I’d like to think of Amsterdam as the Tokyo of Europe. Lots and lots of foods to eat. Including queues. I haven’t seen a European city that has queues in its food stalls as crazy as in Amsterdam.
Queues begin with…
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
Address: Kalverstraat 190, 1012 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Website: https://vanwonderenstroopwafels.com/
Stroopwafels are a traditional Dutch treat that are made with two thin waffles that are sandwiched together around a layer of caramel syrup. They are best enjoyed warm, and they make a great snack or dessert. If you don’t mind queues, head to Van Wonderen Stroopwafels in Jordaan to get yours fresh to order.
Or if you hate queues (because the orders can get mixed up at Van Wonderen), Van Holland next door makes an equally warm and gooey stroopwafels for you.
Van Stepele Koekmakerjj
Address: Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Official Website: https://vanstapele.com/bestel-online/
Dubbed as the best cookies in the world, Van Stepele is just one of the many spots you need to line up in Amsterdam. They only sell 1 cookie at 2.50 euros, the chocolate cookie. They reminded me of Jenny Bakery in Hong Kong, but trust me, these freshly baked cookies are nothing like the former. You can also get these cookies in fancy tin cans, but sometimes they’re only for walk-ins. I recommend doing a Click-and-Collect instead on their website because the queues can get seriously crazy.
Mannekin Pis Vlaamse frites
Address: Damrak 41, 1012 LK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Vlaamse frites are Belgian fries that are made with double-fried potatoes. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are typically served with mayonnaise or curry ketchup. Mannekin Pis is a clear crowd favorite, but stop by Fabel Friete for the best fries in the city.
Bitterballen at Foodhallen
Address: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Website: https://foodhallen.nl/
Bitterballen are Dutch meatballs that are made with beef, veal, or pork. They are coated in a breadcrumb batter and then deep-fried. Bitterballen are typically served with mustard or remoulade. I would head to Foodhallen in Westerpark neighborhood to get your taste of Bitterballen and some Heineken beer. Foodhallen is the perfect place to go local and eat a sampler of the modern Dutch restaurant scene.
Pancake Bakery’s Dutch pancakes
Address: Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Website: https://www.pancake.nl/
Probably my most favorite Amsterdam eat, Dutch pancakes are thin and fluffy pancakes that can be topped with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients. They are typically served for breakfast or dessert. There are tons of traditional dutch restaurants making them, and you can even head to the borders of Baarle Nassau/Baarle Hertog for dutch pancakes.
But if you’re in the area of Anne Frank House, Pancake Bakery is around two blocks away. This restaurant has several locations throughout the city, and they serve a variety of pancakes, including sweet and savory options. Be aware that there’s a queue and reservations are recommended.
Febo Burgers
FEBO reminds me of IKEA in its look and feel. After all, all of its food are in vending machines, from hotdogs to fries, Frikandellen, Kroketten, nuggets and stroopwafels. But don’t miss out the burgers, a simple sandwich with pure beef, cheese and onions. You can get these anywhere in the city for a quick bite.
Poffertjes
Poffertjes are small, Dutch pancakes that are made with buckwheat flour. They are typically served with powdered sugar and butter. While traditional Dutch restaurants serve them, I would go out on a day trip to Volendam. This small town is located about 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam, and it is known for its poffertjes.
Kibbeling
The traditional fried fish in the Netherlands is called kibbeling. It is made with pieces of white fish, such as cod or pollock, that are coated in a batter and deep-fried. Kibbeling is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or remoulade. Kibbeling is a popular street food in the Netherlands, and it can be found at many markets and fish stalls.
Heineken Beer
Address: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Website: https://www.heinekenexperience.com/
For beer lovers (and I don’t really like beer or anything with malt sugar if you haven’t noticed), Heineken is a must drink in Amsterdam. Of course, the right place to get one is at the Heineken Experience museum. But I would recommend going local and drinking in bruin cafes.
Bruin cafés are a huge part of the local culture in Amsterdam. They are a popular spot for people-watching, and they are a great place to meet new people. If you are looking for a traditional Dutch bar experience, be sure to check out a bruin café in Amsterdam.