Where to Get the Best Street Food in Amsterdam
When it comes to eating in Amsterdam, the Dutch know how to cook up a storm. But it’s not all pancakes, bitterballen and pickled herring as you’ll be seriously spoilt for choice at the sight of Amsterdam’s street food options from around the world. Whether you fancy an authentic taste of Suriname, rustic Arabian shawarmas, overstuffed Japanese bao buns or pretty much any cuisine you can think of, Amsterdam’s food halls and markets will whip it up perfectly. For the foodies amongst you, here’s where you’ll find the best street food in Amsterdam…
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Foodhallen
Not too far from Vondelpark by bike, find Amsterdam Foodhallen packed with stylish new food stalls and a buzzing crowd. Try out some of the tastiest bitterballen in Amsterdam at De Ballenbar, as well as incredible mezze, dim sum, tacos, pizza, kebabs, burgers… You get the jist. Food might be in the name, but Foodhallen really isn’t only about eating as the overall atmosphere is always electric. Get there for when live local bands are playing (check their website), and grab a G&T from the gin bar in the middle. Then grab a table if you can, sit down and enjoy Amsterdam’s street food at its best.
Albert Cuyp Market
If you love a good mooch around a market, a trip to the largest in the Netherlands has got to be on your Amsterdam checklist. Albert Cuyp Market is packed with a massive 260 stands selling everything from clothes to antiques and, of course, street food. Expect to see, smell and taste plenty of classic Dutch street eats. You can’t leave the country without sampling traditional pickled herring, bites of deep fried fish known as kibbeling, sweet stroopwafels, pillowy poffertjes and an oozing Dutch grilled cheese sandwich - all of which you’ll find getting served up at Albert Cuyp Market. Head here Monday to Saturdays from 9:30am until 5pm.
World of Food
Head southeast to the most multicultural food hall on this list and in the Netherlands. World of Food is just that, a huge variety of cuisines you won’t easily come by in most big European cities. Here you’ll find 25 stalls rustling up fragrant and authentic international dishes that the chefs are truly passionate about. Whether it’s barbecue chicken fried rice from Suriname, homemade falafel from Syria or nutty satay from Indonesia, most of the food stalls here are for the real foodies who love trying new dishes from around the world and don’t just stick to their usual order. You’ll have to cycle a little out of the city to get here but trust us when we say it’s worth the journey - plus you might welcome the bit of exercise to burn off all those calories on your way back into the city centre.
The Food Department
On the second floor of the Magna Plaza is a more upscale spot for street food lovers. With a great variety of food stalls to satisfy everyone’s taste, as well as Amsterdam views and a pretty lux feel, the Food Department is definitely a top spot. A lot of the kitchens have highly regarded chefs cooking up quality food, but the prices are much lower than you’d think. Expect juicy ribs, sushi burritos, oysters, stuffed dim sum buns, tacos, cocktails and way more going on at the Food Department. Plus it’s all open 7 days a week and smack bang in the city centre!
Market 33
Right outside Amsterdam Zuid station you’ll come across a buzzing indoor food hall with people spilling out of it every week day. At Market 33 it’s all about whipping up delicious dishes from around the world, using fresh ingredients in everything they produce. From gourmet pitas to Asian street food, there’s always something for everyone. The stalls do their best to source ingredients sustainably. Not hungry? Pop in for a perfectly roasted coffee, or even a craft beer. Market 33 isn’t open on weekends, but it’s a great place to stop by during the week for a relaxed bite to eat in a cool environment if you find yourself south of Amsterdam.
Article by Darcy King
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