Amsterdam is not exactly known for being a cheap city, especially when it comes to eating out. But that doesn't mean every meal needs to be a long, expensive sit-down dinner.
After living in Amsterdam, we found ourselves returning again and again to certain spots for quick lunches, rainy-day comfort food, and easy meals that are still worth leaving the house for. Whether you want an excellent sandwich, great noodles, or Turkish comfort food, these are some of our favorite quick and relatively affordable eats in Amsterdam.
Zero Zero
The Dutch love a sandwich, but not all sandwiches in Amsterdam are created equally. For one that is truly worth going out of your way for, head to Zero Zero.
Zero Zero has grown to three locations since it opened, so not only do you know it's good, but it's now easy to find no matter what part of the city you're in. They serve Italian-inspired sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like stracciatella, buffalo mozzarella, high quality meats, and fresh vegetables, all on excellent baked in-house focaccia.
You really can't go wrong here, but the melanzane sandwich is a standout. It's basically eggplant parm in sandwich form, with grilled aubergine, buffalo mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, sundried tomato pesto, fresh basil, and balsamic. It's indulgent, tangy, smoky, and extremely satisfying.
Zero Zero is very popular, so expect a line if you come around lunchtime. Seating is limited, but this is Amsterdam, so taking your sandwich to a nearby canal is always a good backup plan.
Cora
Another excellent sandwich shop in Amsterdam is Cora, located on the beautiful Prinsengracht canal. Cora is a local favorite for good reason. Like Zero Zero, they bake their bread in-house and offer a wide variety of sandwiches with both meat and vegetarian fillings.
The vegetable sandwich is one of my favorites here. It's packed with zucchini, spinach, eggplant, bell peppers, and a freshly made tapenade. It's the kind of sandwich that feels simple on paper but works because everything is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned.
Cora is a great choice if you want something quick, filling, and close to the center of town.
Anatolia Kumpir
There is a large Turkish community in the Netherlands, which means there are plenty of options for Turkish food. One of my favorite stops for a quick lunch is Anatolia Kumpir.
Kumpir is a Turkish street food classic: a massive baked potato mixed with butter and cheese, then loaded with toppings. It's warm, filling, customizable, and exactly the kind of meal you need to fuel you up for a long day of walking around Amsterdam.
Anatolia Kumpir is run by Kuzey, who brought kumpir to Amsterdam and serves it from a stand on Roetersstraat, near the University of Amsterdam in the eastern part of the city.
The base is creamy mashed potato with melted cheese, and from there you can add all kinds of toppings. We love it with lots of fresh vegetables and garlic sauce, but you can also add something heartier, like köfte, Turkish meatballs.
This is one of the most filling meals on this list, and it's a great option if you want something fast, warm, and different from the usual Amsterdam lunch spots.
Tokyo Ramen
Amsterdam has plenty of rainy days, which happen to be perfect for ramen. Tokyo Ramen is my go-to spot for ramen in Amsterdam. They have a wide variety of options, including vegetarian and chicken ramen, which can sometimes be harder to find at other ramen spots in the city.
I've tried several bowls here and haven't found one I didn't like. One of my favorites is the black tantanmen, which has a rich, nutty broth thanks to the black sesame paste. It's deep, flavorful, and very comforting.
I also love the maze tantanmen, which is more saucy than soupy. The sauce is thick, creamy, concentrated, and coats every noodle. It's the kind of dish that feels especially satisfying when the weather is gray and miserable outside.
Xi'an Delicious
Xi'an Delicious is located right in the tourist-heavy Leidseplein area, but don't let that scare you off. This is not a tourist trap. It's a genuinely excellent noodle shop.
The chili oil noodles are the thing to order here. The noodles are hand-pulled, springy, chewy, and covered in chili oil that brings plenty of flavor. By Dutch standards, these are definitely spicy, but if you're used to spice, they should still be manageable.
Around dinner time, Xi'an Delicious often has a line out the door, but it usually moves quickly. You can also usually order online for takeaway. But it's worth the wait, especially if you want something casual, yet special, in central Amsterdam.
Bitterballen
For the ultimate quick Dutch snack, you have to try bitterballen. Bitterballen are crispy fried balls filled with a creamy meat ragout. The outside is crunchy, while the inside is soft, savory, and rich. They're usually served with mustard and are best enjoyed warm, but be careful: if they're right out of the fryer, they can burn your mouth!
You can find bitterballen at traditional Dutch bars, casual restaurants, and of course at the Dutch favorite, FEBO. Our favorite way to eat them is with a local beer, preferably somewhere with a canal view. They're not a full meal, but they are one of the most classic Dutch snacks to try while you're in Amsterdam.
Flo's Deli
When I have a craving for a bagel, I head to Flo's. Though the competition has heated up in the past year, Flo's is still my favorite bagel in the city.
You can get a simple bagel, or one with cream cheese. Or, you can go even bigger and try one of their bagel sandwiches. The brisket and bulgogi ones are extra indulgent, and totally worth it. You can get it to take away, but they also make great coffee, so if you want a relaxing spot to enjoy your breakfast, grab a seat, order a cup of coffee, and sit for a minute.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam has plenty of expensive restaurants, but some of the best meals in the city are quick, casual, and relatively affordable. There are plenty of easy food options that don't require a big reservation or a huge budget.
These are the kinds of places I returned to again and again while living in Amsterdam, and they're exactly where I'd send a friend looking for simple, satisfying food in the city.