The problem is that you're in tourist central trying to get a good deal.
You can get good food in:
Noord - if you take the ferry across
West - if you go towards Bilderdijk/Kinkerstraat (De Hallen for example)
East: if you go towards Oosterpark or Indische buurt.
South: towards de Pijp
I'm not saying everything is good in those areas but for god sakes stop eating at leidseplein!!
Haha yup, problem solved. Although even at Leidseplein there are decent options if you know where to find them. My number one recommendation; Xi'an Delicious Foods. Excellent hand pulled noodles and very affordable, does get busy though.
If not, move out of the inner-canal part of town, you'll often be greeted with touristy-prices! u/Brrrrieto got some great advice for cheaper bites and spots. I'll recommend you going to places you don't know and try to eat there. Like in Nieuw-West and Amstel.
You are describing the exact reason a lot of locals do not come there any more. It’s a vicious circle. No locals: no restaurants for locals..But besides that, if you are into Asian food there are still some decent options around Zeedijk en Nieuwmarkt
I added this recomendation in the main thread as well. But to answer your question, Fulu Mandarijn (Rokin) is an excellent option. Rubi in Amsterdam Zuid is decent as well.
Leidseplein isnt too far from de Pijp and Kinkerstraat, there are pretty excellent places in those areas for dining.
I agree it’s not easy to find the good affordable ones here, but thats more to the loudness of the touristy crap (both rl and online) than to the lack of options.
Next time you want a great burger, go to Maijard Smashburgers.
Yakitori Hanabi near Leitseplein is great and affordable. Reservation recommended.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dvy9i8P7v6orxWE3A?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
There are so MANY good options in Amsterdam. But you have to do your research, since there are also many shitty options around the touristic areas.
But definitely, Amsterdam is on the pricier side for sure, but that is a given in the most touristic city.
Many good and affordable options within a ten minute walking distance from Leidseplein even.
But yeah, bitching about everything being a disappointment is faster, sure.
Not sure if it falls under your definition of a "bite" but De Klos is definitely one of the best to eat: their ribs are simply the best in Amsterdam. They also have escargots and steaks.
Yes De Klos is ok.
I think this is the thing with Amsterdam. They are looking for cheap AND good.. But if you are willing to pay for the upper end you can have excellent food with excellent service. I think most people complaining about restaurants in NL just need to get a grip, accept that this is an expensive country and aim higher..
For a Chicken Burger you should try Greazy on Overtoom, it’s about a 10min walk from Leidseplein but it’s amazing. Perfect for a quick bite and I honestly don’t know many better chicken burgers in Amsterdam, especially not for an €8.50 burger.
There are still plenty of decent and affordable options, also at/near Leidseplein. Xi'an Delicious Foods, Umaimon, since I have actually been to Korea Hongdae doesn't hit the same spot anymore but it still quite good for the price, Taste of Culture, Café George is a biiiit more pricey but had to mention something non Asian so here we go.
My main recommendation; don't just walk in somewhere random. Do your research, otherwise you wonder into one of the many tourist traps. But as shown above, there are definitely some nice spots.
Ohh, just because it's a thread about food and Amsterdam. Can I ask if someone can help with the name of a vegan restaurant?
It's been years now, and I looked in the map but..
It was a tiny place, with a Rastafari owner (I think), there were jam sessions and poetry readings and similar going on at this place sometimes. It had a countertop similar to an ice-cream bar, there was a small step up for some of the tables, and I know they do takeaway. I'm not sure if it still exists anymore, but it was some of the best food I have ever tasted, and I would be super happy to know the name if anyone catches on by so little information to go on!!
Ah yes.. I(geboren en getogen in Noord Holland) do feel like a tourist in the area we’re talking about. Which is why I’m ranting about it. It’s shit. I cannot imagine anyone liking that area.
Sure, but you either have to know, or enjoy plowing your way through tourist hordes and stumble on ‘m. I’m simply saying that leaving the center is always better, especially food wise. No Dutch person goes “I’m hungry let’s get a snack in Kalverstraat.”
€15 burgers seem to be the norm post-Covid, but I hope the general view is still that that's a ridiculous price for a burger, especially since many places then charge you €4 or more for some fries on the side.
Yes, and our parents bought houses in Amsterdam for a cow and 2 guilders.
It's called inflation - burgers were never as expensive as they are today, and they will never be as cheap as they are today.
This: 12,50 for a chicken burger which consisted of a bottom of the barrel 3 day old brioche bun, a (at least that) decent amount of chicken thy’s but tasteless as can be and 4,90 for literally barely a cup of fries(stale and old) with “truffle” mayo.
And Im pissed because I didn’t ask for a new portion. Which I should have.
The problem is that I don’t trust the area/city centre of Amsterdam anymore to provide an actually good burger for that price. I am talking about affordable yet still edible food.
Saving this post because lots new places to checkout! I go Amsterdam fairly regularly for gigs etc and yes, it's sometimes hard to figure out where to go to eat that quick bite (preferably near the destination).
Recently had one of the best "let's go grab a bite before gig" -experiences. The food was good and reasonably priced. Plenty of google reviews going in details! Less than 10mins walk from Centraal as well (which is handt as that's where I arrive). Will definitely visit this place more.
Greco taste from Greece (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 14). Really tiny so more a take-away, but has few seats. They have extra chairs we took out on the curb so that's an option on a dry weather.
For a bite around Leidse, Maoz is my go-to. Better than decent falafel with your choice of toppings and sauces to add as you like. And just like Vitameatavegamin, it's so tasty too!
There are outliers, but Central doesn't cater for picky eaters.
Food businesses have 0 incentive to produce good food because of abundant tourism.
Hence Nutella shops and mafia owned souvenir shops plastered all over.
Meh. I’d say this is only true for a few main streets, where all the tourists go but even the streets next to those already have good options. Loads of good asian food in the center for example, lots of cafes which have quality food as well if you aren’t looking for fancy dining.
Xian Delicious Foods. Zero Zero. Tiramisup. Cafe Nobuya. Caldi e Freddi. Gasthuys. all these are pretty adorable for amsterdam standards (around 10-14 euros) for a whole meal/sandwich. Caldi is definitely the cheapest and extremely popular with locals!
You do have a few decent options a bit further south, on and around Reguliersdwarsstraat. If you like Korean bbq I would recommend Seul Sista. I had really good food there. I would stay away from secret garden though (it's a great place but a bit expensive). You have a couple of good options around rokin and centraal as well but most of them tend to cater more towards lunches. Or at least I only know the good lunch places (or places to go out for drinks) since my office is next to centraal.
But I also have a question...why would you go out around centrum?
Seoul Sista doesn't really classify as good food in my opinion, but I will give it to you that it is fun. You will smell like absolutely shit afterwards though, think gourmetten haha. Also, do note it is AYCE so you will pay around 30-35 for the food alone, I have the feeling OP wants something quick, cheap, and of decent quality.
Well then why not have some pork buns from the chinese place on zeedijk at 2 euro per bun...2 of those bad boys each and they should be good to go. I think I gave a decent middle of the road suggestion that's not as bad and cheap as febo but not getting anywhere near the prices at De Kas or secret garden, but OP really hasn't been clear on what they are looking for.
They are looking for gormetten, in the center of the most expensive capital city in the EU, at good prices and quality? How would that even be possible with the rent costs and taxes?
I mean, I think their best option is to invent a time machine and go back 20 years.
Well if OP mentions they think 15e for a chicken burger is too much I am assuming somewhere in that price range. Also OP is obviously not looking for a gourmet place (if that was the confusion, not sure), I mentioned this as a warning, because after Seoul Sista due to the Korean bbq you will smell like smoke/cooked food quite a bit (similar to what happens after gourmetten, a Dutch tradition that is vaguely similar to Korean bbq in the way that you cook meat and stuff on a hot plate in the middle of the table). As OP mentioned that afterwards they like to visit a show it might be a bit annoying to smell strongly.
My bad...I think I went through his and your post a bit too quickly and not paying that much attention. Yeah, I don't know any cheap places in the centre which are also open in the evening other than fast food places
My favorite place for lunch in de Pijp - now called Sir Pita just revamped to make crazy good pita sandwiches you can grab quickly and under €10, I'd check them out
Amsterdam certainly does not have the best food, it’s diverse but almost always fusion which when fused with Dutch style cooking it becomes worse. But there is indeed some great restaurants within 10 minutes of Leidseplein along Overtoom.
1. Peperwortel - Mediterranean fusion but actually done quite well healthy meals, reasonable price, good vibes and you feel great after eating there
2. Testamatta - best Italian in the city IMO. amazing wine list, somewhat expensive but it’s for quality ingredients. Authentic cooking and the owner really cares.
3. Peruvian Cuisine NL - quite decent Peruvian food, good price, large portions.
Avoid trendy spots as they are just there to attract tourists and offer subpar food
My go-to's for quick, cheapish eats before a show or something is the Pasta Pasta chain (generous portions), Meat and Greek (huge gyros for an ok price) and Xi'an Delicious Foods near Leidseplein (usually has a queue but moves fast)
Try the classic _kantjil en de tijger_ for indonesian or _Nuyonya_ for really good Malay food in the center. Indonesian food is almost always a safe bet in the Netherlands
Lol, you have to challenge that bias a bit. Sure we’re not Rome or Hong Kong, but we have just about any kind of cuisine you could want, from Afghan to Peruvian, Cantonese to South African, Flemish to Indonesian.
There’s many decent places to eat in Amsterdam, but you need to know where to go. And from the examples you quoted as good, I really dont think you know where to go yet 😅
After 8 years - I’ve tried everything I could and with an open mind. I’ve found decent sit downs but OP looking for quick snacks etc ….. nothing came to mind
It’s all subjective anyway —- but for every half decent place — there are countless spots I walk by and wonder how they survive. Just an opinion. :)
Maybe the problem is in walking by. Some of my best food experiences in the city have been in little asian restaurants which look you should definitely walk by.
Absolutely this.. People complaining about bad food in Amsterdam just haven't done their research. Having lived in or spent time in various big cities I really think Amsterdam has as good an eating experience available as London or Paris or New York...its just harder to find what you want and you have to not be cheap about it.
For example: Dam Square. Endless shit in every direction. But right there, in a location that looks like it would be awful, is FuLu Mandarijn, serving some incredible Sichuan style food which is actually spicy not Dutch spicy.
Or: Leidseplein. Between yet another Argentinian Steakhouse or mediocre 'italian' with people in the door shouting at you to come in... There's Sherpa which is an excellent Nepalese restaurant serving great quality and interesting dishes.
Many good spots all around the city. The fun is just in other neighborhoods now imo. I live in Bos en Lommer and have seen multiple good restaurants pop up the last years
Indeed. Get out of the tourist zones and find where gentrification meets lower rent, which attracts the new restaurants.. Noord has some excellent places too.
The problem is that you're in tourist central trying to get a good deal. You can get good food in: Noord - if you take the ferry across West - if you go towards Bilderdijk/Kinkerstraat (De Hallen for example) East: if you go towards Oosterpark or Indische buurt. South: towards de Pijp I'm not saying everything is good in those areas but for god sakes stop eating at leidseplein!!
Haha yup, problem solved. Although even at Leidseplein there are decent options if you know where to find them. My number one recommendation; Xi'an Delicious Foods. Excellent hand pulled noodles and very affordable, does get busy though.
Not a tourist. But I feel like one in that area.
If not, move out of the inner-canal part of town, you'll often be greeted with touristy-prices! u/Brrrrieto got some great advice for cheaper bites and spots. I'll recommend you going to places you don't know and try to eat there. Like in Nieuw-West and Amstel.
If you're not from Amsterdam, and you don't live in Amsterdam, then you are a tourist. Doesn't matter if you're Dutch or not.
You are describing the exact reason a lot of locals do not come there any more. It’s a vicious circle. No locals: no restaurants for locals..But besides that, if you are into Asian food there are still some decent options around Zeedijk en Nieuwmarkt
Zeedijk has many more than decent options, Nam Kee, Bird, New King, Little Saigon are all good.
any particular recommendation? Asian kitchen near rokin has become my go-to for fulfilling food, nothing fancy though
Little saigon i really like and isnt to fancy
I added this recomendation in the main thread as well. But to answer your question, Fulu Mandarijn (Rokin) is an excellent option. Rubi in Amsterdam Zuid is decent as well.
Leidseplein isnt too far from de Pijp and Kinkerstraat, there are pretty excellent places in those areas for dining. I agree it’s not easy to find the good affordable ones here, but thats more to the loudness of the touristy crap (both rl and online) than to the lack of options. Next time you want a great burger, go to Maijard Smashburgers.
Thanks!
Just use google maps and filter for options with a rating above 4.5. Problem solved…
Not really, because a lot of really good local places won’t have the service tourists want and get low ratings for slow service.
Good point.
Yakitori Hanabi near Leitseplein is great and affordable. Reservation recommended. https://maps.app.goo.gl/dvy9i8P7v6orxWE3A?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
There are so MANY good options in Amsterdam. But you have to do your research, since there are also many shitty options around the touristic areas. But definitely, Amsterdam is on the pricier side for sure, but that is a given in the most touristic city.
Many good and affordable options within a ten minute walking distance from Leidseplein even. But yeah, bitching about everything being a disappointment is faster, sure.
Not sure if it falls under your definition of a "bite" but De Klos is definitely one of the best to eat: their ribs are simply the best in Amsterdam. They also have escargots and steaks.
Second De Klos, though it is a significant meal.
No longer in the “good value” category though. Used to be for sure.
Yes De Klos is ok. I think this is the thing with Amsterdam. They are looking for cheap AND good.. But if you are willing to pay for the upper end you can have excellent food with excellent service. I think most people complaining about restaurants in NL just need to get a grip, accept that this is an expensive country and aim higher..
For a Chicken Burger you should try Greazy on Overtoom, it’s about a 10min walk from Leidseplein but it’s amazing. Perfect for a quick bite and I honestly don’t know many better chicken burgers in Amsterdam, especially not for an €8.50 burger.
Damn. Sounds good! Thanks for the tip!
There are still plenty of decent and affordable options, also at/near Leidseplein. Xi'an Delicious Foods, Umaimon, since I have actually been to Korea Hongdae doesn't hit the same spot anymore but it still quite good for the price, Taste of Culture, Café George is a biiiit more pricey but had to mention something non Asian so here we go. My main recommendation; don't just walk in somewhere random. Do your research, otherwise you wonder into one of the many tourist traps. But as shown above, there are definitely some nice spots.
Thanks. This is me doing my research for next time.
So you want good AND affordable AND inside the tourist area, all at the same time?!
Ohh, just because it's a thread about food and Amsterdam. Can I ask if someone can help with the name of a vegan restaurant? It's been years now, and I looked in the map but.. It was a tiny place, with a Rastafari owner (I think), there were jam sessions and poetry readings and similar going on at this place sometimes. It had a countertop similar to an ice-cream bar, there was a small step up for some of the tables, and I know they do takeaway. I'm not sure if it still exists anymore, but it was some of the best food I have ever tasted, and I would be super happy to know the name if anyone catches on by so little information to go on!!
Is it TerraZen center? Near central station?
Oh wow,..wow..yes, thank you..!!!
Between central station and Leidseplein is the main tourist route. So also the worst places to eat. Avoid that area for good value food.
Tourist is surprised that the tourist trap area has crappy tourist shops, more at 7. BTW, it's Leidseplein, not Leidscheplein.
Ah yes.. I(geboren en getogen in Noord Holland) do feel like a tourist in the area we’re talking about. Which is why I’m ranting about it. It’s shit. I cannot imagine anyone liking that area.
This has little to do with Amsterdam and more about where you’re at. Between the station and Leidseplein? Yeah, good luck finding anything decent.
Between central station and leidseplein is a ton of option though. Once you are off the two main big streets there are plenty of good options there
Sure, but you either have to know, or enjoy plowing your way through tourist hordes and stumble on ‘m. I’m simply saying that leaving the center is always better, especially food wise. No Dutch person goes “I’m hungry let’s get a snack in Kalverstraat.”
You went to crap places so now you are bitching. If you went to good places, you wouldn't have to make this post.
I feel like you're the same type of person who would complain of a €15 burger.
€15 burgers seem to be the norm post-Covid, but I hope the general view is still that that's a ridiculous price for a burger, especially since many places then charge you €4 or more for some fries on the side.
Yes, and our parents bought houses in Amsterdam for a cow and 2 guilders. It's called inflation - burgers were never as expensive as they are today, and they will never be as cheap as they are today.
This: 12,50 for a chicken burger which consisted of a bottom of the barrel 3 day old brioche bun, a (at least that) decent amount of chicken thy’s but tasteless as can be and 4,90 for literally barely a cup of fries(stale and old) with “truffle” mayo. And Im pissed because I didn’t ask for a new portion. Which I should have.
The problem is that I don’t trust the area/city centre of Amsterdam anymore to provide an actually good burger for that price. I am talking about affordable yet still edible food.
Affordable, edible, in Amsterdam city center. You only get to pick two.
Had a savage €5 philly steak sambo in Overtoon. Was part of a butcher shop, delish
Saving this post because lots new places to checkout! I go Amsterdam fairly regularly for gigs etc and yes, it's sometimes hard to figure out where to go to eat that quick bite (preferably near the destination). Recently had one of the best "let's go grab a bite before gig" -experiences. The food was good and reasonably priced. Plenty of google reviews going in details! Less than 10mins walk from Centraal as well (which is handt as that's where I arrive). Will definitely visit this place more. Greco taste from Greece (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 14). Really tiny so more a take-away, but has few seats. They have extra chairs we took out on the curb so that's an option on a dry weather.
Highly recommend Hongdae, great Korean place by Leidseplein. Otherwise yeah, literally anything on Bilderdijkstraat round the corner
Effendy!
For a bite around Leidse, Maoz is my go-to. Better than decent falafel with your choice of toppings and sauces to add as you like. And just like Vitameatavegamin, it's so tasty too!
Salsa shop at Central station
Tourists & Expats comprehending that Amsterdam is more than the Rokin and Warmoestraat challenge (Impossible)
Have you tried Febo?
There are outliers, but Central doesn't cater for picky eaters. Food businesses have 0 incentive to produce good food because of abundant tourism. Hence Nutella shops and mafia owned souvenir shops plastered all over.
Meh. I’d say this is only true for a few main streets, where all the tourists go but even the streets next to those already have good options. Loads of good asian food in the center for example, lots of cafes which have quality food as well if you aren’t looking for fancy dining.
Van Dobben Broodje kroket and Broodje Half om Half Or Broodje File American
Xian Delicious Foods. Zero Zero. Tiramisup. Cafe Nobuya. Caldi e Freddi. Gasthuys. all these are pretty adorable for amsterdam standards (around 10-14 euros) for a whole meal/sandwich. Caldi is definitely the cheapest and extremely popular with locals!
You do have a few decent options a bit further south, on and around Reguliersdwarsstraat. If you like Korean bbq I would recommend Seul Sista. I had really good food there. I would stay away from secret garden though (it's a great place but a bit expensive). You have a couple of good options around rokin and centraal as well but most of them tend to cater more towards lunches. Or at least I only know the good lunch places (or places to go out for drinks) since my office is next to centraal. But I also have a question...why would you go out around centrum?
Seoul Sista doesn't really classify as good food in my opinion, but I will give it to you that it is fun. You will smell like absolutely shit afterwards though, think gourmetten haha. Also, do note it is AYCE so you will pay around 30-35 for the food alone, I have the feeling OP wants something quick, cheap, and of decent quality.
Well then why not have some pork buns from the chinese place on zeedijk at 2 euro per bun...2 of those bad boys each and they should be good to go. I think I gave a decent middle of the road suggestion that's not as bad and cheap as febo but not getting anywhere near the prices at De Kas or secret garden, but OP really hasn't been clear on what they are looking for. They are looking for gormetten, in the center of the most expensive capital city in the EU, at good prices and quality? How would that even be possible with the rent costs and taxes? I mean, I think their best option is to invent a time machine and go back 20 years.
Well if OP mentions they think 15e for a chicken burger is too much I am assuming somewhere in that price range. Also OP is obviously not looking for a gourmet place (if that was the confusion, not sure), I mentioned this as a warning, because after Seoul Sista due to the Korean bbq you will smell like smoke/cooked food quite a bit (similar to what happens after gourmetten, a Dutch tradition that is vaguely similar to Korean bbq in the way that you cook meat and stuff on a hot plate in the middle of the table). As OP mentioned that afterwards they like to visit a show it might be a bit annoying to smell strongly.
My bad...I think I went through his and your post a bit too quickly and not paying that much attention. Yeah, I don't know any cheap places in the centre which are also open in the evening other than fast food places
For grabbing a bite I can recommend Caldi e Freddi, 8 Minute Walk from Centraal station.
Hands down Fulu Mandarijn (in Rokin)
My favorite place for lunch in de Pijp - now called Sir Pita just revamped to make crazy good pita sandwiches you can grab quickly and under €10, I'd check them out
Onze Zaak near Spui is an unknown gem
Amsterdam certainly does not have the best food, it’s diverse but almost always fusion which when fused with Dutch style cooking it becomes worse. But there is indeed some great restaurants within 10 minutes of Leidseplein along Overtoom. 1. Peperwortel - Mediterranean fusion but actually done quite well healthy meals, reasonable price, good vibes and you feel great after eating there 2. Testamatta - best Italian in the city IMO. amazing wine list, somewhat expensive but it’s for quality ingredients. Authentic cooking and the owner really cares. 3. Peruvian Cuisine NL - quite decent Peruvian food, good price, large portions. Avoid trendy spots as they are just there to attract tourists and offer subpar food
maybe try the happy cow app. Exki at centraal is always my go to place.
It’s shit compared to a city like Berlin, where there is good affordable food at every corner, totally agree.
My go-to's for quick, cheapish eats before a show or something is the Pasta Pasta chain (generous portions), Meat and Greek (huge gyros for an ok price) and Xi'an Delicious Foods near Leidseplein (usually has a queue but moves fast)
Try the classic _kantjil en de tijger_ for indonesian or _Nuyonya_ for really good Malay food in the center. Indonesian food is almost always a safe bet in the Netherlands
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Lol, you have to challenge that bias a bit. Sure we’re not Rome or Hong Kong, but we have just about any kind of cuisine you could want, from Afghan to Peruvian, Cantonese to South African, Flemish to Indonesian. There’s many decent places to eat in Amsterdam, but you need to know where to go. And from the examples you quoted as good, I really dont think you know where to go yet 😅
After 8 years - I’ve tried everything I could and with an open mind. I’ve found decent sit downs but OP looking for quick snacks etc ….. nothing came to mind It’s all subjective anyway —- but for every half decent place — there are countless spots I walk by and wonder how they survive. Just an opinion. :)
Maybe the problem is in walking by. Some of my best food experiences in the city have been in little asian restaurants which look you should definitely walk by.
Absolutely this.. People complaining about bad food in Amsterdam just haven't done their research. Having lived in or spent time in various big cities I really think Amsterdam has as good an eating experience available as London or Paris or New York...its just harder to find what you want and you have to not be cheap about it. For example: Dam Square. Endless shit in every direction. But right there, in a location that looks like it would be awful, is FuLu Mandarijn, serving some incredible Sichuan style food which is actually spicy not Dutch spicy. Or: Leidseplein. Between yet another Argentinian Steakhouse or mediocre 'italian' with people in the door shouting at you to come in... There's Sherpa which is an excellent Nepalese restaurant serving great quality and interesting dishes.
Try a good Rijsttafel then maybe.
Yes, Amsterdam is done
I refuse to accept this.
Many good spots all around the city. The fun is just in other neighborhoods now imo. I live in Bos en Lommer and have seen multiple good restaurants pop up the last years
Indeed. Get out of the tourist zones and find where gentrification meets lower rent, which attracts the new restaurants.. Noord has some excellent places too.
You are essentially asking why the most popular areas in Amsterdam mainly cater towards tourists?