Japanese & Rastafarian Soul Food Is Amsterdam's Best Kept Secret

Tucked away in an alley in one of Amsterdam’s most circus-like areas, there’s a small family restaurant serving Caribbean and Japanese soul food according to Rastafarian principles. Izaba and Tomomi started TerraZen Centre together after living in Tokyo for 25 years, and combine their backgrounds with dishes like vegan jerk, karaage, and crunchy dragon rolls. Regardless of its chaotic surroundings, people find their way to this vegan utopia by an ‘organic pull’.
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[@nsking99]

This man is pure vibes

[@pentelred]

Indeed

[@statusboom-x6348]

Agreed.

[@iillegally]

Just a high spiritual old black man

[@Acidlib]

Old people like this guy are the best, I understand that the way life grinds people down can make you bitter, but when you see someone like this lovely man you realize how beneficial happiness can be, not just for the person experiencing the emotion, but for everyone in that person’s vicinity.

[@ananciataodindo7044]

I can’t agree more love him already

[@jaba06]

This family is cool as fuck goddamn, they radiate so much positivity

[@AthenaKama]

Literally exactly what I'm thinking this entire time of watching the video

[@GuardianComplex]

These two are some of the most fascinating people I've ever seen. I am US stateside and getting to Amsterdam is prohibitively expensive for me, but I very much hope to eat their food someday. What an enchanting pair.

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@andreab7445]

Style for days

[@Just_Flipy]

THERE ARE A TON of people like these in Amsterdam and it sucks we don't show more of them. AT5 sometimes randomly knocks on peoples doors and you see the most unique people that way

[@LisahTali]

I'm a European in the US, I've noticed people make out that travelling is harder than it really is, but just some budgeting even making like $15 an hour, with fine attention to where your money is going, the flight for one timed well is like $500-$600, with $2k or so you can have a great solo or with a little more, a couple trip. I understand if you have a whole family though, that's much more expensive, but i promise it's not as hard as it seems! US had some isolated vibes that make us feel like we can't leave (and inflation right now is pretty bad), but don't rule out the possibility, keep dreaming!

[@mspaint93]

@@tama3442 Preach to someone who cares

[@emilymitchell3868]

What an amazing family. Truly a glimpse of the world and our potential as people who inhabit it.

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@Herr.Mitternacht]

They closed, went bankrupt. Lol

[@peach-tea]

who asked

[@Herr.Mitternacht]

@@peach-tea Your mom.

[@celianeher7637]

Long before many went ' vegan ' , Jamaicans have being doing it with or without a choice. Rastas call it ' ital ' which is all natural, fresh and non- processes foods. There were difficulties and there were a few hurricanes, shortage of food and this resulted in the marriage of ingredients and so we got creative. My mother was a great cook and my family and relatives were married to all possible nationalities that brought their foods and knowledge into to our home. We ate more vegetables dishes and somewhat different vegetables as the average Jamaican household. We forge for wild herbs, ate salt kraut ( known as pausely in Jamaica ) sea weed and too long a list of what I thought was that every Jamaican consume. When I got older I discovered that we were more than average in what we ate and how it was prepared. We ate Säure kraut, which was taught to my mom from the Germans and Jamaican Chinese food, Indian food because my uncle was married to an Indian woman, Irish food because of my grandmother, Sirrean food because of our neighbours, to simply say most of these dishes were vegan/vegetarian. We ate meat only on weekends as my father was a fisherman. I can't convert to vegan but I don't consume vast quantities of meat and support farmers by buying from the market and local butcher. Will visit this restaurant when in Amsterdam as I am living in Germany and often go there.

[@daniaa1602]

i was surprised he never used that word

[@brainfragrances]

@@daniaa1602 he's from Suriname, not Jamaica

[@celianeher7637]

@@brainfragrances I didn't say he's Jamaican. I said Jamaicans did practice veganism in parts. I heard him mention that he's from Suriname. But thank you, I will go back to edit my comment if anyone else thinks that is what I meant.

[@Raven1180]

Yup grew up eating with some of my rasta family. To this day there is nothing like ital. Cooked in clay pots yum.

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@coyharlingen]

this is overwhelmingly beautiful. The family, the food, the ethos.

[@zacharysullivan4522]

What an interesting, open-minded, and vibrant couple. As an expat myself who has lived abroad for the bulk of the last 12 years, I really appreciate the mashup of cultures. Food looks great too! I'll mark it down for the next time I'm in Amsterdam.

[@ricardorascon88]

Why not go just cause it's the weed capital of the world

[@zacharysullivan4522]

@@ricardorascon88 I'm from Canada, weed is plentiful enough ;)

[@ricardorascon88]

@@zacharysullivan4522 ahaha I have a friend from winepeg Canada who's named Zach as well 🤣and he smokes

[@japiro14]

You were an inmigrant

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@Sadlerfly]

I’m from America and came across this video and said when I go to Amsterdam I was going to this place. Today 4-15-23 I along with my in-laws dined here and we were not disappointed. We will definitely be back.

[@kirstieoconnor1054]

I can't believe I've lived 20 minutes away from Amsterdam and have never heard of this place, I will, of course be visiting them very soon, looks incredible!

[@mirumotsuyasuke8327]

The most beautiful family I've ever seen in my life! I hope to see even more families like this! Such beautiful names!😇

[@frostfire65]

I find their harmonic blend of eastern and western good vibes really intriguing and fascinating. True soul fusion cuisine right there

[@OtsimMedia]

This makes me want to go visit Amsterdam just to see Izaba and Tomomi and try some of their food!

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@insayno]

Their food is mindblowing.

[@jirenoboy]

@@insayno yh? im gonna check it out one of these weeks

[@insayno]

@@jirenoboy Really do it. Maybe contact them first cuz previous saturday i tried to bring some friends to them and they where closed (while google said they where open)

[@jirenoboy]

@@insayno okay calm. i'm going to visit them after i have done alot of sports so my body consumes great food

[@jamilabc18]

Their food is 12/10!!! and it’s true that the experience feels like you’re in a different dimension full of good food, beautiful paintings and great music!! Love to the Terrazen fam 🫶🏾

[@JJN15]

I went there by chance last month. The roti is amazing but be prepared for a wait. Everything is made fresh and that takes longer but it was worth it. The food was delicious, light and energising.

[@Nomadic813]

there's a legendary restaurant in Vancouver as well that is Japanese Carribean food run by a couple of mixed descent. Called the Lions Den, it's a Vancouver staple.

[@forumtroll117]

Thank you for this recommendation, I’ve been looking for some good caribbean food around town!

[@eastatlanta5767]

Being from the islands, I always wanted a relationship like they have. A relationship where we can teach and build each other different cultures

[@lupabatista5646]

Izaba-san probably doesn't remember me as this was around 5-6 years ago, but that was the first of the approximately 6-7 times I visited this place while living in Amsterdam. That day, I went with a date and ordered the ramen that they had. I was hella embarrassed because when my ramen came and I took the first bite of it, I cried, like a Lil bitch actually. That ramen reminded me of my childhood, of my mother's food back in Brazil that I hadn't eaten anything similar to in years, due to the lack of ingredients. That day, I talked to him alongside my date for quite a long time, he told me about his kids and I even talked to Tomomi-san too. From then on, every time I visited, I brought someone new, because they just had to know about this treasure. My vegan uncle to this day still thinks it to be one of the best vegan foods he has ever had and he has visited so many countries already that I do believe him. Even to this day, as I am now back in my home country, I still recommend this place to my friends back in NL and Europe that plan to visit Amsterdam. I miss TerraZen and indeed, it will be one of the first places I visit again once I'm back.

[@Philameangrey]

😮So Wonderful ☁️🙏🏾☁️

[@flo840]

Ooooh hey Lupa its Florence from our date the first time we both went there :) I hope you are doing well in Brazil! I also brought many new people here, it's such a wonderful place and i have really warm memories of our date there

[@ryekun1212]

@@flo840 wait wait wait, are you really Lupa's date??? WOAH WHAT A SMALL WORLD

[@flo840]

@@ryekun1212 yessss no jokes lol

[@kutter_ttl6786]

@@flo840 Damn that's wild! Two people reconnecting in the KZbin comments section lol

[@meanxpmoe7095]

The world needs more family's like this, so heart warming.🤗

[@ReggaeStrongTV]

Multi-talented family...cooking, painting, writing, chanting, laughing and being beautiful. BIG UP Izaba, Tomo, next generation and Terra Zen. 😘

[@superkev5659]

Man I love this guy and his wife such a loving couple they have a strong bond, chemistry & a beautiful family ❤💯

[@akiba1972]

These two people in this episode were so interesting to watch. It could have been longer

[@Wetshoelaze]

I want more content from this family pls

[@suusje004]

Me too

[@MFZBitch]

Me 3

[@hhamk3656]

On behalf of the 4th dimension, us too 😂

[@Mittenzzs]

I live in Amsterdam and this place has been on my list for so long!

[@MFZBitch]

Go tomorrow ! I am so jealous. Been there every time i have been to Amsterdam

[@cscss2923]

Man did say it is hard to find. 😆

[@insayno]

Gooooooo

[@KristinClarke]

Ha me too! I guess this is the sign I need to go

[@TheAnchalnigam]

It's wonderful. Try to not to go on weekend

[@242rudegirl]

I love these two and I love this place, when I lived in Amsterdam for 12 years I ate there at least once a week.

[@kidcudi908]

Everything about them is beautiful, that man has a special vibe to him, the world need unique characters like him

[@randomrecipes5007]

Ya Mon, itadakimasu!!! I love when couples have different Nationalities, come from different culinary backgrounds/upbringings, and open fusion restaurants. Seeing the different dishes they come up with utilizing, and combining both (in this case) Rastafarian, and Japanese ingredients/styles is so amazing to me. If I was every in Amsterdam I'd definitely check this place out.

[@megmcfoo7680]

'Ya mon, itadakimasu!' Love that, they should put that outside their restaurant

[@Quitenice]

Most unexpected combo, for a while there everything feels alright with the world ❤️😊

[@amenajackson8133]

Asian and black pairing are not that rare in the Caribbean.

[@mallupine]

@@amenajackson8133 Goes way beyond the pairing...the individuals and their connection is the amazingness

[@L_kap_n_crunch]

"Wherever you see a flower you know yes thers is hope that someone will recognize the poetry and the symmetry of what life is today"

[@superpuppy321]

they seem like such lovely people

[@goaziago]

Beautiful episode. Beautiful people. Beautiful food.

[@insayno]

Everyone visiting Amsterdam, visit this restaurant. It is a food experience you will never forget.

[@Dyamanti22]

Two of the coolest cultures united. Gorgeous.

[@Biggietrrooollll]

They are such a beautiful family!!!

[@KootFloris]

Gives me tears in my eyes. I'll be visiting.

[@Sjahko_]

Did you visit them? I tried to look it up on Maps but it says it's temporarily closed :c

[@KootFloris]

@@Sjahko_ Not yet, I'm currently tied to my house. :(

[@Sjahko_]

@@KootFloris Can you find it on Google Maps then? I imagine you can do that in your house :P

[@KootFloris]

@@Sjahko_ the rating online is less than the movie suggests. alas.

[@Herr.Mitternacht]

They closed permanently

[@SaharaNaphtalia]

i so very much enjoyed this story. i was born and raised in japan as well and my dad was a singer from jamaica. feels like a little symmetry there and so nice to see representation that feels like home. well done👏🏽👏🏽

[@okinoboo4743]

How interesting! Represent!

[@mayraysann7480]

A beautiful family with an even more beautiful story!

[@realg9475]

They way he laughed when taking about them meeting with all the love in his eyes they really love each other

[@danar6950]

Great story! The kids are stunning.

[@ElaineFMN1978]

Many blessings to the couple and their children 🙏🏽❤️🙌🏽

[@WaitAMinute1989]

I've been to Amsterdam a few times and every time, we've found a new and exciting place to eat. This is definitely going to be our next stop.

[@may4557]

the way he gave her a bite of food in the first few minutes and how she looked at him, gosh, all i saw was love

[@cecegirl4327]

Our vegan activist community in Amsterdam cherish this delicious food spot! Such a cozy vibe from this family business and the food is great!

[@A.mukkab]

Im so thankful for this place. Every time when I have a 'bad' day or just don't feel right I go to this place, It makes me feel safe and at home. It is amazing how this place is inside the very busy and hectic centre of Amsterdam but when I enter it makes me stop worrying about time and life and gives me a moment of taking care of my body and mind. The food is the best food in Amsterdam and the atmosphere is just magical.

[@nickhammer321]

This man has such a wonderful personality, i really really hope we can see more of him somehow. Maybe a recipe video?

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@TheGero95]

@@tama3442 You are spreading false faith, repent yourself

[@ginjironakazora4004]

二人ともお元気そうでなによりです。これからも頑張ってください🤗

[@shaye91nz]

Very inspiring. One of the best videos Munchies has ever done. Love his vibe and perspective on life.

[@spicysmooth2]

What a beautiful intersection of cultures.

[@happyonpurpose]

me and my wife love this place soon as we touch Amsterdam this is normally our first destination!

[@swat3563]

I have been there. Food is honestly amazing, the atmosphere. Left very happy and content.

[@jesusbenn]

The most joyous human. Bless!!

[@ceegee23]

Been here 8 years ago and the food was amazing beautiful family run restaurant!!

[@phoenixrose6608]

8yrs?! They've been open for a long time then 👍🏾 defo motivates me to go asap😋

[@ceegee23]

@@phoenixrose6608 yh im sure they've been there even longer i will be visiting next time in Amsterdam

[@east_coast_ceo1070]

I'm from America 🇺🇸 and I've even heard of this Restaurant it's a quiet and very nice place with Great Service and Beautiful soul tasting food God Bless This Restaurant they need more locations

[@hihikatamari]

Adorable couple and amazing vibes! I hope nothing but the best for them!

[@loveinaabmorgan9209]

I remember 9 years ago I went there for the first time. I was introduced by their daughter Eyes. Amazing vibrant lady. The family is such a heart warming and amazing. The food is unique. They take everyone in as family. Such an amazing restaurant. Anyone that comes to Amsterdam should try this✨✨✨

[@t2p]

I’ve eaten there ..even as a non vegan it was delicious and the vibe was spot on ❤

[@Mysticyahaira]

I’ve never been more sad about not being able to try someone’s food. If I ever go to Amsterdam this will be my reason to go 😂

[@mueffe1357]

This couple optimism and ideals are very refreshing. Nice

[@jakobsulzer4831]

Lol, Soma's Sacred Seeds just shows up, smoking a joint with Izaba. Wild.

[@querolloguey]

Man, I wanna be friends with that couple hah. I bet they have amazing conversations. They seem so ridiculously chill hah

[@oesmau5460]

we can hook you with them they are mine friends

[@alexxdaye1]

No lie, this made me want to book a flight JUST TO EAT HERE!!!! LOVE IT! This food looks BEYOND delicious! Over here salivating!

[@Sherirose1]

Hear, hear.

[@abundance789]

Me too! ❤

[@lionheart6518]

Woah. I live in Amsterdam and dont know about this place ! Will visit it asap.

[@doobie1414]

Let me know how it is, i am dutch but live in spain if i visit home i need to know if it worth it!!

[@abundance789]

Lucky! Got to make a trip I’m in the States!

[@joerivdbewegingen]

the best kitchen queen & kings in t north east of netherlands..super lekker &gezond!Respect

[@damsostert]

my favorite place to go in amsterdam! good vibrations as soon as you open that door🙌

[@zoewiepoewie]

Omg haha I knew he had to be from my home country Suriname!! I heard it in his accent. Man I love their vibe. Will for sure visit their shop the next time I visit Amsterdam!!

[@TheMyroziah]

Wat leuk dat dit in Nederland is. Lekker in de buurt. Ik kom gauw een keer langs.

[@danielbotwe3203]

I'm from London and I have being to terrazen loads of times I'm not a vegan bit if I could cook there food my self I would turn vegan today . There food is amazing I go Amsterdam at least twice a year and I must go here every time . I'm glad there borders is open now I can travel there .

[@katwhy]

The world keeps getting more and more beautiful 💫

[@jasmin4493]

These people are adorable!!! I now want to go there and try all the food 🤩🤗 they are living my dream

[@nomabanks2145]

This is beautiful embrace culture not bash eachother for being different

[@snubnosedmonke]

absolutely love that man's style and charm and vibes, if i ever went to Amsterdam i wanna come here!!

[@mfranchescaf]

We want more of this we need more of this❤

[@the_emmo]

just came back from my first trip to Amsterdam, where was this video lol Hopefully next time!

[@annpleij6266]

Going on Friday! Can't wait!

[@geeunit831]

Such a cool couple, loved hearing about their story. Would love to see more of them.

[@oddunlckly5525]

Cool to know zaza from Suriname when he said that that made me happy. Love to SU

[@tiff_original1066]

This was so beautiful to watch. two cultures emerging as one cool vibes❤

[@MB.77]

How lovely. One more reason to make it to Amsterdam. Such beautiful people making great food. Love the whole entire vibe here.

[@anothertarnishedone5960]

One of the most awesome couples i have seen

[@tylerlees2606]

Love!! What beautiful people!! Beautiful family!!!!

[@paranoidhumanoid]

If I ever make it to the Netherlands, I'm definitely going to stop by and have a meal here! Everything looks great.

[@adamwaters831]

I love this place. And the owners are amazing people

[@snekktikhays1780]

Surinamese/Japanese is one crazy mix

[@frankcasseus1271]

Bless this man and his family

[@ndiekwere6027]

Sooo cool i cant wait to visit Amsterdam again and eat here.

[@kerenskellern998]

this is the best duo the most beautiful and interesting episode

[@burlhorse61]

Not been to Amsterdam in ages.love the Dutch experience.

[@phoenixrose6608]

Arigato!🙏🏾 Big Up Yourselves 🤗😇🥰 So inspiring, Amsterdam is like my second home (coming from London with Caribbean heritage)... Wej Houden🧡 lol I need to find this place next time I visit. I would've like to see more of the menu😋 true mi craven 😉

[@jaideepsingh2405]

Possibly the best Munchies video ever. Jah bless!

[@fbspin]

I'm so amazed by them and their food, definitely adding their restaurant to my list!!

[@jondough2118]

How beauteous! Greetings from Guyana, Idren!

[@bakeddulce5451]

Even though I can't give up meat, I would love a place like this where I live. Would be nice to have more options when I take breaks from eating meat.

[@slowburner1]

These are very special people. Great piece.

[@bluegiant13]

This entire video is so fascinating and unique just like the couple in the video. Love it.

[@originalRAS]

I think I stumbled on this restaurant a few years ago during my 1st trip to Amsterdam.. If so the food is DELICIOUS!!!

[@Youknowmeozone]

Bruh is living the dream . Respect dem Rasta and his family restaurant . food looks delicious mon

[@melissaa.8547]

ABSOLUTELY wonderful!!

[@prestonmatthews725]

I have always wanted to visit Amsterdam and this might be the reason

[@vickyvick5892]

Love them both, wishing them the best.

[@UntaintedIndigoChild]

This planet needs more people like him. What we have now, are not working for humanity best interests.

[@DavidJohnson-dc8lu]

Sometimes the world makes me angry, but then some people give hope. A Caribbean man and Japanese woman creating their own magic together in Amsterdam. This is how life should be. Love can only be created by loving what you are doing, and this unifies the world. There is hope for this world.