A 7.4 for our rendang, desserts and service. A good start, but we're not there yet.
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Behind every dish at Spice by Blake is a team with a passion for flavour, spices, and conviviality. This time, we speak with Brandon Andriessen, sous chef and for many years chef Axl's right-hand man in the kitchen.
From dishwasher to sous chef
Brandon’s career in the hospitality industry began at the age of 15, far removed from shared dining and Balinese spices.
“I started in the kitchen as a dishwasher when I was 15, in a pizzeria. I often had to run errands there, and that's how I got to know someone who worked at another restaurant. I started there as a dishwasher and slowly moved into cooking. I love food.”
A love for food proved to be a driving force that only grew. Brandon completed his culinary training and gained experience as a freelance chef at Putaine. But it was that first period in the kitchen where he met someone who still plays a big role in his career: Chef Axl.
Eight years of friendship, and now colleagues
“That’s how I met Axl. Axl and I have always remained friends, and when Spice by Blake came along, he asked me to join him. I’ve known Axl for 8 years now.”
What began as a chance encounter in a kitchen grew into an eight-year friendship. And now, into a collaboration in the kitchen of Spice by Blake. Brandon, as sous-chef, works alongside Axl daily, and together they translate Balinese and Indonesian flavours into the menu that guests enjoy in Rotterdam.
Satay, barbecue and the flavours of Bali
Ask Brandon his favourite part of the job and he won't hesitate:
“I think it's great that we work with satays and the BBQ. That we can incorporate Indonesian and Balinese flavours. And also the spare ribs.”
The combination of fire, spices, and technique is precisely what energises Brandon. And it's also exactly what Spice by Blake stands for: authentic flavours, with a modern and social twist.
A small team, a close-knit team
Behind the scenes at Spice by Blake, everything is about collaboration. The team is small, but that makes them extra close.
“Working with colleagues is also super. We have a small team, but that means we’re very close to each other. We often do things together on days off.”
Would you like to try the dishes that Brandon and the team work on with passion every day? Pull up a chair at Spice by Blake and taste the flavours of Bali yourself in the heart of Rotterdam.
At Spice by Blake, it’s naturally all about the flavours of Bali, shared dining, and long evenings at the table. But behind every dish, there are people. People with stories, memories, favourite flavours, and sometimes completely chance encounters.
This is why we'd love to take you behind the scenes. Time to meet one of the faces in our kitchen: Axl Alexander Tan, our chef.
Axl is 27 years old, born in Jember, Indonesia, and grew up in Rotterdam. A wonderful combination, because you can feel exactly that mix in his cooking style: Indonesian roots, Rotterdam energy, and a generous dose of love for modern food.
His love for cooking didn't begin in a restaurant, but simply at home.
“From home, I often stood cooking with my grandma,” Axl tells us. “That’s really where it all started.”
He later followed a culinary course and specialised as a chef. But the real foundation? For him, that still lies in the kitchen of the past. Cooking together, tasting, smelling, trying and most importantly: sharing food with the people around you.
And that's precisely what Spice by Blake is all about.
A chance encounter at the bar
Sometimes the best collaborations don't arise from a rigid plan, but simply from a chat at the bar.
In 2018, Axl visited Spice by Chris for the first time. That concept stuck.
“I really loved that then. The flavours, the atmosphere, the whole idea.”
Years later, Axl worked as a head chef at Muller & Co. One day, he struck up a conversation with a guest at the bar. Just like that. But it happened that this guest was involved in the plan to bring the Spice concept to the Netherlands.
From that, one thing led to another. Axl got talking, met Blake when he was in the Netherlands, and cooked a first practice run at Sligro.
“That was super fun. From there, the ball started rolling.”
And so, a chance conversation eventually became the start of a new collaboration.
Indonesian food, but with a new twist
What Axl likes about Spice by Blake? That we get to showcase Indonesian and Balinese flavours in a modern way.
Yes, everyone knows a rijsttafel. And shared dining is essentially already a natural part of that. But according to Axl, the Indonesian cuisine can also be presented a bit more freshly, playfully, and modernly.
“A rijsttafel is of course also shared dining, but it sometimes has a slightly dusty image. At Spice, we're giving Indonesian cuisine a new, hip makeover.”
We do this with the flavours of Bali, but also with European sophistication and ingredients that suit the Dutch market well.
Together with Blake Thornley in Ubud, we are looking at the foundations of the dishes: which flavours are truly characteristic of Bali, which spices are essential, and how can we translate that to Rotterdam?
“We'll create the menu in consultation with Blake in Ubud. This way, we can use authentic Balinese flavours, but also work with products from the Netherlands.”
The result? Dishes that are both familiar and surprising. Warm, spicy, accessible and just a little bit different from what you're used to.
Axl's Favourites
Naturally, we also asked Axl about his favourite dishes from the menu. And he didn't have to think for very long about that.
De rattan is a true classic for him. A dish that always works: deep in flavour, spicy and perfect for sharing.
De seabass it feels more personal to him.
“That reminds me of the barbecues at my parents”.”
And that's exactly what we love about food. Sometimes you don't just taste a dish, but also a memory. Fire, smell, family, sitting around the table together. That feeling perfectly fits with Spice.
From the starters, Axl chooses the Steak tartare. During lunch, we serve these just that little bit more decadently, with chips or bread. Accessible, full of flavour, and perfect for anyone who wants something a bit tastier than usual for lunch.
And to finish? Then he tips it Spiced dessert. Fresh, tropical and completely in the style of Spice by Blake.
Spice through the eyes of Axl
For Axl, Spice by Blake is a place where many things come together: his Indonesian background, his Rotterdam base, his love for cooking, and his collaboration with Blake.
But above all, it is a place where Indonesian food can be experienced in a new way.
Not too stiff. Not too complicated. Full of flavour.
“For me, Indonesian food can be modern, playful, refined, and accessible.”
And that's exactly what we want to show with Spice.
Bali in Rotterdam. But in our own way.
Those looking for a Bali restaurant in the Netherlands will discover a modern and accessible interpretation of Balinese cuisine at Spice by Blake.
In the heart of Rotterdam, we bring together the atmosphere, flavours, and warmth of Bali for a unique shared dining experience.
Spice by Blake is inspired by Indonesian and Balinese cuisine. From the spices to the presentation: it's all about the experience.
Our dishes combine:
At Spice by Blake, it's all about the complete experience:
As well as dinner, you can also join us for lunch. Our updated lunch menu features modern dishes with Balinese influences.
In the centre of Rotterdam on Pannekoekstraat.
We combine authentic Balinese flavours with modern influences.
Yes, we serve lunch too.
Yes, online booking is possible.
Looking for a romantic restaurant in Rotterdam for a date night? Spice by Blake combines the warm atmosphere of Bali with shared dining, cocktails and an intimate setting.
From first dates to long summer evenings together: at Spice by Blake, it's all about enjoying yourself.
A good date is all about atmosphere, delicious food, and relaxed enjoyment. That's why more and more couples are choosing Spice by Blake.
What to expect
Shared dining automatically creates interaction and a cozy atmosphere. Choosing and tasting dishes together makes the evening relaxed and spontaneous.
Our cocktail menu is inspired by Bali and perfect for an evening together. Think:
Spice by Blake is suitable for:
Yes, booking is recommended.
Yes, we have a sunny terrace in Rotterdam city centre.
Yes, several dishes are vegetarian.
Yes, we have an extensive cocktail menu.
Shared dining is the way to enjoy food together. At Spice by Blake in Rotterdam, it's all about sharing, discovering, and tasting together.
Our menu is specially designed for ordering multiple dishes together, allowing every table to experience a culinary journey through Bali and Indonesia.
With shared dining, you order various small dishes to share together. This allows you to taste more flavours and creates a cosy, social atmosphere at the table.
Gedeelde diners waren perfect bij:
More and more people are opting for shared dining because:
At Spice by Blake, we combine shared dining with the rich flavours of Bali.
On our map you will find, among other things:
Everything is designed to be shared.
Our cocktails perfectly complement the flavours of the dishes. In addition, we also have:
No, you can also order individual dishes.
On average 2 to 3 dishes per person.
Yes, there are various vegetarian and vegan dishes available.
Yes, groups are very welcome.
Spice by Blake brings modern Indonesian dining to Rotterdam in an accessible and contemporary way. Our cuisine combines the rich flavours of Indonesia with refined techniques, high-quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.
No stuffy fine dining, but a warm and social experience where taste is central.
Our dishes are inspired by Bali and Indonesian cuisine, but with a contemporary twist. Chef Blake Thornley translates traditional flavours into modern shared dining dishes with international influences.
At Spice by Blake, it’s all about:
Whilst traditional fine dining often feels rather formal, we opt for a more welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy high-quality dishes in a relaxed setting.
This makes Spice by Blake perfect for:
Our menu is designed for sharing. By ordering multiple dishes, you can discover different flavours and textures from Indonesian cuisine.
Some favourites:
A fine dining experience isn't complete without fine beverages. That's why we have:
No, we offer a modern interpretation of Indonesian and Balinese cuisine.
No, but it is recommended for the full experience.
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan dishes available.
Yes, booking can easily be done online.
Looking for a special Balinese restaurant in Rotterdam? At Spice by Blake, you'll discover the warm, spicy, and layered flavours of Bali, right in the centre of Rotterdam. Located on the lively Pannekoekstraat, we'll take you on a culinary journey full of spices, shared dining, and relaxed hospitality.
Spice by Blake is not a traditional Indonesian restaurant, but a modern interpretation of Balinese cuisine. Expect bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Balinese cuisine is all about balance. Sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury flavours come together in dishes full of depth and character. Our chefs use authentic herb blends, spices, and modern techniques to create dishes that are both accessible and surprising.
Think about:
At Spice by Blake, it's not just about the food, but also about the experience. Our restaurant combines the atmosphere of Bali with the energetic character of Rotterdam. From long dinners with friends to a pleasant lunch on the terrace: it's all about enjoying together.
Our shared dining concept allows you to sample multiple dishes and truly discover the flavours of Bali.
As well as dinner, you can also enjoy lunch at Spice by Blake. Our lunch menu features modern dishes with Indonesian and Balinese influences, such as:
Combine your lunch or dinner with one of our cocktails, non-alcoholic wines or speciality beers.
Spice by Blake is located on Pannekoekstraat in Rotterdam city centre.
Yes, our menu includes several vegetarian options.
Yes, shared dining is an important part of our experience.
Yes, we have a sunny terrace in the heart of Rotterdam.
During the Pentecost weekend, it's all about enjoying yourselves together. Making time for each other, enjoying long meals, and discovering new flavours.
At Spice by Blake we’ll take you to the atmosphere and flavours of Bali. Our cuisine is inspired by the island’s rich spices, refined techniques, and warm hospitality. Each course is crafted with care, balance, and character.
Tijdens Pinksteren serveren wij een 3-course menu for €47.50 per person, including side dish.
Available for both lunch and dinner.
A carefully curated menu where bold flavours and refinement meet. Dishes designed to surprise, connect, and invite sharing.
Whether you're dropping in with friends, family or colleagues, Pentecost is the time to pause and enjoy together. At Spice by Blake, it's all about the experience at the table, where every course tells a new story.
Book your table now for the Whitsun weekend at Spice by Blake.
Some moments call for that little bit extra. Mother's Day is one of those moments.
This Mother's Day, we warmly welcome you to Spice by Blake for a lunch or dinner focused on care, flavour, and togetherness. A moment to put her in the spotlight and enjoy a culinary experience together that goes beyond just eating.
To make it extra special, all mothers will receive a glass of champagne from us upon arrival.
Whether you opt for a relaxed lunch or a lavish dinner, we'll take care of the rest.
Good to know:
Make it a moment to remember, together.