What Food To Try in Amsterdam and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Amsterdam for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Amsterdam cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.37
$71
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $54.59
$10.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.55
What to Try in Amsterdam
Must-try Dishes
Stroopwafel - Caramel Waffle (sweet, chewy treat) - Two thin waffles filled with a gooey caramel syrup, often served warm. Locals love to enjoy them at street markets with a hot drink on colder days.Bitterballen - Deep-fried Balls (savory snack) - Crispy, breaded balls filled with a rich beef ragout, typically served with mustard for dipping. They’re a staple at bars during happy hour, perfect for sharing with friends as you sip on a Dutch beer.
Haring - Raw Herring (fresh fish) - Fresh herring fish, usually enjoyed with onions and pickles, often eaten by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. Most locals indulge in this hearty snack during summer festivals at the harbor or at fish stalls around the city.
Patat - Dutch Fries (thick-cut potatoes) - Thick, crispy fries served with an array of colorful toppings, especially the classic mayonnaise or satay sauce. It’s a popular street food choice late at night, especially after a night out, and you can’t go wrong with choosing a stall in the lively neighborhoods.
Oliebollen - Dutch Doughnuts (seasonal pastry) - Deep-fried dough balls often filled with apple or raisins and dusted with powdered sugar; traditionally enjoyed during New Year’s celebrations. You'll find them at festive markets, and it's an absolute must during the winter months.
Broodje Haring - Herring Sandwich (open-faced delight) - A fresh herring filet placed on a crusty, soft bun, frequently garnished with onions and pickles. Locals grab these quick bites from specialty fish shops, often for lunch, and the experience is enhanced by a leisurely stroll through the canals.
Boerenkool - Kale Stew (hearty comfort food) - Mashed potatoes mixed with steamed kale and served with a sausage; it’s a creamy and comforting dish. Mostly served during winter, you'll find it cherished in family homes, often paired with a side of gravy.
Indonesian Rice Table - Rijsttafel (spicy feast) - A colorful array of small dishes (like satays, curries, and vegetables), showcasing the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine, influenced by Dutch colonial history. It’s a festive meal for dinner, typically enjoyed during special occasions and often shared among large groups.
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Warme Chocolademelk (rich cocoa drink) - Decadent hot chocolate made with high-quality cocoa and whole milk, often topped with whipped cream. It's a cozy treat enjoyed in local cafés on chilly afternoons, perfect for warming up after a bike ride through the canals.Bitterballen Beer - Bitterballen Bier (snack pair) - A popular Dutch beer that pairs beautifully with bitterballen, a savory meat-filled snack. Locals often savor this combo in the late afternoon at brown cafés while catching up with friends—just don’t expect to find it at fancy restaurants; it’s all about laid-back vibes!
Poffertjes - Poffertjes (mini pancakes) - Fluffy, little Dutch pancakes made with a special batter, served warm, often sprinkled with powdered sugar. Street vendors serve these golden delights at fairs or markets, typically enjoyed as an on-the-go treat while exploring the city.
Ice Cream - Stroopwafel IJs (syrup waffle ice cream) - This delightful cold treat features creamy ice cream mixed with chunks of stroopwafel, the beloved caramel-filled waffle cookie. Best enjoyed during a hot summer day while strolling the streets—just be warned; locals might sneak in another stroopwafel to have alongside it!
Apple Pie - Appeltaart (traditional pie) - A moist apple pie with a crumbly crust, often served warm with a dollop of whipped cream. IKEA might not be the best version—locals swear by small coffee shops for authentic flavors, often shared on family gatherings or chilly Sundays.
Food and Groceries in Amsterdam
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.75 |
| Bananas | $1.81 |
| Oranges | $1.94 |
| Potatoes | $1.58 |
| Apples | $2.42 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.84 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.53 |
| Imported Beer | $1.74 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6 |
| Milk 1L | $1.27 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $18.06 |
| Chicken | $10.75 |
| Cigarettes | $8.95 |
| Rice | $2.27 |
| Local Cheese | $13.24 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The first thing that hits you about Amsterdam's food prices is the sheer variety you can encounter. A casual lunch at a cozy café can easily set you back about €15 for a sandwich and a drink, while a similar meal in a more touristy area might push that to around €20. If you’re a fan of breakfasts, morning spots often fill up quickly, especially on weekends when brunching becomes a local sport (I’ve learned the hard way to arrive before 10:30 am to avoid long waits).
Eating in Amsterdam is a bit different from, say, Paris, where meals can last for hours amidst stiff waiting. Here, locals often enjoy a quicker pace, particularly during lunch hours, which typically stretch from noon to 2 pm. In fact, I’ve seen cafés bustling with office workers grabbing a quick bite and getting back to the grind. Dinner, on the other hand, usually ramps up after 6 pm and doesn't wrap until well after 8. It’s the kind of scene where, elbow to elbow, you share tables and stories with friends and strangers alike.
Exploring neighborhoods is essential to understanding Amsterdam’s dining habits. Places like De Pijp and Jordaan are filled with charming eateries that can accommodate both budget-conscious adventurers (€10 to €30 for a meal) and those wanting to splurge a bit more (€30 to €60 for an upscale dining experience). And oh, the payment customs here! Unlike some cities where splitting bills can be a fuss, Amsterdam’s casual etiquette allows for an easy split, and most diners simply transfer euros through apps, making the whole experience smoother.
Oh, before I forget – tipping here isn’t obligatory, but if service resonates with you, rounding up to 10% is a nice touch. That little extra genuinely goes a long way for your server.
Despite how friendly local dining feels, a common tourist mistake is underestimating the need for reservations, particularly at popular spots that craft amazing evening menus. Even the quaintest of cafes can fill to bursting, especially during weekends. For instance, arriving at peak dinner times without a reservation can lead to a long wait, or worse—having to settle for something that isn't as delightful as you hoped.
As temperatures cool, autumn brings about a shift in dining habits, with many embracing hearty stews and comforting dishes. It's fascinating to witness how what’s on the plate reflects the changing seasons—though seasonal dishes in different neighborhoods can vary in price and quality.
Overall, it’s a vibrant scene here, always evolving, and understanding the local rhythm around food isn’t just about what you eat but how you fit into the community. And believe me, experiencing it firsthand only adds to the flavor of this remarkable city.
Eating in Amsterdam is a bit different from, say, Paris, where meals can last for hours amidst stiff waiting. Here, locals often enjoy a quicker pace, particularly during lunch hours, which typically stretch from noon to 2 pm. In fact, I’ve seen cafés bustling with office workers grabbing a quick bite and getting back to the grind. Dinner, on the other hand, usually ramps up after 6 pm and doesn't wrap until well after 8. It’s the kind of scene where, elbow to elbow, you share tables and stories with friends and strangers alike.
Exploring neighborhoods is essential to understanding Amsterdam’s dining habits. Places like De Pijp and Jordaan are filled with charming eateries that can accommodate both budget-conscious adventurers (€10 to €30 for a meal) and those wanting to splurge a bit more (€30 to €60 for an upscale dining experience). And oh, the payment customs here! Unlike some cities where splitting bills can be a fuss, Amsterdam’s casual etiquette allows for an easy split, and most diners simply transfer euros through apps, making the whole experience smoother.
Oh, before I forget – tipping here isn’t obligatory, but if service resonates with you, rounding up to 10% is a nice touch. That little extra genuinely goes a long way for your server.
Despite how friendly local dining feels, a common tourist mistake is underestimating the need for reservations, particularly at popular spots that craft amazing evening menus. Even the quaintest of cafes can fill to bursting, especially during weekends. For instance, arriving at peak dinner times without a reservation can lead to a long wait, or worse—having to settle for something that isn't as delightful as you hoped.
As temperatures cool, autumn brings about a shift in dining habits, with many embracing hearty stews and comforting dishes. It's fascinating to witness how what’s on the plate reflects the changing seasons—though seasonal dishes in different neighborhoods can vary in price and quality.
Overall, it’s a vibrant scene here, always evolving, and understanding the local rhythm around food isn’t just about what you eat but how you fit into the community. And believe me, experiencing it firsthand only adds to the flavor of this remarkable city.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
Me: How much do you spend on food per day?
Her: Well, about 50 euros…
Me: What, are you going there to eat?
Her: Yes! Including eating!
Honestly, it's amazing to enjoy not just the culture but also the food when you're in a different country. Back home, I don’t eat Argentine, Mexican, or much Japanese food (other than sushi rolls). But in Amsterdam, there are plenty of those restaurants!
Imagine a regular tourist visiting Amsterdam for the first time. Their eyes compete with their wallet and jaw as they try to take in as much as possible. Eventually, the budget shrinks rapidly, leading to the question of where to find good, and most importantly, affordable bites!
Amsterdam's fast food scene is quite solid. You've got McDonald's, Starbucks, and various burger places. It's easy to grab something similar, and all it’s pretty affordable. I used to get my daily coffee from Starbucks—it's just incredibly tasty! The price is around 3 euros, which, at the time, was cheaper than coffee from Starbucks back home.
Not all snack places are created equal!
Now, let's take a peek at Amsterdam’s take on fast food. Forget the big brands like McDonald's or Starbucks and look for the trucks selling the famous Dutch herring! The pleasure costs just a couple of euros, and the taste is definitely memorable. You get onions, a pickled crunchy cucumber, and a soft bun to go with it.
What do you think about Chinese food? No, not instant noodles. It's way more interesting!
One time, we went to a small eatery, paid 9 euros, and… hit the ceiling at a real Chinese buffet! There were all sorts of dumplings filled with cabbage, noodles, rice, meat, and some fried goodies that are hard to describe but delicious! You can eat as much as you want for an hour—drinks are extra. What’s interesting is that there’s one long table where all the guests sit together, just like a big Chinese family! We also recommend checking out a chain of Chinese takeout called Wok and Walk. It’s a small place where the hardworking staff prepares tasty meals quickly. They have a little price list, so you can pick the type of noodles (wheat, buckwheat, udon, and others) for around 5 euros, then choose your toppings, sauces, and proteins (each additional item costs about 2 euros). And in just a little while, you walk away with a large box of noodles to enjoy sitting on the canal’s curb, taking in the view of passing boats. So tasty and accessible—it's around 8-10 euros for a large portion. Though, be ready for lines!
Tapas
Tapas are those small dishes served in a wide variety. We learned about them from our landlord, who highly recommended them and pointed us toward the nearest café, praising it enthusiastically. We didn’t quite catch everything, but the idea of trying tapas excited us.
We went to the suggested café run by a Spanish owner. We were handed a menu. Not understanding the language, even deciphering the English menu felt miraculous. You could gather enough from it for a hearty meal. The tapas menu, however, was in Spanish. They simply told us: this section is meat dishes, this one is seafood, and this one is salads… So we decided to take the risk and just pick. "Hey, what are you ordering?"
"I’ll go for dish number 21!"
That’s pretty much how we ordered everything. It turned out well and tasty, but… it was more fun than filling. Tapas are meant to be snacks, not full meals, so to feel satisfied, you’ll need to order at least 2-3 tapas per person. They aren’t cheap, with one plate of meat costing about 8 euros. So, if you order 2-3 plates, it adds up quite a bit. After tapas, we sought out herring!
Several times, we dined at unpretentious cafés: Spanish, Mexican, Argentine... Each place was tasty but without any flair. The good news? They often serve large portions and frequently include fries as a side dish. We really indulged in fries there!
Cooking Yourself
A convenient option if you’ve rented your own place and have some cookware, a stove, and a fridge. This can save you a lot of money, and cooking is simple. For instance, we often bought Dutch cheeses, which have a huge variety, and made sandwiches with coffee.
A little tip: don’t rush into the nearest grocery store just because it’s the biggest or the most famous. It may not have the best prices. We suggest checking out Albert Heijn stores. They have the original sign, with "ah" in blue letters. Overall, prices are probably similar to what you’d find at home. Eggs are about the same, tea is cheaper, and meat might be slightly more expensive. Cheese is available for any budget, while deli meats can be quite pricey. Rice and pasta are about the same as back home.
Supermarkets generally operate until around 8-9 PM, but there are some that are open 24 hours. Cafés mostly stay open until 10 PM, and afterward, you can only drink until midnight. We only managed to find one Mexican place that was open until 1 AM—thankfully, it saved us on our arrival day! So, you definitely won’t go hungry in Amsterdam! »
You know, it’s all part of experiencing the culture. It’s said that in France, wine is the drink of choice, in the Czech Republic, it's beer, and in England, they go for scotch, brandy, or tea. But in Amsterdam? It's all about the liqueurs! The city is filled with various bars and pubs. I remember visiting a classic pub where the walls were lined with blackboards, filled with different types of beer written in chalk. Everything was delicious and affordable. What stood out the most, though, was a man with a little pocket-sized dog sitting by his feet. Despite the dog being tiny, it made quite a ruckus! Thankfully, everyone survived the encounter without any major drama.
But what I fondly recall to this day is a historic liqueur shop we stumbled upon and ended up visiting almost daily – Wynand Fockink.
It's a fascinating place close to the center, on one of the narrow streets. This spot has been around for 300 years and boasts an impressive array of liqueurs, all made from their own recipes. They also serve a few types of beer and strong spirits, but the real highlight is the liqueurs. They’re unbelievably tasty!
The atmosphere is quite unique too; there’s hardly anywhere to sit. Most people grab a shot and head out to the street right outside. No one is rushing to save their glasses. Some guests bring them back inside later, while others just leave them on the curbstone across the way, and the bartender collects them periodically. You can buy either a bottle or just ask for a shot, which costs around $2.50 to $3. Bottles start at about $16. The most delicious liqueurs, in my opinion, are the tangerine and passion fruit flavors! Over time, we managed to taste around 15 different varieties – definitely not in one day!
There's also a fun tradition there. The first shot is poured “heaped,” and the guest has to bend down to take a sip without touching the glass with their hands. Only afterwards can you pick it up and head outside. When I went with a friend, the bartender (a very athletic lady in her 50s) expertly leaned over the bar, delivered the heaped shot to me, and said, “Drink!” »