Ostrich Farm

Well known by the locals, Picknick is one of Rotterdam’s best brunch spots. Many people swing by for good food and coffee in a comfy space. Outfitted with picnic tables in the back and beautiful wooden bars at the front, it’s clear that the owners are cognizant of the many details that go into making a good restaurant.

Picknick’s approach to food and drink is also quite special: they only source regional ingredients. Their bread comes from exclusively from local bakers, dairy and vegetables from farms in Linden, and, of course, their tap water comes directly from Rotterdam’s local water main.

When my water came, it arrived, not chilled, but cool. While any serious competition will require that water is consumed at room temperature (our tongues are less sensitive to the subtle tastes as water gets colder) out in the real world, the right temperature can make all the difference between an average and a great experience. And the coldest tap setting was just enough for that rainy day in Holland.

Despite coming straight out of the faucet, the water was surprisingly even. It had a rather flat taste, as if it was distilled. But like the soft city air, the water had a noticeable roundness and character. It was a sublimely subtle sip.

Dutch tap water is known as some of the best in the world. The Netherland’s dense cities, large agricultural sector, and heavy management of water systems have made them highly conscious of how they treat and store water. Many advancements in how cities handle their water systems have stemmed out of Dutch discoveries.

One quality that makes Dutch water special is that it’s never treated with chlorine. The Netherlands primarily uses groundwater wells, though cities as dense as Rotterdam supplement their supply with treated surface water. Through ozonation and activated charcoal the water is virtually iron and manganese free—part of what helps it taste so smooth.

All in all, a delightful water experience. Highly recommended to anyone visiting the Netherlands.