Best Example of Integration
Darren writes for the gay community and the modern metrosexuals who like to be in their company. As a volunteer at Pink Point (the world's 1st Homo information kiosk) and author of the "Bent Guide to Gay & Lesbian Amsterdam", I've got the goss on everything that ain't straight around town.
Best example of integration
Gay scenes in virtually any Western city can be a little too white, middle-class and well, homogenous. Luckily, at Habibi Ana, white bread Amsterdam gets to dip itself in a gay melting pot that’s been vastly enriched by the spicy addition of an Allochtonen flavour.
Slice of Delight
Allochtonen literally means "not of Dutch parents" and is currently used to mean Arabic, Moroccan, Turkish and North African peoples. And while the Netherlands has gone through a somewhat turbulent time integrating with predominantly Islamic migrants, just off the beer halls of touristy Leidseplein is a slice of Turkish (and Moroccan and Egyptian) delight that truly displays Dutch integration and tolerance at its very best: Habibi Ana.
World Peace
Arabic for ‘my sweetheart’, Habibi Ana is the self-proclaimed ‘first and only Gay Arabic Bar in the world’. Stepping through the unassuming doorway is like stepping into a Middle East House Party (only without George W gate-crashing it). In fact, keep an eye out for Ossama sightings – he’s the surprise male belly dancer who performs on weekends alongside sexy Turkish & Moroccan locals who circle the tiny dance floor (OK, it’s a Persian carpet). Everyone shakes their cute l’il butts to traditional Arabic music while onlookers clap in time and cheer.
Sultans of Settee
With the bar attracting other swarthy types (i.e. Mediterranean) as well as Dutch guys, Habibi Ana also offers a place on the comfy couches for everyone to lounge on and feel welcome. There’s even a Hookah (as in pipe smoking, not as in red-light women), but it’s purely for decorative relaxation. In fact the bar feels so good-natured and homey you expect the owner’s mother to come by serving sweet exotic pastries and rich dark coffee to all her son’s new found friends, politely asking if the music can be turned down a touch for the sake of the neighbours.
Habibi Ana
Address: Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 4-6
Telephone: +31 (0)20 428 1070
Website:www.habibiana.nl
Email: info@habibiana.nl
Transport: Trams 1,2,5 (Leidseplein)
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 17:00 - 1:00 am Friday & Saturday: 17:00 - 3:00 am
Payment options: Cash only
Extras: Happy Hour: 6pm to 7pm, Sundays: 6pm to 8pm. Habibi Ana also hosts an Arabic Dance Party held every 4th Sunday of the month at the COC and provides support services for homosexual minorities.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
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