Eating on a budget doesn't have to mean eating bad food. In Amsterdam there are plenty of places offering freshly made food at reasonable prices. All the places below offer lunch and/or dinner for about € 10 or less, per person.
Buffet van Odette
© 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com
Herengracht 309
Open Mon & Wed - Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed Tues), Sat & Sun 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Featuring farm-fresh meats, bread baked by a traditional local bakery and as many organic ingredients as they can get their hands on, Buffet van Odette has a loyal following of regulars, who come to enjoy big, fresh sandwiches and homemade soups in a quaint, canal-side setting. Even if you stop in for just a coffee and a piece of sinful sticky toffee cake, you may end up opting for a bigger meal once you see the plates. Try the quiche and salad meal for a delicious value. See the website for the full menu (in English).
Open Mon & Wed - Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed Tues), Sat & Sun 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Featuring farm-fresh meats, bread baked by a traditional local bakery and as many organic ingredients as they can get their hands on, Buffet van Odette has a loyal following of regulars, who come to enjoy big, fresh sandwiches and homemade soups in a quaint, canal-side setting. Even if you stop in for just a coffee and a piece of sinful sticky toffee cake, you may end up opting for a bigger meal once you see the plates. Try the quiche and salad meal for a delicious value. See the website for the full menu (in English).
Maoz Vegetarian (Falafel)
Ferdinand Bolstraat 67 (near Albert Cuypmarkt)Leidsestraat 85
Muntplein 1
Oudebrugsteeg 30
Open Sun - Thurs 11 - 1 a.m., Fri & Sat until 3 a.m.
Don't let the word "vegetarian" fool you; the falafel sandwiches and salads at Maoz will fill you up, and at some locations they even offer the shoarma meat shaved from a spit, in addition to the tasty fried chick-pea balls. One of countless falafel shops in Amsterdam, Maoz is certainly one of the cleanest and freshest options. The free condiments bar -- full of fresh and pickled vegetables like cucumber, carrots, beets, tomatoes and cabbage, as well as tahini, garlic and coriander sauces -- helps the meal go a bit further. Order a "Maoz Meal," which comes with a drink and fries for added value.
La Place
Kalverstraat 203 (inside the V&D department store)Open Sun 12 - 6 p.m., Mon 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Tues & Wed 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Thurs 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
After fighting the crowds on one of Amsterdam's most popular shopping streets, you can escape into the maze of buffets and make-to-order stations at this value- and variety-minded eatery. There's something for everyone here, from fresh smoothies, baked goods, soups and sandwiches for a light snack to various pastas, Asian wok meals and meaty main dishes if you're really hungry.
Broodje Bert
© 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com
Singel 321
Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The namesake sandwich at this tiny corner shop features grilled-to-order lamb meatballs on fresh Turkish-style bread and is known around Amsterdam as the cure for a rough night out. The rest of the huge sandwiches (I love the BLT), burgers and omelettes are a great value for money, if not impossible to eat without at least five napkins. In summer, the sidewalk terrace is a favorite sun spot.
Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The namesake sandwich at this tiny corner shop features grilled-to-order lamb meatballs on fresh Turkish-style bread and is known around Amsterdam as the cure for a rough night out. The rest of the huge sandwiches (I love the BLT), burgers and omelettes are a great value for money, if not impossible to eat without at least five napkins. In summer, the sidewalk terrace is a favorite sun spot.
Burger Meester
Albert Cuypstraat 48Open daily 12 - 11 p.m.
If you've read my review of Burger Meester, then you know how much I love this place. If you haven't read it, you should. And if you're a burger-loving Amsterdam visitor, you should stop by and see what all the buzz is about!
