This spring you can enjoy a culinary experience again between beautiful plants and trees. Next month, the Trompenburg Tuinen will once again welcome pop-up restaurant De Maaltuin in their green oasis.
Discover idyllic spots and enjoy a special five-course dinner with good company. Celebrate spring with a dive into the rituals of different cultures, all of which draw their inspiration from nature. Be surprised with a culinary route along various places in the botanical garden where you will discover a treasure trove full of exotic flowers, plants and trees.
The Maaltuin will take place from April 6 (Easter weekend) to May 7, 2023.
Culinary stroll through the gardens
During this so-called carousel edition, guests dine at various locations in the Rotterdam botanical garden. The Kapschuur, the Perenhof and the Zwanenmeer all pass by on the route.
Are you crazy about nature? Then this is the ideal outing for you. During the Maaltuin you can stroll among thousands of beautiful flowers, trees and plants. The love of nature goes hand in hand with culinary enjoyment. For example, chef Paul Oldemenger, who used to work in star restaurants, developed a special menu inspired by all the beauty that the beautiful garden has to offer.
This broad palette of flavours is further enhanced by the delicious wine or mocktail arrangement that fully matches the menu. Beautiful myths and legends are told that allow visitors to learn about special, worldwide rituals. There are also various forms of art to behold, such as the beautiful photo series by Elsbeth van Noppen, ‘Nocturnal Garden’.
Get to know inspiring cultures
This special evening is entirely devoted to rituals from different cultures. For example, visitors get to know the Japanese Wishing Tree. By hanging coloured greeting cards in a tree, the Japanese ask the gods that it will not rain during their celebration of the Tanabata festival.
De Maaltuin has its own Wishing Tree during this edition. Guests can write down a wish and hang it in the trees. There is also a real museum piece present during the event: the Peyote, a cactus, is in a display case in the greenhouse. According to indigenous Mexican tribes, Peyote enables them to connect with gods of the earth and nature.
A special night out
The event promises to be a real night out. From the moment you arrive at the gardens you immediately imagine yourself in an idyllic, green oasis. With a refreshing welcome drink in hand, you can stroll through the gardens and enjoy all the beauty this location has to offer: thousands of beautiful flowers, trees and plants in bloom.
On the basis of podcasts and creative experiences you will learn about the stories behind this beautiful place. During the inspiring route along the greenhouse, the Perenhof and the Zwanenmeer, dishes are also served in a walking dinner way.
Dishes inspired by the garden itself and prepared with as many local and sustainable ingredients as possible. There is even literally a piece of garden eaten. In the menu you will find wild garlic, a herb that grows lush in the Trompenburg Gardens!
Practical information The Maaltuin
Where is the Maaltuin in Rotterdam
Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum: Honingerdijk 86, 3062 NX Rotterdam
When is De Maaltuin in Rotterdam?
April 6 to May 7, 2023.
How much does De Maaltuin cost?
€99.95 for a fully catered evening with a creative experience, a five course dinner and drinks package. Get your tickets for the Maaltuin here.
Will we see you there?