Amsterdam has a reputation for high prices, but you can find good cheap restaurants in Amsterdam if you know what to look for. The city’s food culture is influenced by its colonial history and immigrant communities, which means affordable, tasty options from many cuisines.
Dutch street snacks
- Fries with sauce: Vleminckx near the Spui is a famous stand, and you can pick toppings like mayonnaise or peanut sauce.
- Herring: a classic from fish stands. Try it with onion and pickle.
- Stroopwafels: warm syrup waffles from markets.
- Broodje kroket: deep-fried croquette in a roll from a vending wall or a cafe.
Indonesian and Surinamese food
Because of the Netherlands’ history, Indonesian and Surinamese cuisine are popular. A rijsttafel for two can be expensive, but many small restaurants sell a single dish like nasi goreng or satay for a moderate price. Surinamese roti and pom are filling and good value. Try the neighbourhoods around the Albert Cuyp Market and Dapperstraat.
Markets
The Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp and Foodhallen in Oud-West both offer a variety of food stalls. Foodhallen is a covered hall with international options; it is less cheap than a market stall but gives variety.
Lunch deals
Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus than dinner. A sandwich, soup or pancake can be a good midday meal. Dutch pancakes are large and affordable, with sweet or savoury toppings.
Cheap eating tips
- Walk a few streets away from the main tourist squares.
- Choose small family-run places over restaurants with big signs.
- Check the prices on menus posted outside.
- Have your main meal at lunchtime.
- Look for student areas near the university, where cafes are cheaper.
- Tap water is safe and free in many places; ask for it.
Tipping
Service is included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros is customary for good service. It is not obligatory.
Check before you go
Prices and opening hours change, so look up current information, such as on I amsterdam. For more budget travel guides, see invisionfree.com.
Featured image: Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) – Wikimedia Commons – © CC BY-SA 4.0 Intern, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
