Amber Garden

For over five years now, Amber Garden, under the ever-modest guidance of general manager Stark Li, has been offering modern Chinese cuisine. It has since caught the attention of numerous culinary connoisseurs from both home and abroad. This recognition is due not only to the delightful dishes but also to the incredibly kind and hospitable approach of the entire team. Situated in the center of Amstelveen, the restaurant exudes a luxurious and modern atmosphere that blends European and Chinese elements. The menu is divided into starters, soups, signature dishes, main courses (meat, fish, and vegetarian), side dishes, and desserts, with several multi-course menus also available. Guests can enjoy an extensive tea list, as well as beers and wines, including non-alcoholic selections. The 'Amber Beijing'—roasted whole duck with crispy skin, served with osmanthus pudding, cucumber, and Baerii caviar—remains a perennial favorite, though the kitchen offers infinitely more refined delicacies. Among the standout dishes are beautifully plated steamed okra with garlic-scented glass noodles, paired with a spicy Sichuan-style seafood pot that creates a delicious fusion of heat and sweetness. The dining experience concludes with a velvety-smooth almond tofu dessert. Bring a well-stocked wallet, but rest assured that the final bill is thoroughly worth every cent.

Our Asian Restaurant of the Year in 2025 remains a guarantee of a refined and carefully prepared Chinese meal. Chef Shaun Song has a broad and richly varied à la carte menu featuring his signature dish centered around traditional...

Amber Garden by Stark Li, located in the heart of Amstelveen, offers a refined culinary experience with modern Chinese cuisine. Upon arrival, we are greeted most warmly, immediately setting a positive tone. The online reservation system is easy to use, and the staff is attentive when accommodating specific requests, such as reserving the Peking duck, one of the house specialties. Chef Shaun Song's menu is varied and offers both à la carte options and extensive multi-course menus. We enjoy flavorful pork dumplings (wagyu siu mai) and dumplings filled with spiced Chinese broth (xiao long bao) as starters, accompanied by a crisp Pouilly-Fumé Mademoiselle de T. The main courses, including whole Peking duck and wasabi prawns, are exquisitely prepared and perfectly complemented by a robust Côtes-du-Rhône Samorëns. The dessert is stunningly good: 'Chilled Mango Sago' with mango cream, pomelo, and white chocolate is a refreshing finish bursting with softly sweet flavors. Although there is no sommelier on site, the wine selection is excellent. Checkout is smooth and straightforward. The price-to-quality ratio is slightly on the higher side, but justified by the quality of the food and service. Amber Garden offers a pleasant and refined culinary experience that is certainly worth it for lovers of modern Chinese cuisine.

Amber Garden, part of the international Yisheng Group, opened its doors in Amstelveen in 2019. The owner is Stark Li, representing the third generation of Chinese restaurateurs. Executive Chef Shaun Song holds final responsibility in the kitchen. This unmistakably Asian, stylish, and chic restaurant is located in the sustainable building complex The Garden Amstelveen and accommodates just over a hundred guests. The ground floor features spaces for private dining. The dining room is tastefully furnished with dark floor tiles, white leather chairs, and lacquered tables, exuding a serene tranquility. The menu reads like an impressive photo book, featuring set menus and a wide array of à la carte choices. We start with an authentic dough drop soup, based on tomato broth with lightly set egg, thickened with starch and generously filled with prawns. Next comes a trio of dim sum, including a duck spring roll with spicy mango sauce and xiao long bao, a steamed dumpling filled with pork and rich broth—the best we’ve had in ages. Sommelier Kenneth Wei recommends the 2016 Langenlois Grüner Veltliner from the Kamptal region from the good-value wine list. This wine offers lovely, recognizable mineral notes alongside green apple, pear, and honey, proving to be an excellent pairing for the spicy main courses. Chef Song once again showcases his craftsmanship with buttery-soft spicy beef tenderloin served with silky tofu and sea bass gently poached in a fermented sauerkraut and coriander broth. The portions are generous, and we savor the refined aromas and flavors. With the coffee comes a packaged lotus cookie, which is a shame. Because at a culinary level like this, the after-dinner treat should be more exciting. Welcome to Lekker!