Nana Asare (29) of Connecting Flavors on his favorite Amsterdam word: 'As an Amsterdammer, you have to be a little crazy'

Nana Asare, the founder of Connecting Flavors, highlights the word lijp as his favorite piece of Amsterdam slang. Growing up in the De Pijp neighborhood, Asare explains that he developed his vocabulary through a diverse mix of languages and cultures. For him, the term captures the essence of the city, suggesting that one must be a little crazy or adventurous to thrive in Amsterdam. He contrasts this local identity with the corporate culture of the Zuidas, where he once worked and felt a disconnect from the linguistic and social realities of his home.

Asare laments the gentrification of neighborhoods like De Pijp, noting that the area has changed significantly over time. He emphasizes that authentic local culture still exists in places like the Dappermarkt, where diverse vendors and residents maintain the city's traditional atmosphere. Through his work with Connecting Flavors, he continues to explore these OG food spots, championing the voices that define the true, evolving character of Amsterdam beyond the influence of newer, trendier crowds.