Whether you’re a student on a tight budget or a traveler looking for affordable dining options, Amsterdam has plenty of delicious street food spots, local delicacies, and international cuisine for less. We will take you on a culinary journey through the city, exploring food markets and halls, hidden gems, budget-friendly breakfast places, affordable lunch stops, dinner deals not to miss, late-night eateries, coffee shops and bakeries, food trucks and pop-ups, and seasonal and festival foods. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive guide to the best budget eats in Amsterdam, so you can eat well and save money while exploring this beautiful city.

Let’s get started because the munchies is here and there so many options out there.

Top Street Food Spots

Amsterdam is famous for its street food culture and offers a wide variety of options for budget eats. Here are some of the top street food spots in Amsterdam that offer delicious food at affordable prices.

1. FEBO

FEBO is a popular fast food chain in Amsterdam that offers a unique experience of buying food from a wall of vending machines. They offer a range of Dutch snacks such as krokets, frikandels and burgers at reasonable prices. Prices start at around €2.50 per snack.

More info: FEBO

Click here for all available locations in Amsterdam: FEBO

2. Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is a Belgian fries shop that offers freshly made fries with a variety of sauces such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and peanut sauce. They also offer other Belgian specialties such as waffles and croquettes.

More info: Manneken Pis

Address – Nieuwendijk 222, 1012 MX Amsterdam | Damrak 41, 1012 LK Amsterdam

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For those who are vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of options in Amsterdam. One of the best places to visit is Vegan Junk Food Bar, where you can try out their vegan burgers and loaded fries.

Another great option is Maoz Vegetarian, where you can build your own falafel sandwich with a variety of toppings.

3. Maoz Vegetarian

Maoz Vegetarian is a vegetarian fast food chain that offers falafel wraps and bowls at affordable prices. They also offer a range of toppings such as hummus, tahini, and vegetables.

Address – Muntplein 1, 1017 CK Amsterdam | Damrak 40, 1012 LK Amsterdam | Leidsestraat 85, 1017 NX Amsterdam

4. The Butcher

The Butcher is a burger joint that offers delicious burgers, hotdogs and fries at reasonable prices. They also have a range of vegetarian options such as a veggie burger and a veggie hotdog.

Address – Albert Cuypstraat 129, 1072 CS Amsterdam | Paleisstraat 14, 1012 RB Amsterdam | Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam

5. Herring carts

Herring carts are a common sight in Amsterdam and offer fresh herring sandwiches with onions and pickles. They are a must-try for seafood lovers.

Address – Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 VX Amsterdam

These are just a few of the many street food spots in Amsterdam that offer budget eats. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines at affordable prices, making Amsterdam a great destination for foodies on a budget.

Dutch Classics – Sweet and salty

One of the must-try local delicacies is the Dutch Stroopwafel. These are thin waffles with a caramel filling, and they are sold all over the city. The best place to try them out is at the Albert Cuyp Market, where you can find them fresh and warm. As a tip, buy a Stroopwafel, put on top of a nice warm cup of coffee and wait a bit before eating it and sipping the coffee, it’s a must try. If you are more on a budget side, most dutch supermarkets like Jumbo, Albert Hein, Vomar, Lidl, sell cheap stroopwafels.

6. Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Markt Amsterdam

Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Markt Amsterdam – One of the top rated places for Stroopwafels but also an affordable price.

Another Dutch classic is the Bitterballen. These are deep-fried meatballs that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can find them at most bars and cafes in the city.

Address – Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 VX Amsterdam

More Sweet Treats for you

7. Van Stapele Koekmakerij

If you have a sweet tooth, then Amsterdam has plenty of options for you. One of the best places to visit is Van Stapele Koekmakerij, where you can try out their famous chocolate cookies. These cookies are made with a gooey chocolate filling and are a must-try for any chocolate lover.

Address – Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam

Another sweet treat to try out is Poffertjes. These are mini pancakes that are served with butter and powdered sugar. You can find them at the Albert Cuyp Market or at Pancake Bakery.

All of the places mentioned above are located in the city center, making them easily accessible by foot or public transportation.

International Cuisine For Less

Looking for a budget-friendly meal that will satisfy your cravings for international cuisine? Amsterdam has plenty of options to choose from! Here are some of the best places to enjoy Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin American flavors without breaking the bank.

Asian Influences

8. Wok to Walk

Wok to Walk is a popular chain that offers fast and delicious Asian stir-fries at affordable prices. Choose your favorite noodles, veggies, and sauces, and watch as the chefs cook your meal right in front of you. Don’t miss their crispy spring rolls and refreshing iced teas!

Address – Click here for all locations

9. Pho 91

Pho 91 is a cozy Vietnamese restaurant that serves hearty bowls of pho, bun cha, and banh mi sandwiches. The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are very reasonable. They also have vegetarian and vegan options available.

What We Liked – Definitely try the Pho 91 Noodle Soup. We love eating it during the winter, on a nice rainy cold day.

Address – Albert Cuypstraat 91 H, 1072 CP Amsterdam

10. Asian Kitchen

Asian Kitchen is a Chinese restaurant that offers most of the plates with Egg fried noodles and Egg fried rice. Here you can combine with a selection of beef, chicken, shrimp, pork or vegetables. This place not only is affordable starting at 10€ but also their portions are really big.

Address – Vijzelstraat 5-A, 1017 HD Amsterdam

11. Nam Kee

Not the cheapest restaurant in the menu but Nam Kee Restaurant, where the mouthwatering Chinese cuisine have cultivated a loyal fan base. This unassuming eatery is celebrated for its iconic steamed oysters in black bean sauce (8.50€), a dish that has reached legendary status among food aficionados. During peak hours, when the buzz of the crowd fills the air, consider visiting their expansive sibling establishment, Nam Tin, renowned for its exquisite dim sum. Alternatively, the equally impressive New King offers another exceptional dining experience that promises to delight your taste buds.

Address – Zeedijk 111-113, 1012 AV Amsterdam

12. Meneer Temaki

Meneer Temaki is a sushi and poke bowls bar that offers affordable and creative sushi rolls, hand rolls, and poke bowls. The chefs use high-quality ingredients and are not afraid to experiment with new combinations, using both Japanese and Hawaiian influences, cool right? Try their signature “Temaki Madness” roll for a spicy and crunchy treat.

Address – Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, 1053 RT Amsterdam

Latin American Bites

13. Taco Mundo

Taco Mundo is a casual eatery that serves authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the prices are very reasonable. Don’t forget to order some guacamole and chips to start!

Address – Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 1, 1054 BN Amsterdam | Ceintuurbaan 235, 1074 CX Amsterdam

14. Salsa Shop

Salsa Shop is a popular chain that offers customizable bowls, burritos, and tacos with a Caribbean twist. Choose your protein, rice, beans, and toppings, and enjoy a fresh and filling meal that won’t break the bank. They also have vegan and gluten-free options available.

Address – Click here to view all locations

Food Markets And Halls

Amsterdam is home to a variety of food markets and halls that offer delicious and affordable meals. Here are some of the best ones to check out:

Daily Markets

15. Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market: This market is located in the heart of De Pijp neighborhood and offers a wide variety of food, including Dutch specialties like stroopwafels and herring. There are also plenty of international options, such as Turkish borek and Moroccan tagine. Prices are reasonable, and the market is open every day except Sunday.

Address – Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 VX Amsterdam

16. Ten Katemarkt

Ten Katemarkt: This market is a bit smaller than Albert Cuyp, but still offers a great selection of food. You can find everything from fresh produce to hot meals, such as Surinamese roti and Vietnamese banh mi. The market is open every day except Sunday.

Address – 1053 DN Amsterdam

Weekend Specials

17. Foodhallen

Foodhallen: This indoor food hall is located in the trendy Oud-West neighborhood in a former tram depot in Amsterdam West. It offers features a variety of vendors selling everything from burgers to sushi to Dutch bitterballen, Vietnamese banh mi, and Spanish tapas. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. Weekends tend to be busy though.

Address – Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, 1053 RT Amsterdam

18. Pure Markt

Pure Markt: This outdoor market takes place on Sundays in various locations around the city. It features a wide variety of food, including organic and vegetarian options. You can also find artisanal products like cheese and bread. The prices are a bit higher than other markets, but the quality is top-notch. Here you can try from Shepherds Pie to cheeses, Dutch bakery and much more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Amsterdam’s food markets and halls have something for everyone. Plus, they offer a great opportunity to try new foods and mingle with locals.

Don’t forget to check their website for their schedule: Pure Markt.

Address – Click here to view all locations

Hidden Gems In The City

Amsterdam is full of hidden gems when it comes to budget eats. Here are a few lesser-known spots that offer delicious food at affordable prices.

19. De Pizzabakkers

De Pizzabakkers is a cozy pizzeria located in the trendy neighborhood of De Pijp. They offer a variety of delicious wood-fired pizzas, salads, and antipasti. The prices are reasonable, with most pizzas costing around €10-€12.

Address – Leliegracht 34HS, 1015 DG Amsterdam | Eerste Sweelinckstraat 16HS, 1073 CM Amsterdam

20. Casa Di Leo

Probably not the fanciest pizzeria around Amsterdam, but definitely has good prices if you are on a tight budget, you can get a regular pizza for around 8€, like the Pineapple for 8€ (Just kidding Italians, There is also Salame, Funghi and other pizzas for around 8€) that you can split for two.

Address – Lijnbaansgracht 274, 1017 RL Amsterdam

21. Café Thijssen

Café Thijssen is a cozy brown café located in the Jordaan neighborhood. They offer a variety of Dutch pub food, including bitterballen, croquettes, and sandwiches. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes costing around €5-€10 and you get the chance of trying the dutch culture of a “brown café”.

Address – Brouwersgracht 107, 1015 GD Amsterdam

22. Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx

Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx (I bet you are not even trying to read this outloud, we sure “butchered” it :D). is a small fry shop located in the city center. They offer some of the best fries in Amsterdam, with a variety of sauces to choose from. Prices are affordable, with a small portion of fries costing around €3.

Address – Voetboogstraat 33, 1012 XK Amsterdam

23. Bakers & Roasters

Bakers & Roasters is a cozy café located in the De Pijp neighborhood. They offer a variety of breakfast and brunch options, including pancakes, eggs benedict, and avocado toast. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes costing around €10-€15.

Address – Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, 1072 BH Amsterdam | Kadijksplein 16, 1018 AC Amsterdam

24. Friet van Oost

As commendable consideration and a little outside the center, if you are located in Oost part of Amsterdam or just visiting or feel like a stroll, Friet Van Oost is a must try if you love fries. They are specialized in french fries with a immense variety of sauces and also side orders like Vegetarian Spring Roll (homemade), Vegetable and Satay Croquette from Dobben, Vegetarian Noodles slice. Vegetarian Beef Croquette, Vegetarian Hamburger and Vegetarian Frikandel.

These hidden gems offer budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore Amsterdam’s food scene without breaking the bank.

Address – Fizeaustraat 15, 1097 SC Amsterdam

Budget-Friendly Breakfast Places

Amsterdam is known for its delicious breakfast options, and there are plenty of budget-friendly places to choose from. Here are some of the best options for a delicious and affordable breakfast in Amsterdam:

25. Bagels & Beans

Bagels & Beans: This popular chain offers a variety of bagels with different toppings, as well as other breakfast options like smoothie bowls and yogurt with fruit. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Sometimes we even enjoy doing some remote work from here and enjoy the coffee and the atmosphere.

Address – Click here for all locations

26. Toastable

Toastable specializes in, you guessed it, toast! They offer a variety of toppings, from classic butter and jam to more adventurous options like avocado and smoked salmon. Prices are very affordable, making this a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Address – Singel 441, 1012 WP Amsterdam | Nieuwendijk 6, 1012 MK Amsterdam

27. De Laatste Kruimel

De Laatste Kruimel: Charming bakery that serves a variety of sweet and savory treats. Their sandwiches are particularly noteworthy, with options like smoked salmon and cream cheese or roasted vegetables and hummus. Prices start at around €4, making it an excellent option for a quick and affordable lunch, the prices can be a bit higher, but it’s definitely worth for those who crave bakery.

Address – Langebrugsteeg 4, 1012 GB Amsterdam

28. Omelegg

Omelegg: Omelettes are the specialty at Omelegg, and they offer a wide variety of eggcelent options to choose from. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Omelegg you need to try this, I mean OMG…

Address – Nieuwebrugsteeg 24, 1012 AH Amsterdam | Ferdinand Bolstraat 143, 1072 LH Amsterdam

29. Staring at Jacob

Staring at Jacob: This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, including pancakes, waffles, and avocado toast. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. I wonder how it would be, to be with my friend Jacob in Staring at Jacob, staring at him the whole time…

No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of delicious breakfast options to choose from in Amsterdam. These are just a few of the best budget-friendly places to start your day off right.

Address – Jacob Van Lennepkade 215, 1054 ZP Amsterdam

30. Broodje Bert

Broodje Bert is a cozy sandwich shop that offers a range of delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads. The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and come in generous portions. Prices start at around €5, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.

Address – Singel 321, 1012 WK Amsterdam

Dinner Deals Not To Miss

When it comes to budget-friendly dinner options in Amsterdam, there are plenty of deals to be found. Here are some of the best dinner deals not to miss:

31. Jungle Burger

Jungle Burger is a popular spot for burger lovers, one of top rated burgers in Amsterdam which makes it worth the price although not the cheapest in Amsterdam. You can get a regular burger for 9.5€ or get a combo for 15.5€. There are a bit more expensive options with more ingredients, so it all depends on your budget.

Address – Wijde Kapelsteeg 6, 1012 NS Amsterdam

32. Satellite Sports Café

Satellite Sports Café is a popular spot for barbecue lovers and Sports. They offer a daily special where you can get all you can eat spare ribs for 15.95€ until 10pm, after 10pm the price lowers to 13.95€. The ribs come with a bbq sauce and with a side order of chips or baked potato included, and the atmosphere is sporty and laid-back. Be aware, if you delve into this adventure, we recommend doing a shortwalk home in order to digest well, if you don’t want to arrive home looking like Obelix.

Address – Leidseplein 11, 1017 PS Amsterdam

Overall, Amsterdam has plenty of budget-friendly dinner options that won’t break the bank. These are just a few of the best deals to be found in the city.

Food Trucks And Pop-Ups worth visiting

33. The Beef Chief

The Beef Chief: This food truck serves up some of the best burgers in Amsterdam. The Beef Chief uses only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering burgers that are sure to satisfy.

Good To Know – If you are looking for an early, we recommend getting there before 15:00 as they have brunch and sandwiches at a good price.

Address – C. van Eesterenlaan 35, 1019 JK Amsterdam | Gedempt Hamerkanaal 85, 1021 KP Amsterdam

34. Braai

Braai: If you’re looking for authentic South African cuisine, look no further than Braai. This food truck serves up delicious grilled meats, including boerewors and sosaties.

Address – Van Limburg Stirumstraat 14A, 1051 BB Amsterdam | Schinkelhavenkade 1, 1075 VS Amsterdam

35. De BallenBar

De BallenBar: De BallenBar is a food truck that specializes in Dutch bitterballen. These deep-fried meatballs are a popular snack in the Netherlands, and De BallenBar serves them up with a variety of dipping sauces. Now you can also find them in the Foodhallen.

Address – Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, 1053 RT Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s street food scene is thriving, and food trucks and pop-ups are a great way to taste delicious food on a budget. Here are some of the best food trucks and pop-ups in Amsterdam:

Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, nachos, or something else entirely, Amsterdam’s food trucks and pop-ups have got you covered.

Tips For Eating Cheap

When traveling on a budget, it’s important to be mindful of your food expenses. Here are some tips for eating cheap in Amsterdam:

1. Look for Local Markets

Amsterdam has several local markets that offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses at affordable prices. Some of the popular markets include Albert Cuyp Market, Dappermarkt, and Noordermarkt. These markets are a great place to buy ingredients for a picnic or to cook your own meals.

2. Try Dutch Street Food

Street food is a great way to experience local cuisine without breaking the bank. In Amsterdam, you can find a variety of street food options such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring. These snacks are not only delicious but also inexpensive.

3. Look for Budget-Friendly Restaurants

There are several restaurants in Amsterdam that offer budget-friendly meals. Some of the popular options include Maoz Vegetarian, FEBO, Asian Kitchen and Wok to Walk. These restaurants offer meals for under €10 and are perfect for travelers on a budget. If you eating with no limits is your thing then Satellite Sports Café is your best deal.

4. Avoid Tourist Traps

Tourist areas tend to have higher prices, so it’s best to avoid restaurants and cafes in these areas. Instead, venture out to local neighborhoods where you can find more affordable options. Avoid the typical “Gauffre” also know as “Waffle” houses as the food is basically a chain distribution and not very good quality (Unless you have the munchies and are craving for some sugar).

5. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials

Many restaurants in Amsterdam offer lunch specials that are cheaper than their dinner menu. This is a great way to try out new restaurants without breaking the bank.

By following these tips, travelers can enjoy delicious meals in Amsterdam without overspending.

Amsterdam Dining Etiquette

When dining in Amsterdam, there are a few cultural norms and expectations to keep in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience in the city:

1. Don’t rush

Dutch people value their leisure time and meals are no exception. When dining in Amsterdam, it is important to take your time and enjoy the experience. Rushing through a meal or asking for the bill too soon may be seen as impolite.

2. Make a reservation

Many popular restaurants in Amsterdam require reservations, especially during peak hours. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.

3. Splitting the bill

In Dutch culture, it is common for each person to pay for their own meal, rather than splitting the bill evenly. If you are dining with a group, make sure to clarify how the bill will be split beforehand.

4. Tipping

Tipping in Amsterdam is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. It is common to leave a tip for good service. However, some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so it is important to check before leaving an additional tip, check the menu or in the payment system screen before tipping.

5. Cash vs. card

While most restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, some smaller establishments may only accept cash. It is always a good idea to carry some cash with you when dining out in the city.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a pleasant and respectful dining experience in Amsterdam without breaking the bank.