R’DAM, as the Netherlands’ second biggest city is known by its 630,000 inhabitants, moves at a brisker pace than Amsterdam.

It’s also an architects’ and Instagrammers’ playground. Much of the historic city was obliterated by the Luftwaffe in 1940.

But in the eight decades since, it has reinvented itself as a ‘Rottermandamhattan’.

The city’s skyline is dominated by towering monuments to modernism along the waterfront, with overhanging floors and other gravity-defying flourishes.

Besides the water taxis, a rapid metro system and an extensive tram network were both developed as the city rose from the ashes of the war.

Being a port city, Rotterdam is a huge melting pot, and the same can be said for the food scene.

In 2014, the city unveiled another colossal construction, the Markthal, a horseshoe-shaped homage to food that is home to more than 80 fresh produce stands, food shops and restaurants.

And this summer, the opening of the Rotterdam Foodhallen in Wilhelminakade has made the city an even hotter destination for foodies.

A former tea and nuts warehouse has been converted into a new hip spot to buy lunch or dinner from a choice of 12 stylish stands specialising in everything from Spanish pintxos to Indonesian to vegan, with diners sitting where they want in a spacious industrial-chic seating area.

Three elegant bars, one focusing on gin, mean that drinkers are an essential part of the mix, too, with the Foodhallen staying open until midnight.

A 10-minute walk over the new Rijnhaven footbridge takes you to the Fenix Food Factory in Veerlaan, a farmers’ market that has cropped up in another converted warehouse.

A butcher, a baker and a cheese maker rub shoulders with other entrepreneurs serving up coffee, cider and beer. Hats off to the Kaapse Brouwers brewery offering 30 draught ales.

Five foodie experiences to enjoy in Rotterdam

Dine aboard Rottertram

Climb on board a restored vintage tram at Willemsplein and take your seat for a four-course dinner, featuring dishes such as braised veal cheek and marinated fowl. The 44-seater tram has a kitchen on board and a toilet, which is handy, as this ride lasts a quite lovely two and a half hours. A meal and drinks package costs E79.95pp/£71 (based on two dining); also enquire about one-hour brunch specials (E29.95/£27). Visit en.rottertram.nl.

Go bio at Restaurant De Jong

This bio-food bistro is housed in a converted railway station arch and helmed by Rotterdam star chef Jim de Jong. Seasonal vegetables play a starring role in a daily alternating menu, with much of the produce coming from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden.

Tell your waiter your dietary requirements or food hells before being treated to a highly inventive surprise menu of four, five or six courses.

Visit restaurantdejong.nl/en.

Excite tastebuds at Aji restaurant

Aji is Spanish for pepper, a key ingredient at this South American-fusion restaurant owned by Michelin star chef Mario Ridder. Dishes are inspired by Ritter’s travels to Peru and Mexico, and although plates aren’t overflowing, the flavour combinations are exciting – try aubergines with garlic or shiitake mushrooms and scallions. Visit restaurantaji.nl.

Eat farm-fresh up high

Take the lift to the sixth floor of a former office block, climb some steps and emerge on the largest urban farm rooftop in Europe. This is the home of Op Het Dak, or On The Roof, a cafe that serves simple, seasonal food. Unsurprisingly, most diners make a beeline for the outside tables amid the vegetable plots. Visit ophetdak.com.

Sink craft beers in Kaapse Maria

An offshoot of the much bigger brewhouse Kaapse Brouwers, this craft beer nirvana is set in a historic building in the city’s aptly named Cool district. Find 24 beers on tap plus a range of natural wines.

Visit kaapsemaria.nl. Visit en.rotterdam.info.