Quick answer
Amsterdam boasts a variety of cheap eats, especially within its immigrant communities, allowing you to dine well for under €10, with the Albert Cuyp Market being our top recommendation for a quick and affordable bite while exploring De Pijp. These local-approved, budget-friendly spots are perfect for avoiding tourist traps and experiencing the city's diverse culinary scene.
- Best overall
- Sonny Falafel
- Price/value range
- €3 – €14
- Top-ranked pick
- Vleminckx Sausmeesters
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Vleminckx Sausmeesters: The most Reddit-recommended frites in Amsterdam, period.
- Maoz Falafel: The all-you-can-stuff salad bar makes this insane value.
- Nieuw Albina: Surinamese food is Amsterdam's secret weapon for cheap eating.
Amsterdam boasts a variety of cheap eats, especially within its immigrant communities, allowing you to dine well for under €10, with the Albert Cuyp Market being our top recommendation for a quick and affordable bite while exploring De Pijp. These local-approved, budget-friendly spots are perfect for avoiding tourist traps and experiencing the city's diverse culinary scene.
Amsterdam has a reputation for being expensive — and sure, a tourist-trap pasta on Leidseplein will run you €22. But the city's real food scene is built on its immigrant communities: Surinamese roti joints, Indonesian takeaway counters, Turkish döner stands, and falafel shops that put your hometown's to shame. Add in iconic Dutch street food like frites and bitterballen, and you can eat like royalty for under €10.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/Amsterdam, r/Netherlands, r/travel, and r/foodtravel to find the spots that actual Amsterdam locals and budget-savvy travelers recommend over and over. Skip the Damrak tourist traps — these are the spots worth your euros.
Cheap Eats Map
1. Vleminckx Sausmeesters
How we built this list
We analyzed 200+ Reddit posts and 1,500+ comments across r/Amsterdam, r/Netherlands, r/travel, and r/foodtravel — spanning 2019 to 2025. Spots were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every place on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different people. We weighted long-term resident picks more heavily than first-time tourist posts.
1Vleminckx Sausmeesters
Frites
Verdict: The most Reddit-recommended frites in Amsterdam, period.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Frites in Centrum, Voetboogstraat with a €3–€6 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 5,604 Google reviews · Known for belgian fries, homemade fries · Frites
- Limitations
- Usually short line on weekdays; often long at weekend peak
- Price / value
- €3–€6 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- The most Reddit-recommended frites in Amsterdam, period. This tiny takeaway-only window near Spui has been slinging double-fried perfection since 1957. Get oorlog sauce. Join the queue. It moves fast.
- What to order
- Vleminckx Sausmeesters, located in Centrum on Voetboogstraat, is known for its frites, though pricing information is unavailable. A large puntzak (cone) of frites with oorlog sauce (mayo, peanut sauce, and raw onion) is the classic Amsterdam combo. Frietsaus (Dutch mayo) is the purist's choice.
- Best time to go
- Weekday late morning or early afternoon; avoid Saturday 2–5 pm
- Wait expectation
- Usually short line on weekdays; often long at weekend peak
- Reservation
- Usually not needed
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, happycow-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 7:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 7:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 7:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 7:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 7:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
"Vleminckx is the gold standard for fries in Amsterdam. Skip Manneken Pis — the line at Vleminckx is worth it. The oorlog sauce is life-changing."
— r/Amsterdam · Best fries in Amsterdam thread
"Been going to Vleminckx since the '90s. Hasn't changed. Still the best frites in the city."
— r/Amsterdam
2Maoz Falafel
Falafel
Verdict: The all-you-can-stuff salad bar makes this insane value.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Falafel in De Pijp, Albert Cuypstraat (+ Centrum locations) with a €5–€8 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 346 Google reviews · Falafel · De Pijp, Albert Cuypstraat (+ Centrum locations)
- Limitations
- Price band: €5–€8
- Price / value
- €5–€8 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- The all-you-can-stuff salad bar makes this insane value. The Albert Cuyp location is the best one — fresh, busy, great turnover. Fully vegan and you'll struggle to spend more than €7. The coriander sauce warning is real.
- What to order
- Maoz Falafel, a falafel shop with a 4.5-star rating, has locations in De Pijp on Albert Cuypstraat and in Centrum, though pricing information is unavailable. Order the falafel pita with unlimited salad bar toppings and load it up with hummus, pickled veggies, and tahini. Warning: the coriander sauce at the back is nuclear hot.
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 9:00 PMTue12:00 – 9:00 PMWed12:00 – 9:00 PMThu12:00 – 9:00 PMFri12:00 – 9:00 PMSat12:00 – 9:00 PMSun1:00 – 9:00 PM
"The Maoz on the Albert Cuypstraat is absolutely the best by a long shot."
— r/Amsterdam · Best Falafel in town thread
"Maoz is very good falafel, watch out for the nuclear coriander sauce (the one at the back, not the one at the front)."
— r/Amsterdam · Best streetfood thread
3Nieuw Albina
Surinamese
Verdict: Surinamese food is Amsterdam's secret weapon for cheap eating.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Surinamese in De Pijp, Albert Cuypstraat with a €8–€13 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 753 Google reviews · Surinamese · De Pijp, Albert Cuypstraat
- Limitations
- Price band: €8–€13
- Price / value
- €8–€13 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- Surinamese food is Amsterdam's secret weapon for cheap eating. Nieuw Albina serves enormous portions of roti, rice dishes, and bakabana that will leave you stuffed for under €10. The quintessential De Pijp cheap eat.
- What to order
- Nieuw Albina, a Surinamese restaurant with a 4.3-star rating, is located in De Pijp on Albert Cuypstraat, though pricing information is unavailable. Roti with chicken or lamb is a must — a massive Surinamese flatbread wrapped around curried meat, potatoes, and long beans. Get the pom (a Surinamese casserole with chicken and citrus root) if they have it.
🕐 Open now
MonClosedTue11:30 AM – 9:30 PMWed11:30 AM – 9:30 PMThu11:30 AM – 9:30 PMFri11:30 AM – 9:30 PMSat11:30 AM – 9:30 PMSun12:00 – 9:30 PM
"Nieuw Albina on Albert Cuypstraat. Amazing Surinamese food, you'll get a huge plate for less than €10."
— r/Amsterdam · Cheap places to eat thread
"Many places do a roti platter for around €9 if you get tempeh or chicken on the bone. For example Albina near the Albert Cuypmarkt."
— r/Amsterdam · Good meals around 6-9 euros thread
4Tokoman
Surinamese Broodje
Verdict: The most legendary Surinamese sandwich shop in Amsterdam.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Surinamese Broodje in Centrum, Waterlooplein with a €5–€9 spend range
- Strengths
- 4★ from 169 Google reviews · Surinamese Broodje · Centrum, Waterlooplein
- Limitations
- Price band: €5–€9
- Price / value
- €5–€9 · 4★
- Why it made the list
- The most legendary Surinamese sandwich shop in Amsterdam. Tiny, cash-only, no-frills — just outstanding broodjes. The pom is unlike anything you've had before. Go at lunch, expect to queue, and bring cash.
- What to order
- Tokoman, a Surinamese broodje shop with a 4-star rating, is located in Centrum on Waterlooplein, though pricing information is unavailable. Try the broodje pom — a soft white roll filled with pom (Surinamese chicken-citrus root casserole). Also try the broodje bakkeljauw (salt cod) or heri heri.
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 7:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 7:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 7:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 7:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 7:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 7:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
"Tokoman broodje pom is one of the best sandwiches you'll eat in your life. It's like €5 and it's incredible. This is what locals eat."
— r/Amsterdam
"For Surinamese broodjes, Tokoman near Waterlooplein is THE spot. Cash only, tiny, always a queue at lunch. Worth it."
— r/Netherlands
5FEBO
Dutch Snacks
Verdict: Is FEBO great food?
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Dutch Snacks in Various locations city-wide with a €2–€5 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 1,581 Google reviews · Dutch Snacks · Various locations city-wide
- Limitations
- Price band: €2–€5
- Price / value
- €2–€5 · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- Is FEBO great food? No. Is it a uniquely Dutch cultural experience where you buy deep-fried snacks from a vending machine wall at 2am? Absolutely. Do it once. Get the kroket. Embrace the chaos.
- What to order
- FEBO, a Dutch snack vending machine chain with various locations city-wide, has unavailable rating and pricing information. The kroket (beef croquette) from the wall is the best item. Also try the kaassouflé (cheese soufflé). Skip the burgers. Pro tip: the fried chicken from the counter (not the wall) is secretly great.
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 3:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 3:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 3:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 3:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 4:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 4:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
"FEBO fried chicken (not the stuff from the drawers — walk down the back) is really f***ing good!"
— r/Amsterdam · Best streetfood thread
"Stroopwafels, herring and FEBO are the local things to try. Stay away from any of the TikTok spots."
— r/travel · Amsterdam food scene thread, 2025
6Albert Cuyp Market
Street Food / Stroopwafel
Verdict: Amsterdam's most famous street market — and the epicenter of cheap eating in the city.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Street Food / Stroopwafel in De Pijp, Albert Cuypstraat with a €3–€8 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 986 Google reviews · Street Food / Stroopwafel · De Pijp, Albert Cuypstraat
- Limitations
- gets busy after 11am
- Price / value
- €3–€8 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Amsterdam's most famous street market — and the epicenter of cheap eating in the city. Stroll the length of it grazing on stroopwafels, herring, kibbeling, and whatever smells best. Open Mon-Sat, gets busy after 11am.
- What to order
- Albert Cuyp Market, a street food market with a 4.5-star rating, is located in De Pijp on Albert Cuypstraat, though pricing information is unavailable. A fresh stroopwafel made to order is a must (warm, gooey caramel — nothing like the packaged ones). Also: raw herring with onions, kibbeling (fried fish), and Surinamese snacks from the stalls.
🕐 Closed now
Mon9:30 AM – 5:00 PMTue9:30 AM – 5:00 PMWed9:30 AM – 5:00 PMThu9:30 AM – 5:00 PMFri9:30 AM – 5:00 PMSat9:30 AM – 5:00 PMSunClosed
"Get a fresh stroopwafel from the Albert Cuyp Market. The warm ones made in front of you are a completely different experience from the packaged ones in stores."
— r/travel
"The Sonny falafel stand just off Albert Cuypmarkt is really good falafel."
— r/Amsterdam · Must-eats thread
7Kantjil & de Tijger
Indonesian
Verdict: The best-known Indonesian restaurant in central Amsterdam, and surprisingly affordable for takeaway.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Indonesian in Centrum, Spuistraat with a €8–€14 spend range
- Strengths
- 4★ from 2,651 Google reviews · Known for rijsttafel, nasi rames · Indonesian
- Limitations
- the nasi rames takeaway is the budget move
- Price / value
- €8–€14 · 4★
- Why it made the list
- The best-known Indonesian restaurant in central Amsterdam, and surprisingly affordable for takeaway. The rijsttafel (rice table) is a tourist must-try, but the nasi rames takeaway is the budget move. Indonesian food is Amsterdam's colonial culinary legacy — try it at least once.
- What to order
- Kantjil & de Tijger, an Indonesian restaurant located in Centrum on Spuistraat, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Order the nasi rames (rice table sampler) — a plate loaded with rice and small portions of satay, rendang, sambal goreng, and more. Takeaway is significantly cheaper than dine-in.
- Best time to go
- Lunch for cheaper takeaway; reserve ahead for dinner
- Wait expectation
- Can get busy at dinner; reservations recommended
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, facebook-snippet, opentable-snippet, travel-blog-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"Take away Indonesian food from Kantjil & de Tijger is also pretty cheap. Agree with the suggestion of eating at a Suriname or Indonesian place."
— r/Netherlands · Cheap places to eat in Amsterdam thread
8Hap-Hmm
Dutch Home Cooking
Verdict: The only spot on this list serving proper Dutch home cooking at budget prices.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Dutch Home Cooking in Oud-West, Eerste Helmersstraat with a €8–€12 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,523 Google reviews · Known for stamppot, dutch home cooking · Dutch Home Cooking
- Limitations
- cash only, and the portions are enormous
- Price / value
- €8–€12 · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The only spot on this list serving proper Dutch home cooking at budget prices. Open since 1935, cash only, and the portions are enormous. If you want to understand what Dutch people actually eat at home, this is it.
- What to order
- Hap-Hmm, a Dutch home cooking restaurant located in Oud-West on Eerste Helmersstraat, has unavailable rating and pricing information. The stamppot is the way to go — mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (boerenkool/kale or hutspot/carrot-onion), served with a smoked sausage (rookworst) and gravy. Real Dutch grandma food.
- Best time to go
- Arrive early for dinner service
- Wait expectation
- Can fill up quickly because seating is limited
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon5:00 – 9:15 PMTue5:00 – 9:15 PMWed5:00 – 9:15 PMThu5:00 – 9:15 PMFri5:00 – 9:15 PMSatClosedSunClosed
"Hap-Hmm is where you go for Dutch home cooking. Stamppot for under €10. It's like eating at your oma's house. Cash only."
— r/Amsterdam
"If you want actual traditional Dutch food, Hap-Hmm in Oud-West is the move. No-frills, huge portions, been there forever."
— r/Netherlands
9Leeman Döner
Turkish Kebab
Verdict: Amsterdam's most Reddit-mentioned döner spot.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Turkish Kebab in Centrum, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat with a €6–€10 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1,763 Google reviews · Known for doner kebab, home-baked buns · Turkish Kebab
- Limitations
- Usually quick, but lines form when it gets busy
- Price / value
- €6–€10 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Amsterdam's most Reddit-mentioned döner spot. Located in the Leidseplein nightlife area, it's both a solid dinner option and the ultimate 1am kebab. The meat is properly seasoned, the bread is fresh, and the portions are generous.
- What to order
- Leeman Döner, a Turkish kebab shop located in Centrum on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Order the döner kebab plate with rice, salad, and all the sauces. The durum wrap is also excellent for eating on the go. Late-night hours make this perfect post-bar fuel.
- Best time to go
- Lunch or early dinner before the rush
- Wait expectation
- Usually quick, but lines form when it gets busy
- Reservation
- Usually not needed
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, delivery-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Open now
MonClosedTue12:00 – 9:00 PMWed12:00 – 9:00 PMThu12:00 – 9:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSat12:00 – 9:00 PMSun12:00 – 9:00 PM
"For kebab Leeman Doner is a classic."
— r/Amsterdam · Amsterdam Food Spots thread, 2024
10Toko Bersama
Indonesian
Verdict: When locals want cheap Indonesian takeaway, this is where they go.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Indonesian in Oud-West with a €7–€11 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.9★ from 9,376 Google reviews · Known for indonesian takeaway, nasi goreng · Indonesian
- Limitations
- Price band: €7–€11
- Price / value
- €7–€11 · 4.9★
- Why it made the list
- When locals want cheap Indonesian takeaway, this is where they go. No-frills counter service, massive portions, and everything under €11. The nasi goreng is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick, filling lunch.
- What to order
- Toko Bersama, an Indonesian restaurant located in Oud-West, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) or bami goreng (fried noodles) are both excellent — both come with a fried egg, satay skewers, and sambal on the side. The gado-gado (peanut sauce veggie salad) is also excellent.
- Best time to go
- Lunch or early evening for takeaway
- Wait expectation
- Usually quick counter service
- Reservation
- Usually not needed
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, menu-page, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 9:30 PMTue12:00 – 9:30 PMWed12:00 – 9:30 PMThu12:00 – 9:30 PMFri12:00 – 9:30 PMSat12:00 – 9:30 PMSun12:00 – 9:30 PM
"For Indonesian there is soooo much but I really like Tashi Deleg or if you want a bit more budget Toko Bersama."
— r/Amsterdam · Amsterdam Food Spots thread, 2024
11Manneken Pis
Belgian Frites
Verdict: The most famous frites spot in Amsterdam — and honestly, they're solid even if not #1.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Belgian Frites in Centrum, Damrak with a €3–€6 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 11,952 Google reviews · Belgian Frites · Centrum, Damrak
- Limitations
- still good quality and open late
- Price / value
- €3–€6 · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- The most famous frites spot in Amsterdam — and honestly, they're solid even if not #1. More touristy than Vleminckx but still good quality and open late. The sauce selection is wild. It's right on Damrak so you'll walk past it anyway.
- What to order
- Manneken Pis, a Belgian frites shop located in Centrum on Damrak, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Order a medium cone with speciaal sauce (mayo, curry ketchup, and raw onion) or satay sauce (peanut). They have 15+ sauce options — go wild.
🕐 Open now
Mon10:00 AM – 12:00 AMTue10:00 AM – 12:00 AMWed10:00 AM – 12:00 AMThu10:00 AM – 12:00 AMFri10:00 AM – 12:30 AMSat10:00 AM – 12:30 AMSun10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
"I have tried Manneken Pis. It was good, but I don't think it's the best — what else is there?"
— r/Amsterdam · Best fries in Amsterdam thread
12Maenaam Thai
Thai
Verdict: Reliable, affordable Thai food in the dead center of Amsterdam.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Thai in Centrum, Spuistraat with a €8–€13 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,524 Google reviews · Known for thai curries, pad thai · Thai
- Limitations
- consistently good and honestly priced — a rarity in Centrum
- Price / value
- €8–€13 · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- Reliable, affordable Thai food in the dead center of Amsterdam. Nothing mind-blowing, but consistently good and honestly priced — a rarity in Centrum. Great lunch option between museum visits.
- What to order
- Maenaam Thai, a Thai restaurant located in Centrum on Spuistraat, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Pad thai or green curry with rice are great choices. Simple, well-executed Thai food at prices that won't make you cry. The tom kha gai soup is also excellent.
- Best time to go
- Lunch for a quicker stop; book ahead for dinner
- Wait expectation
- Can get busy because the space is small
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, thefork-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
Hours
MonTue4 – 10:30 PMWed4 – 10:30 PMThu4 – 10:30 PMFri4 – 10:30 PMSat4 – 10:30 PMSun
"Maenaam — Spuistraat: Reasonably priced Thai food."
— r/Amsterdam · 10 budget restaurants thread
13Food Brothers
Burgers
Verdict: A tiny burger joint that punches way above its weight.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Burgers in Centrum, Spuistraat with a €6–€10 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 1,574 Google reviews · Burgers · Centrum, Spuistraat
- Limitations
- Price band: €6–€10
- Price / value
- €6–€10 · 4.8★
- Why it made the list
- A tiny burger joint that punches way above its weight. No fancy brioche buns or truffle mayo — just a really good, honest burger at an honest price. Counter seating only, so grab-and-go is the move.
- What to order
- Food Brothers, a burger joint located in Centrum on Spuistraat, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Try their signature burger with homemade sauce — juicy, no-nonsense, and well under €10. The fries are hand-cut too. Simple menu, done well.
🕐 Open now
MonClosedTue5:00 PM – 1:00 AMWed5:00 PM – 1:00 AMThu5:00 PM – 1:00 AMFri5:00 PM – 2:00 AMSat5:00 PM – 2:00 AMSun5:00 – 10:00 PM
"Food Brothers — supposedly very good burger, good prices."
— r/Amsterdam · Amsterdam Food Spots thread, 2024
14Sonny Falafel
Falafel
Verdict: A small stand near the Albert Cuyp Market that locals swear by.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Falafel in De Pijp, near Albert Cuypmarkt with a €5–€8 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.9★ from 695 Google reviews · Falafel · De Pijp, near Albert Cuypmarkt
- Limitations
- arguably better falafel
- Price / value
- €5–€8 · 4.9★
- Why it made the list
- A small stand near the Albert Cuyp Market that locals swear by. Less known than Maoz but arguably better falafel. Freshly fried, crispy exterior, fluffy interior. The kind of place you only find from a local tip.
- What to order
- Sonny Falafel, a falafel shop with a 4.9-star rating, is located in De Pijp, near Albert Cuypmarkt, though pricing information is unavailable. Order the falafel wrap with all the toppings — hummus, tahini, pickled turnip, and hot sauce. Fresh, crunchy falafel made to order.
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 9:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 9:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 9:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSun12:00 – 9:00 PM
"The Sonny falafel stand just off Albert Cuypmarkt is really good falafel."
— r/Amsterdam · Must-eats in Amsterdam thread
15Chipsy King
Frites
Verdict: The local alternative to the tourist frites spots.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Frites in Various locations with a €3–€6 spend range
- Strengths
- 3.3★ from 895 Google reviews · Frites · Various locations
- Limitations
- Price band: €3–€6
- Price / value
- €3–€6 · 3.3★
- Why it made the list
- The local alternative to the tourist frites spots. Multiple locations around the city, consistently good fries, and slightly cheaper than Vleminckx or Manneken Pis. The joppiesaus is a must-try Dutch sauce you won't find outside NL.
- What to order
- Chipsy King, a frites shop with a 3.3-star rating and various locations, has unavailable pricing information. Order large fries with ketchup-mayo combo or joppiesaus (a tangy onion-curry sauce that's addictive). Cheap, crispy, and satisfying.
🕐 Open now
Mon10:00 AM – 3:00 AMTue10:00 AM – 3:00 AMWed10:00 AM – 3:00 AMThu10:00 AM – 3:00 AMFri10:00 AM – 4:00 AMSat10:00 AM – 4:00 AMSun10:00 AM – 3:00 AM
"I'm a big fan of Chipsy King."
— r/Amsterdam · Best streetfood thread
16Asian Kitchen
Chinese / Asian
Verdict: Not fancy, not Instagram-worthy, but genuinely cheap and filling in one of the most expensive parts of town.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Chinese / Asian in Centrum, Vijzelstraat with a €7–€9 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2,086 Google reviews · Chinese / Asian · Centrum, Vijzelstraat
- Limitations
- genuinely cheap and filling in one of the most expensive parts of town
- Price / value
- €7–€9 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Not fancy, not Instagram-worthy, but genuinely cheap and filling in one of the most expensive parts of town. When you need fuel and your wallet is running thin, Asian Kitchen delivers. Big portions for the price.
- What to order
- Asian Kitchen, a Chinese/Asian restaurant located in Centrum on Vijzelstraat, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Fried noodles or fried rice are both great options — both come in at €6.50–€9 and are loaded with vegetables and protein. Simple, filling, and perfect for a budget lunch.
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 9:45 PMTue12:00 – 9:45 PMWed12:00 – 9:45 PMThu12:00 – 9:45 PMFri12:00 – 9:45 PMSat12:00 – 9:45 PMSun12:00 – 9:45 PM
"I recently discovered that Asian Kitchen in Vijzelstraat sells fried noodles and rice for prices ranging from 6.50 to 9 euros."
— r/Amsterdam · Good meals around 6-9 euros thread
17Soenda Kelapa
Indonesian
Verdict: Another excellent Indonesian option in De Pijp.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Indonesian in De Pijp with a €8–€13 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 288 Google reviews · Known for rijsttafel, spicy small plates · Indonesian
- Limitations
- Price band: €8–€13
- Price / value
- €8–€13 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- Another excellent Indonesian option in De Pijp. Less touristy than Kantjil, more authentic flavors, and the sambal is properly spicy. If you eat Indonesian food once in Amsterdam (you should eat it multiple times), this is a top pick.
- What to order
- Soenda Kelapa, an Indonesian restaurant with a 4.3-star rating, is located in De Pijp, though pricing information is unavailable. Order the nasi rames — a generous plate of rice with multiple small Indonesian dishes. Also excellent: rendang (slow-cooked spiced beef) and ayam goreng (fried chicken with sambal).
- Best time to go
- Dinner; reserve ahead and avoid Tuesday when closed
- Wait expectation
- Reservations recommended; wait quality appears manageable once seated
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 5 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, quandoo-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Closed now
Mon6:00 – 11:00 PMTueClosedWed6:00 – 11:00 PMThu6:00 – 11:00 PMFri6:00 – 11:00 PMSat6:00 – 11:00 PMSun6:00 – 11:00 PM
"Soenda Kelapa is great for Indonesian food, there are a lot of felafel and shawarma places too which are usually good and cheap."
— r/Amsterdam · Inexpensive places to eat thread
18't Pakhuis
Dutch
Verdict: A proper Dutch eetcafé with daily specials that haven't changed price in years.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Dutch in Centrum with a €9–€14 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1,802 Google reviews · Known for daily specials, spareribs · Dutch
- Limitations
- Can get busy in the evening; reservations available
- Price / value
- €9–€14 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- A proper Dutch eetcafé with daily specials that haven't changed price in years. This is where office workers and locals eat — no tourists, no fuss, just a solid hot meal at an honest price. The kind of place that makes you feel like a temporary local.
- What to order
- 't Pakhuis, a Dutch restaurant located in Centrum, has unavailable rating and pricing information. Order the dagschotel (daily special) — a full hot meal that changes every day, usually a Dutch-style meat-and-potatoes or stew plate. Consistently around €9.50 and always filling.
- Best time to go
- Lunch or early dinner; weekdays if you want the all-you-can-eat spareribs deal
- Wait expectation
- Can get busy in the evening; reservations available
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, menu-page, tripadvisor-snippet, promo-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon1:00 – 11:00 PMTue1:00 – 11:00 PMWed1:00 – 11:00 PMThu1:00 – 11:00 PMFri1:00 – 11:00 PMSat1:00 – 11:00 PMSun1:00 – 11:00 PM
"The dagschotels at 't Pakhuis have been 9,50 for years now. Still one of my favorite cheap eats though."
— r/Amsterdam · 10 budget restaurants thread
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cheap meal cost in Amsterdam?
A budget meal in Amsterdam typically costs €5–€12. Street food like frites, falafel, and broodjes run €3–€8. Sit-down Indonesian and Surinamese spots offer huge plates for €8–€13. Supermarket chains like Albert Heijn have hot meals and sandwiches for €3–€6.
What is the best cheap food to eat in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam's best budget food comes from its immigrant communities. Surinamese roti and broodjes, Indonesian rijsttafel takeaway, Turkish döner kebabs, and Middle Eastern falafel are all excellent and affordable. Don't skip Dutch classics like frites with mayo, bitterballen, and stroopwafels from street markets.
Is Amsterdam expensive for food?
Sit-down restaurants in tourist areas can be pricey (€18–€30+ for mains), but Amsterdam has a thriving cheap eats scene if you know where to look. Stick to Surinamese/Indonesian spots, street markets like Albert Cuyp, and neighborhood takeaway joints. Avoid anything on Damrak or Leidseplein with photos on the menu.
Where should I eat cheap in Amsterdam — which neighborhoods?
De Pijp (around Albert Cuypmarkt) is the undisputed king of cheap eats — Surinamese, falafel, Indonesian, and market food all within a few blocks. Oud-West has great budget Indonesian spots. The Zeedijk area in Centrum has affordable Asian food. Avoid the Red Light District and Dam Square tourist traps.
What is FEBO and should I try it?
FEBO is a uniquely Dutch fast-food chain where you buy deep-fried snacks from heated vending machine walls — kroketten, frikandellen, and burgers. It's not gourmet, but it's a quintessential Amsterdam experience. Reddit consensus: go once for the novelty, but don't expect amazing food. The kroket is the best item.
What are the must-try Dutch street foods in Amsterdam?
Fresh stroopwafels from market stalls (not the packaged tourist ones), herring with onions and pickles (haring), patat/frites with mayo or peanut sauce, bitterballen (deep-fried beef ragout balls), and kroketten. Get your stroopwafel warm from the Albert Cuyp Market, and buy herring from a haringhandel stand.
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