Amsterdam Food Guide: What to Eat and Where

Traditional Dutch cuisine centers on hearty, straightforward dishes like stamppot and poffertjes that showcase local ingredients and comfort food. Sampling raw herring from street vendors is also a common local practice.

Stamppot is a filling dish made by mashing potatoes with vegetables such as kale (boerenkool) or sauerkraut, often paired with rookworst, a smoked sausage. You can find a well-regarded rendition at Moeders on Rozengracht 251, where main dishes generally cost between €15 and €20. The interior feels homely, with wooden tables and Dutch memorabilia lining the walls.

Small, fluffy poffertjes are another treat. These thick mini pancakes come dusted with powdered sugar and a knob of butter. Look for them at street markets or specialized cafés. For a sharp contrast, try Holland’s famous raw herring: served with chopped onions and pickles, it is traditionally eaten by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. Vendors near Albert Cuyp Market typically charge around €3 for a portion.

For more on Dutch classics, see our guide to traditional Dutch cuisine.

Indonesian cuisine holds a special place in Amsterdam due to historical ties with Indonesia, with rijsttafel—a multi-dish rice feast—being a signature offering in many local restaurants.

Rijsttafel, meaning "rice table," features a collection of small plates including spicy sambals, satays, and vegetable dishes. Restaurant Blauw on Amstelveenseweg 158 is a top choice for an authentic rijsttafel visit, with prices around €35 per person. The interior combines modern décor with traditional Indonesian elements, and the aromatic spices fill the air as dishes arrive. Weekend reservations are essential, especially after 6 PM when the restaurant fills up.

Other notable spots include Kantjil & de Tijger on Spuistraat 291, which serves classic Indonesian dishes in a lively setting.

For further details, consult our article on Indonesian cuisine in Amsterdam and the history behind rijsttafel on Indonesia Travel.

Amsterdam’s street food includes quick, affordable snacks like stroopwafels and bitterballen, as well as a wide variety of international options at food halls and markets.

Stroopwafels are thin waffle cookies sandwiched with caramel syrup, best eaten fresh and warm. Vendors at Albert Cuyp Market on Ferdinand Bolstraat sell them for about €2.50 each, and the sweet, buttery scent draws a steady crowd. For a savory snack, bitterballen are deep-fried meat ragouts shaped into balls, crispy on the outside and tender inside, usually served with mustard. A portion costs around €5 and is common at bars and street stalls.

The Foodhallen at Bellamyplein 51 has a indoor market atmosphere with over 20 food stalls serving everything from Dutch snacks to Asian dumplings and Mexican tacos. It is a good spot to try several dishes in one visit, with prices ranging from €5 to €15 per item. The busy sounds of cooking, chatter, and music complement the lively smells of international spices.

Learn more about local street fare in our street food in Amsterdam guide.

Amsterdam’s fine dining scene includes Michelin-starred restaurants serving seasonal, artistically presented dishes, typically costing €150 to €200 per person for tasting menus.

De Librije’s Zusje, located in the Waldorf Astoria on Herengracht 542-556, specializes in modern Dutch cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The dining room is elegant, with white tablecloths and soft lighting. A multi-course tasting menu here ranges from €160 to €200, excluding wine pairings. Reservations are required weeks in advance, especially on weekends.

Ciel Bleu, at Hotel Okura on Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, provides panoramic city views alongside French-inspired dishes. Dinner service runs from 6 PM to 9 PM, and smart casual attire is expected. Their menu changes seasonally, with prices similar to De Librije’s Zusje.

More suggestions and booking advice can be found in our fine dining in Amsterdam article and Michelin Guide’s official site: Michelin Guide Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is well-equipped with vegetarian and vegan restaurants serving creative, plant-based dishes made from local and organic ingredients.

De Kas, located at Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, operates in a greenhouse and grows much of its own produce. The set menu costs about €55 and changes weekly based on the harvest. The dining room is bright with natural light and filled with the scent of fresh herbs.

For casual vegan fare, Vegan Junk Food Bar has multiple locations including Spuistraat 216. Its menu includes vegan burgers, loaded fries, and colorful cocktails, with prices between €10 and €15. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, attracting a young crowd.

For a full list and reviews, see our dedicated page on vegetarian and vegan dining.

Amsterdam’s cafés serve a variety of brunch options in relaxed settings, with many places focusing on fresh, local ingredients and quality coffee.

Pluk in the Nine Streets (Plukstraat 10) is popular for its healthy brunch bowls, pastries, and freshly squeezed juices. Brunch dishes are priced around €10 to €15. The décor is minimalist with wooden tables and soft pastel colors, creating a calm environment.

Coffee lovers should visit Back to Black on Weteringstraat 48 for expertly brewed coffee made from freshly roasted beans. The smell of ground coffee fills the air, complemented by the occasional clink of cups and quiet conversation. Their homemade cakes are also well-regarded and cost about €4.

More recommendations appear in our article on local cafés and brunch spots.

Amsterdam’s international dining options range from Mediterranean to Southeast Asian, with many restaurants offering affordable three-course menus and lively atmospheres.

Balthazar’s Keuken on Elandsgracht 103 serves Mediterranean-inspired three-course meals for €37.50. The restaurant has an intimate vibe, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting. Seasonal ingredients feature prominently, and dishes often include fresh fish or grilled vegetables.

For Thai cuisine, Boi Boi in the East district (Wibautstraat 150) features mains starting at €12. The interiors are colorful and casual, with the sounds of sizzling woks and spicy aromas filling the room.

To learn more, visit our international cuisine in Amsterdam guide.

Amsterdam’s dessert scene features both traditional Dutch sweets and inventive modern pastries, with popular items costing between €2.50 and €5 per serving.

Van Stapele Koekmakerij on Heisteeg 4 is famous for its chocolate cookies filled with melted white chocolate. Each cookie costs €2.50 and the bakery often has a queue due to its reputation. The rich aroma of chocolate and the warm oven scent greet visitors immediately.

Winkel 43 in the Jordaan (Noordermarkt 43) is well-known for its apple pie (appelgebak). A slice costs around €5 and is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee. The pie has a dense, cinnamon-spiced filling with a crumbly top, and the café’s casual canal-side seating allows for relaxed people-watching.

Other desserts to consider include stroopwafels (caramel waffles) and Dutch licorice, available at markets and specialty shops.

Check out our full dessert list in the sweet treats and desserts guide.

Amsterdam’s markets offer fresh produce, cheese, and specialty foods. Notable examples include Albert Cuyp Market and the organic Noordermarkt.

Albert Cuyp Market on Ferdinand Bolstraat in De Pijp operates Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It features over 260 stalls selling fresh vegetables, stroopwafels, and cheeses. The scent of fresh herbs and baking bread mixes with vendors' lively chatter.

Noordermarkt in Jordaan specializes in organic and artisanal products. It opens Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. Organic vegetables, breads, and cheeses fill the stalls. Many locals shop and sample items in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more, see our guide to local markets in Amsterdam.

Dutch dining etiquette includes making reservations for dinner, tipping around 5-10% though not compulsory, and dining mainly between 6 PM and 9 PM.

Most restaurants accept credit cards, but carrying some cash is advisable for small cafés or market stalls. Dinner service generally starts at 6 PM and ends by 9 PM. Lunch is served from 12 PM to 3 PM. Casual attire is acceptable in most places, but fine dining venues may require smart casual wear.

Tipping is appreciated at 5-10%, especially if service is excellent, but it is not mandatory as service charges are often included.

Additional advice is available in our dining etiquette and tips article and from the official Netherlands tourism site: Holland.com Dining Etiquette.

Planning ahead by researching restaurants, making reservations, and joining food tours can help you sample a wide range of Amsterdam’s culinary offerings efficiently.

Joining a guided food tour like the Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better is an effective way to try several dishes in one outing. The €79 tour includes tastings and drinks at multiple venues across the city.

Booking restaurants in advance, especially for popular or fine dining spots, is essential during peak tourist seasons, from April to October. Allocate at least 2-3 hours for a full dinner, including starters and dessert.

Find more planning tips in our Amsterdam food tours guide.

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