Restaurant De Lindehof is the gastronomic restaurant from Chef Patron Soenil Bahadoer, located in Nuenen (near Eindhoven) in the Netherlands. Nuenen is particularly known as the ‘Van Gogh’ town, as the famous artist lived here from 1883 until 1885 and several of his paintings are based on this town. The restaurant is established in a renovated house in the centre of the small town, just in front of the picturesque Van Gogh church.

The interior of De Lindehof is light and modern. Several modern artworks adorn the walls and a colourful sketch of Chef Patron Soenil himself draws the attention at the entrance of the restaurant. The spacious tables are covered with white linen and the purple, comfortable chairs set the mood for a different but memorable food experience. The restaurant also offers guests the opportunity to reserve the chef’s table inside the kitchen, which is literally located next to the cooking pots. This way one can experience the dynamics inside the kitchen of a top restaurant and enjoy a unique lunch or dinner between the kitchen team.

Chef Patron Soenil Bahadoer was born in Surinam and grew up within a traditional Hindu family. It was here that Soenil developed his passion for cooking and this background is still reflected in his kitchen today. His cooking is typified by creativity, exotic influences and a thorough understanding of the basic cooking techniques. Spices and herbs are very important in his kitchen to add flavour as well as colour. Chef Patron Soenil is assisted by sous-chef Gijs Hoevenaars and a team of seven other chefs. A typical and exotic signature dish of Chef Patron Soenil Bahadoer is the preparation with rendang (Indian pot roast), combined with ginger beer, cabbage, kimchi, miso powder, potato with curry, and white soy. An example of a dish where Soenil combines a traditional basis with international ingredients is his preparation with sole, vadouvan, masala, European roots, and roots from Suriname. With his tasting menu, the chef takes his guests on a creative journey around the world.

Chef Patron Soenil is a very dynamic chef and clearly knows what he wants. He runs his restaurant with a natural charisma and leads his team in a unique and motivating way. The chef wants to personally greet all of his guests and is always up for a friendly chat.

The dining room is led by his daughter Jennifer Bahadoer and the service is informal and professional. She is assisted by Sommelier & maître Edgaras Razminas and a team of six other persons. Sommelier Edgaras hails from Lithuania and is a born entertainer (do not miss his videos in this review). His passion for whiskey leads him to wines and other beverages. Chef Patron Soenil took him under his wings and today Edgaras is a skilled, open and assertive sommelier who guides the guests through the interesting wine & beverage list of the restaurant.

Restaurant de Lindehof is the unique place to enjoy some of the best top-end gastronomy in the Netherlands. The extravagant chef, the flamboyant team and the creative, exotic cuisine ensure that you are up for a treat that you will never forget.

Written by Sven & Adriaan