Amsterdam is an expansive city, there is no way around it. But, there are a couple of spots you can find good cheap food, and with some of them, you will even be helping the planet or helping students.
The first spot is Braai, a down to earth hamburger spot just at the end of Vondelpark (with two other locations in town, but this one is my fave). The view of the place is great - one of Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and you can get a delicious combo meal (fries, soda, and a hamburger) for (just) 12 euros. The only catch is that it is an open space - so it works best in the spring and summer. But when the sun and the temperature are up - this is one place not to miss.
My second recommendation is Elements Restaurant and for this one, you will need a reservation. The food is all made by students who are training to became chefs - so they offer a special price of three courses for 13 euros (for lunch). The menu changes every week and the food was very good - maybe missing a little seasoning but nothing salt couldn’t fix. The service was super on point and you get very well treated. Plus, this restaurant is just outside Museumplein.
Another place I like and that is also very close to Museumplein is the Small Talk Traiteur. The tiny place just after the corner restaurant of the same name has delicious food for under 10 euros and its a true delight. You can choose whatever to put on the plate (there are a lot of options from pasta to meet to smashed potatoes to vegetables to salads) for a very cheap price. The service is not the friendliest but it is totally worth it.
The fourth recommendation is Happy Italy, this time next to the RAI station. The place is trendy and the portions are huge and the prices are very accessible. It is a great place to go with a big group and order some pizzas that go for only five euros.
Finally - here are two places you can eat for cheap and help the planet at the same time. With a mission of reducing food waste - Taste Before You Waste and Robin Food promote dinners every Wednesday and Thursday, respectively to promote their message. The dinner is donation based at Taste and 10 euros at Robin and you get a three-course (usually vegan) meal served by some very nice people. You can even sit in a communal table and strike up a conversation with strangers.
eet smakelijk ? and if you have any other suggestions, please share!
