In the heart of Amsterdam, where poetic canals meander under ancient roofs, according to CNN, the cruel combination of skyrocketing rents, persistently bleak revenues, and especially a profound change in the tastes of tourists - who increasingly tend to seek out restaurants based on attractive short videos on TikTok - is pushing many of the city's timeless shops to the brink of decline.
Nestled in a sturdy building that has seen many changes since the 17th century, the tea and coffee shop called 't Zonnetje, meaning "little sun" in Dutch, is preparing to close after many years of operation. Marie-Louise Velder, who has devoted her life to keeping the warmth of 't Zonnetje alive, plans to close at the end of May, after tireless efforts to keep a legacy alive.
Centuries-old shops like 't Zonnetje are struggling to survive rent pressures and trendy eateries inspired by TikTok
CNN sadly notes that shops like 't Zonnetje, which have become an integral part of Amsterdam's history, are increasingly struggling to survive amid growing economic pressure. Meanwhile, a world of modern, trendy cafes, heavily promoted by TikTok, along with the expansion of mass-market pastry chains, continues to mushroom, ready to meet the needs, perhaps temporary, of tourists.
Kate Carlisle, an Amsterdam resident of eight years and a regular at 't Zonnetje, expressed deep sadness at the prospect of the shop closing. She choked up, saying that it was not just the loss of a business, but also a huge loss to the city's cultural heritage. "This is a real heritage - from the architecture of the building, the history behind it, to the street it is on," Carlisle stressed. "Everyone needs to come together and do everything they can to save this place. Otherwise, Amsterdam will gradually become a series of soulless shopping malls, losing its original identity."
The closure of this 400-year-old cafe leaves many visitors with regret.
The staff at 't Zonnetje agree that the shop is more than just a place of commerce, but a core part of Amsterdam's spirit, a friendly meeting place for locals and visitors alike, a place where centuries of stories and memories are kept. "Of course, Amsterdam has no shortage of other tea and coffee shops," one staff member shares, "but most of them are more mainstream. 't Zonnetje is truly special, it has its own soul."
Quan is considered a childhood memory of many guests.
Ms. Velder’s journey with ‘t Zonnetje began in 1999, spontaneously and based on absolute trust – “just a handshake” instead of a contract, she recalls. The first years were challenging, but with great determination, she kept learning, deeply understanding the industry and the needs of customers. She recounts the difficult early days, when the business started with “a bucket of coal, a bucket of water and simple herbs.” Gradually, tea appeared, and then coffee, gradually laying the foundation for ‘t Zonnetje today.
"'t Zonnetje is really special, it has its own soul"
With dedication and passion, Ms. Velder gradually built a reputation for the shop, famous for the quality of products carefully selected from all over the world. At its peak, 't Zonnetje owned an extensive tea collection of up to 350 types, many of which she blended according to unique "secret recipes." However, with the plan to close near, she limited the import of new products. Currently, the shop still serves about 15 types of premium coffee.
In the past, the shop had up to 350 types of tea - some of which she mixed herself according to a "secret recipe".
Amsterdam, a city celebrating its 750th anniversary, has been facing the difficult problem of preserving its cultural heritage in the context of rapid tourism development, which has led to many undesirable consequences. Sadly, many unhealthy entertainment services have become tourist attractions, causing them to gradually turn their backs on places with deep historical and cultural values. A typical example is that in March 2023, former American boxer Mike Tyson opened his first cannabis store in Amsterdam, a sign of the city's changing tourism orientation.
Over the past decade, the Amsterdam government has been trying to reorient tourism, focusing on attracting visitors who come to the city to enjoy culture, explore museums and experience authentic historical values, instead of just looking for temporary and somewhat negative pleasures. However, the sad story of 't Zonnetje once again sounds the alarm about the great challenges in preserving cultural identity in the face of the dominance of new trends and increasing economic pressure. The fate of the "little sun" is hanging in the balance, and its departure will leave a gap that will be difficult to fill in the colorful picture of Amsterdam.
