Best Street Food in Amsterdam

The Dutch capital is renowned for its foodie culture, from high-end eateries to on-the-go munching. You don’t have to drop big bills to get the best culinary experience, either. Amsterdam’s street-food scene has grown over the past few decades, from traditional staples like kibbeling to fusion eats and fried falafel. Chow down on the best street food in Amsterdam with these top 10 picks.

Best Kibbeling – Frens Haringhandel

When in Amsterdam, eat like a local. Kibbeling is a traditional Dutch snack consisting of chunks of deep-fried cod and costs around €6.50 per person. Perfect as an energy boost or a quick hunger fix, there are plenty of fishmongers across the city to pick from. Frens Haringhandel is our favourite joint in the heart of Koningsplein. It’s a central Amsterdam institution that’s been the top choice since the 1970s. Grab a portion of kibbeling or traditional Dutch herring with pickles to sit or walk with along the Singel canal.

Best Falafel – Maoz

Maoz is a vegan superstar and a testament to Amsterdam’s friendliness to plant-based dining. This global chain was born right here in Amsterdam in 1991, with several outlets across the city, including hotspots in Leidsestraat, Albert Cuypstraat and Damrak. Perfectly crisp with a generous salad bar, Maoz is the ideal spot for falafel fiends. It’s particularly renowned for its pita bread stuffed with hummus, falafel and grilled aubergine, which costs approximately €5 per person and comes generously portioned in paper wrappers for on-the-go eating.

Best Stroopwafels – Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels

You can’t visit the Venice of the North without indulging in some stroopwafels. These chewy, caramel-stuffed waffle cookies will set you back around €2 per person, well worth it for these little slices of heaven that go perfectly with a strong coffee. Head to Albert Cuypmarkt to find Rudi’s iconic stand, and discover the best waffles in the city. Baked daily to a well-protected family recipe, they’re the perfect accompaniment to this bustling marketplace area. They’re ridiculously moreish when eaten warm straight off the grill. The whole Albert Cuypmarkt area is a mecca for traditional Dutch snacks – so come with an appetite.

Best Bao Buns – Bunsbar

If you find yourself in Albert Cuypmarkt, you can’t miss out on Bunsbar. Taking the bao bun concept and enlarging it to burger-like heights, mouth-watering Korean fried chicken and BBQ pulled pork flavour combos are just a couple of samples from this tempting menu. The baos are appropriately fluffy and light, the perfect vessel for Bunsbar’s tantalising fillings. One of the best food trucks in Amsterdam, Bunsbar provides sticky and delicious treats, with Asian staples, like gyozas and tempura, to pick from. Prices are up to €9 per person.

Best Hot Dogs – Food Crib

Sometimes, a simple hot dog is all you need. Food Crib is the purveyor of one of Amsterdam’s oldest hot dog stalls, serving up New York-style hot dogs, since 1988. Prices are from €5.50 per person. Its famed Lunch Kiosk is located right in the heart of Museum Square, making it your go-to street food when visiting Amsterdam’s iconic Rijksmuseum. The Junkyard Dog is their trademark creation, carefully layering bratwurst, cheese, bacon, salami, piccalilli and sauerkraut for the ultimate sausage sandwich. Other staples include burgers, both meaty and plant-based, and the stall’s first love, ice cream.

Best Poffertjes – The Pancake Club

Poffertjes are another of Amsterdam’s delectable sweet treats. These puffy pancakes are made from buckwheat flour and baked on their very own pan, the poffertjespan. Poffertjes are particularly popular during the festive season and have a long history that’s at least three centuries old. Our top pick for eating is the Pancake Club, a scenic little joint in pretty Leidseplein that’s been serving fresh pancakes since 1993. Grab a portion of poffertjes, which are priced from €5 per person. Then, explore Vondelpark, the city’s famed 47-hectare green space.

Best Fried Chicken – Gangnam Chicken

While Amsterdam isn’t short of fried chicken stalls, from late-night takeaways to well-known brands, Gangnam Chicken does things differently. This is the best Korean-style fried chicken joint in the city. Pick from tantalising soy and garlic chicken wings, or fire it up with their spicy Korean gochujang sauce. A plate of tasty chicken costs around €12. Perfectly paired with some traditional kimchi and daikon pickles, it’s a slice of Seoul in the heart of Amsterdam. You’ll find them on Eerste Helmersstraat, close to Vondelpark’s Kattenlaan entrance.

Best Vegan Eats – Mr Blou I Love You

When a former Michelin-starred chef leaves their position for a street food passion project, you know the results will be delectable. Mr Blou I Love You is one of the best vegan street food places in Amsterdam. Based in Elandsgracht, you’ll find staples like falafel wraps next to must-try guacamole, avocado salads and nourishing smoothies. Unlike other street-food options, the menu changes throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner. Meals cost around €15-20 per person. Like an old-school deli, you get to choose the contents of your salad or wrap from a rotating supply of delicious seasonal ingredients.

Best Herring – Haringhandel Jonk

Herring is another of the Netherlands’ famed street food traditions. Pickled and diced into bite-size chunks, you’ll find herring stalls across the city, where you can chow down with just a toothpick to hand. Haringhandel Jonk is a popular stall in the heart of Amsterdam’s centre, a short stroll from the historic (and beautiful) Begijnhof. The pickled herring comes served simply with gherkins and onions for a light, moreish snack. A herring sandwich costs around €4.

Best Variety – Foodhallen

Food markets are a must for street food fans looking to swap, share and taste with friends. Luckily, Amsterdam is loaded with food halls and markets, where trucks and stalls set up shop. Our favourite is Foodhallen in De Hallen shopping centre, a hip local institution since 2014. Housed in a trendy former tram depot, you’ll find everything from Vietnamese pho to expertly-rolled Japanese sushi, alongside craft beer and cocktails. Meals here are priced at around €11-20 per person. The hall’s 21 stalls span continents to prove a one-stop shop for your street food needs. Other street food markets in Amsterdam to seek out include The Food Department in Magna Plaza and Market 33.