Welcome to a new blog post. Welcome to my former hometown Groningen, a lively and legendary city in the north of the Netherlands. In this post, I will take you to my favourite cheese store and share with you why I like coming here and what kinds of cheese you can find here.
Just a few steps from the Martinitoren and the Grote Markt, you will find one of my favourite spots in Groningen: Van der Leij Kaas. The shop is on the Oosterstraat and if you walk from the Grote Markt it will be on your right hand side. You really can’t miss it, as the big red sun screens over the windows make it easy to recognize and the big “KAAS” letters (Dutch for “cheese”) on the facade make it even easier to find.
When I lived in Groningen, this was my go-to cheese store. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. The selection is huge as they have more than 300 different cheeses to choose from. You will find cheeses for everything, whether you want one for melting into a cheese fondue, a young matured cheese to add to a sandwich or toastie, or an aged cheese or a herbed one for your charcuterie board.
The best part of visiting a specialty cheese store is that you can choose exactly how much cheese you want. I usually buy between 150 and 250 grams (which is about 5.3 to 8.8 oz) per cheese. They also sell goat cheese or cheese with herb blends, which are worth trying. If you are unsure what to choose, then ask the staff for a sample. They are happy to help you.
I live abroad now, but I still stop by while I’m back in the city. My tip if you are planning to travel with the cheese: ask to have your cheese vacuum sealed. It keeps the oils from spreading in your luggage and also kind of eliminates the smell, so no one thinks your perfume has a top note of cheese.
Here’s another little insider tip. Van der Leij also sells Groninger buffel mozzarella. It’s not Italian, but it’s made from buffalo milk from a buffalo grazing in the province of Groningen. It’s creamy, fresh and perfect for a caprese salad, to top on your arrabbiata pasta or to use on a homemade pizza.
If you love cheese, Van der Leij is a must visit when you are in Groningen. No matter if you want to try local specialties or pick up something more common like a Gouda cheese.
Hope you enjoy a visit to this store. Let me know in case you have been there and what you have bought!
Until next post!
Check out Van der Leij’s website for more information about the store and the most up to date opening times. https://www.kaasvanderleij.nl/
This blog post is based entirely on my personal taste, experience and opinion. None of the products mentioned were gifted by the company and I haven’t been paid to write this post.