Naiara Sabandar

Naiara Sabandar is an artist and chef. Together with business partner Zana, she has founded Oficina Amsterdam, a breakfast and lunch canteen, bringing together design, culture and food.

Oficina works directly with local farmers to create menus inspired by the seasons with a modern, sophisticated aesthetic that reflects Naiara’s travels and culinary experiences around the world.

This June, for our monthly collaboration, we invited Naiara to cook at Planque and we took the opportunity to ask her about the wines she loves drinking.

1. You're handed a wine list, what do you do?

First I think about what I feel like drinking. If I’m with Theo, I hand it over to him. Otherwise I look for something I’m familiar with or something I would really like to try.

2. How do you know the wine you're drinking is good?

I just feel it! I try not to make hasty conclusions, as the smell can be off putting but the palate delicious. I know what I like but I also like the unexpected.

3. What is something fascinating you’ve been told over lunch?

In Korea while cooking in a Temple, I was told early on during my stay to be quiet during meals. The most fascinating thing was the focus on the moment, stripping the meal time from any distractions.

4. In whose company do you most enjoy drinking wine?

With my boyfriend Theo because he always brings something new and exciting and appreciates it the most. I however also enjoy drinking more casually with my friends, it’s more relaxing!

5. Can you describe your ideal combination of wine, music, and setting?

A perfect setting would be closest to where the wine is made, outside and without music… just the ambient surroundings.

6. What sort of food would you add to the equation?

Olive oil, bread, anchovies and tortilla de patatas.

7. What is the most memorable bottle of wine you’ve drank?

Mito Inoue 2016 “Orbs” You could feel the energy that day and it simply tasted amazing.

8. Where did you drink it?

Clown Bar in 2022

9. Is there a characteristic you look for in a wine and in a friend?

Pure and honest.

10. What is your approach to drinking?

I’ll drink and enjoy it with friends if it's delicious! I’m also not too much into excess, I like drinking just enough and the right stuff.

11. Do you apply this approach in other aspects of life?

Yes, one of the main reasons I started cooking is to share!

12. What shall we open next?

Another wine from Mito if someone has a stash!

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