The story
At the well-known Zandvoortselaan in Heemstede, just outside Haarlem, Red Orchids brings a modern, trendy energy to the dining scene. The restaurant’s kitchen is a deliberate fusion of Eastern and Western traditions, weaving together techniques and flavours from Japan, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The focus is on quality and freshness, using the purest ingredients to create dishes that are both inventive and grounded.
The atmosphere is intimate and stylish, a setting that suits the restaurant's approach to dining. The menu changes several times a year to reflect seasonal products, and the kitchen is happy to accommodate dietary needs when informed in advance. A shared dining menu, Delen is lief, is a nod to the Asian tradition of eating together, offering six dishes served over three courses.
Red Orchids has earned a place on the Michelin guide’s recommended list, a testament to its consistent quality. The restaurant’s ability to blend the secrets of the Eastern kitchen with Western culinary techniques has clearly struck a chord, making it a destination for those seeking a refined yet accessible Asian fusion experience.
The menu is a rich selection of culinary creations. Standout dishes include the Unagi & foie gras roll, combining eel, foie gras, and avocado with Japanese mayonnaise and teriyaki. For mains, the Thai curry seabass filet offers a mild Panang curry, while the Surf & turf cha sui & coquille szechuan sauce pairs Iberico pork with scallops, stir-fried with chili, garlic, and fermented soybeans. The Kung pao chicken features chicken thigh with Sichuan pepper and black rice vinegar, and the Vegan Panang curry tofu provides a plant-based option.
Recognition
Ambience
Location