel more like a conversation because you’re not fighting for attention in a crowd. If you want a calmer experience, aim for times that aren’t peak rush.

Duration and Pace: 40 Minutes to an Hour That Actually Fits

This tasting runs 40 minutes to 1 hour, which is a sweet spot for Amsterdam. It’s long enough to learn and taste properly, and short enough that it won’t swallow your day.

The pace is also forgiving. You’ll move from introduction to the film, then to cheese rounds with dips and mustard. Even if you’re not a die-hard cheese nerd, it flows in a way that keeps you engaged.

If you’re planning your day, build it as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon activity. You’ll likely be able to pair it with a walk through nearby neighborhoods without needing a full meal afterwards.

Price and Value: Why $21 Can Be a Smart Buy

At $21 per person, this isn’t cheap, but it’s not just paying for a few bites. You’re getting:

• 10 cheese pieces across Gouda types
• dips and mustard
• crackers and water
• 2 included drinks
• the story and cheesemaking film
• a 10% discount in the store after the tasting

That discount changes the value equation. If you buy even one good wheel (or a few specialty items), the tasting can become a practical primer that helps you choose better.

Another value point: guests specifically mention no pressure to buy extra cheese. That matters because tastings in tourist zones can sometimes feel salesy. Here, the structure is tasting-first, shopping-second.

So the real question isn’t just whether $21 is fair. It’s whether you’ll use the knowledge and pick cheese you’ll genuinely enjoy later. If you like to bring food home, this is one of the easier ways to do it thoughtfully.

Shopping After: Using the 10% Discount Like a Local

The discount is 10% off purchases in the store at the end of the tasting. That’s where you can turn the experience from a one-hour moment into a lasting souvenir.

What I suggest: buy based on what you liked during the rounds. Ask the staff to recommend something in the same style as your favorite sample. You’ll usually get a much better result than buying what looks nice on a shelf.

If you’re tight on suitcase space, check about options like international shipping. Some guests mention they can ship orders internationally, which can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling light.

One more practical note: dairy rules can be strict depending on where you’re flying to. Before you stock up heavily, check your home country’s import rules for cheese, so your purchase doesn’t turn into a last-minute headache.

Who Should Book This in Amsterdam (and Who Might Skip)

This tasting fits best if you:

• love cheese and want a guided comparison, not just a buffet of samples
• enjoy food stories and learning how things are made
• want a compact activity that works in a busy city
• like pairing food with drinks and want help figuring out what works

It may be less ideal if:

• you need an activity without stairs or mobility constraints apply (the experience is not suitable for mobility impairments)
• you’re avoiding dairy
• you’re looking for a full meal experience rather than a tasting and shop visit

Also, if you’re traveling with someone who enjoys learning, this is usually a win. The host-led format means you can talk, ask, and react rather than sitting silently through a demonstration.

FAQ

How long is the Henri Willig cheese tasting in Amsterdam?

The experience lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour.

How much does the tasting cost?

It’s listed at $21 per person.

What’s included in the tasting?

You’ll get 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses, dips and mustard, cheese crackers, water, and story-telling with a professional cheese host.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Two drinks are included.

What language will the host use?

The host or greeter speaks English.

Is there a discount if I buy cheese at the end?

Yes. You receive a 10% discount on all purchases in the store after the tasting.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Should You Book This Henri Willig Cheese Tasting?

I’d book it if you want a focused, high-value Amsterdam food experience that teaches you how to taste. For $21, you’re not just sampling cheese—you’re getting a structured tasting with dips, mustard, drinks, and a short film, plus a 10% shop discount to reward what you like.

Skip it if mobility is an issue for you, or if you’re expecting a big meal. But if you enjoy learning something small and practical while eating delicious cheese, this is one of the better bets for your time in the city.