Ekoplaza Foodmarqt Amsterdam review: Is this the city’s best organic supermarket?

Formerly known as Marqt, Ekoplaza Foodmarqt remains one of our favourite places in Amsterdam to shop for organic groceries, artisan products and beautifully presented seasonal food. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or call the city home, it’s the kind of supermarket that turns a simple grocery run into part of the Amsterdam experience.

Unlike a conventional supermarket, Marqt was created to combine the convenience of everyday shopping with the atmosphere of a modern indoor food market. Freshly baked bread, colourful seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, sustainable seafood, prepared meals and carefully selected pantry staples are displayed with the same attention to quality you might expect from a neighbourhood delicatessen.

Since its merger with Ekoplaza, the concept has evolved into Ekoplaza Foodmarqt, while Marqt-branded products are now available through Ekoplaza and other organic speciality stores. The philosophy, however, remains remarkably consistent: organic ingredients, transparent sourcing, seasonal food and products chosen for flavour as much as sustainability.

So, is it still worth seeking out?

We think so.

If you’re staying in an apartment, looking for a healthy picnic by the canals, or simply appreciate thoughtfully sourced food, Ekoplaza Foodmarqt is still one of the most enjoyable places to shop in Amsterdam.

Our experience at Marqt

Walking into Marqt used to feel closer to entering a stylish covered market than a conventional supermarket. That sense of discovery was part of its charm.

The displays were inviting, the bread and pastries difficult to ignore, and the prepared-food section made it remarkably easy to assemble breakfast, lunch or dinner without settling for typical convenience food. We found ourselves drawn to the fresh produce, cheese, salads, soups, healthy drinks and small speciality products that were harder to find in mainstream grocery stores.

It was also one of those places where shopping while hungry could become expensive very quickly.

A loaf of olive bread, a few pieces of cheese, a fresh salad, kombucha and something sweet could quietly turn into a full basket.

That remains part of the appeal, but also one of the main cautions: this is quality-focused organic shopping, not a budget supermarket.

What is Marqt now?

Marqt began in 2006 as a delicatessen-style food shop focused on quality, provenance and enjoyment. It later developed its own kitchen, producing meals, soups and other foods for people who wanted something closer to home cooking without preparing it themselves.

Following its merger with Ekoplaza, the concept evolved into Ekoplaza Foodmarqt. Marqt’s current range includes seasonal meals, soups, fresh and smoked fish, tapas, pies and pizzas, with the brand describing organic ingredients, freshness and straightforward flavours as its foundation. Its kitchen moved and expanded again in 2024.  

This distinction matters because an older article that tells readers simply to “visit Marqt” may now send them looking for stores that have changed name or format.

The more accurate recommendation is:

Look for Ekoplaza Foodmarqt locations in Amsterdam, or Marqt-branded products inside Ekoplaza and participating organic speciality stores.

What can you buy at Ekoplaza Foodmarqt?

The exact selection varies by location, but the strongest categories have traditionally included:

• organic fruit and vegetables
• freshly baked bread and pastries
• cheese, wine and foods for an easy aperitif
• seasonal soups and prepared meals
• salads, wraps and takeaway lunches
• fresh and smoked fish
• vegetarian and vegan products
• juices, ginger shots and kombucha
• pantry staples and organic household products

Marqt’s own current positioning places particular emphasis on prepared organic food and fish. The brand says its fish can be cleaned or filleted at selected Ekoplaza Foodmarqt counters, while its packaged range is also distributed more widely.

It also states that it reduces packaging where possible, including a change to thinner soup containers in 2024 that reduced plastic use for those cups by 10%.  

Is Marqt good for vegans?

It can be useful, but it should not be mistaken for a fully vegan supermarket.

HappyCow contributors have praised the quality of the fruit, vegetables, bread and plant-based products, while also noting that vegan and non-vegan foods may be displayed together. Checking ingredients is therefore still necessary. More recent feedback for an Amsterdam location describes a substantial selection of clearly labelled plant-based products, particularly baked goods, but also mentions the higher prices.  

For vegans, we would consider it most useful for:

• organic produce
• bread and pantry staples
• hummus and spreads
• tofu and soy products
• selected ready-to-eat meals
• plant-based drinks and snacks

The range may be broader than in a small neighbourhood shop, but dedicated vegan stores will usually provide easier browsing and greater certainty.

Is it expensive?

Yes, compared with mainstream supermarkets.

That is the most consistent criticism across older customer reviews, and it is fair. Shoppers frequently praise the freshness, organisation and quality while acknowledging that a basket can cost noticeably more.

The value depends on what you are buying.

For everyday basics, budget-conscious travellers may prefer a conventional supermarket. For good bread, organic produce, a prepared dinner, speciality cheese or a few high-quality ingredients, the premium can feel more justified.

Our approach would be to shop selectively rather than automatically buying everything there.

What other visitors say

At the time of writing this reivew (Aug 2nd 2026) , Tripadvisor displayed an overall rating of 4.3 from 46 reviews, with service and food both shown at 4.3 and value lower at 3.8. Google listings for several current Ekoplaza Foodmarqt branches in Amsterdam showed ratings around 4.0 to 4.2, depending on location.

These figures can change, but the pattern reflects the written reviews:

Most praised

• fresh, attractive produce
• good bread, cheese and ready-made food
• clean, organised stores
• organic and speciality products
• convenient meals for apartment stays

Most criticised

• higher prices
• vegan products not always separated clearly
• historical frustration over card-only payment
• differences in service between locations

Older comments are especially useful for understanding the original Marqt experience, although they should not be treated as descriptions of every current Ekoplaza Foodmarqt branch.

A note about cash payments

Many older reviews warn that Marqt did not accept cash.

That was clearly an important part of the former store experience, especially for tourists who reached the checkout without a card. However, because the business has since merged with Ekoplaza and individual payment policies can change, we would not present the old cashless rule as universally current without confirming it directly with the branch you plan to visit.

Travellers should carry a debit or credit card regardless, as card payments are widely used throughout Amsterdam.

Which Amsterdam locations should you look for?

One of our favourite locations is still the Foodmarqt on Haarlemmerstraat. Set on one of Amsterdam’s most enjoyable shopping streets, it’s the perfect place to stock up on picnic supplies, fresh produce, artisan bread and organic treats before spending the afternoon exploring the city’s canals. If you’re staying elsewhere in Amsterdam, you’ll be pleased to know there are several other Foodmarqt locations throughout the city offering a similarly curated shopping experience.

• Haarlemmerstraat 165
• Ceintuurbaan 402
• Olympiaplein 160
• Bilderdijkstraat 108
• Oostelijke Handelskade 1055

Because stores, opening hours and formats can change, check the latest listing before travelling across the city specifically for one branch.

The Haarlemmerstraat area remains particularly pleasant for combining grocery shopping with independent shops, cafés and a walk through one of Amsterdam’s livelier neighbourhoods.

Who will enjoy it most?

Ekoplaza Foodmarqt is particularly convenient for:

Travellers staying in apartments

Prepared soups, salads, bread, dips and meals make it possible to eat well without spending every evening in a restaurant.

Organic-food shoppers

The current Marqt-branded range is described by the company as fully organic, while Ekoplaza itself specialises in organic grocery shopping.  

Wellness-minded visitors

The combination of fresh produce, plant-based foods, fermented drinks and straightforward prepared meals makes it easier to put together something balanced while travelling.

Food lovers short on time

This is where the concept works best. You can buy ingredients to cook, but you can also leave with a meal that requires little more than heating or arranging on a plate.

What we liked

We liked the feeling that food had been selected and presented with more thought than in the average supermarket.

The produce looked inviting. The prepared foods felt useful rather than purely industrial. It was easy to find something for a picnic, a train journey, breakfast at an apartment or a simple dinner after a long day walking around Amsterdam.

We also appreciate that the updated brand is clearer about being organic and that it continues to focus on seasonal foods, prepared meals and more considered sourcing.

What could be better

The price remains the biggest limitation.

A beautiful store can make everything look essential, but not every product represents equally good value. Vegan shoppers may also have to read labels carefully because the concept serves omnivores, vegetarians and vegans rather than specialising in one diet.

The transition from Marqt to Ekoplaza Foodmarqt also creates some confusion online. Older reviews, addresses and articles still refer to Marqt as though the original chain were unchanged. Clearer public communication around the current store identity would help visitors understand what they are looking for.

YOGI TIMES verdict

Ekoplaza Foodmarqt is one of Amsterdam’s more enjoyable places to shop for organic produce, good bread, speciality foods and thoughtfully prepared meals.

It costs more than a mainstream supermarket, and it is not exclusively vegan. Still, for quality, convenience and a food-market atmosphere, it remains a strong choice, particularly for travellers staying in an apartment or anyone looking for an easy meal made from organic ingredients.

Go for the fresh produce, bakery, prepared soups and meals, speciality foods and the pleasure of browsing.

Just avoid arriving very hungry unless you are prepared to leave with considerably more than you planned.

Best for

Organic groceries, fresh bread, prepared meals, apartment stays, picnic supplies and speciality food.

Price level

Above average.

Vegan-friendly?

Yes, with a useful selection, but not fully vegan. Check labels.

Our rating

4.3 out of 5

Good to know

The former Marqt chain now operates within the Ekoplaza Foodmarqt concept, and Marqt-branded products are sold more widely through organic food stores. Check current branch details and payment options before visiting.

Frequently asked questions

Does Marqt still exist in Amsterdam?

The original Marqt chain merged with Ekoplaza and became part of the Ekoplaza Foodmarqt concept. Marqt continues as a food brand, with products available through Ekoplaza Foodmarqt, Ekoplaza and other organic speciality stores.  

Is Marqt fully organic?

The company states that the current Marqt product range is fully organic. Individual Ekoplaza Foodmarqt stores also specialise in organic food, although product availability differs by location.  

Is Ekoplaza Foodmarqt good for vegans?

It offers vegan and plant-based choices, including produce, bread, spreads, tofu and prepared foods. It is not a vegan-only store, so shoppers should check product labels.  

Is it more expensive than other Amsterdam supermarkets?

Generally, yes. Reviews consistently describe the quality as good but the prices as higher than conventional supermarket chains.

Can tourists buy ready-made food there?

Yes. Prepared soups, salads, meals, pies, pizzas, snacks and other convenience foods are among the concept’s main strengths.  

Does Marqt accept cash?

Older Marqt reviews frequently mention card-only payment. Because the chain and store formats have changed, confirm the current payment policy with the specific Ekoplaza Foodmarqt location before visiting.