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Nam Kee, Restaurants and Cafés, Chinese food, Amsterdam
Photograph: Nam Kee

Cheap eats in Amsterdam

From fluffy falafel to canalside street food, you're spoilt for affordable choice in the Dutch capital

Ella Doyle
Edited by
Time Out editors
Contributor
Ella Doyle
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In Amsterdam, you have a choice. You can spend your days queuing for the most TikTok-hyped eateries, and your evenings splashing out on a Michelin-star meal before bar hopping to your heart’s content. Or you can hire a bike for next to nothing, drink bottled beer by the canal, and eat cheap. Or, yes, you can do a little of both. The choice is yours. 

But if you’re a little strapped for cash and looking for something closer to the latter, then you’re in luck. Here at Time Out, we’ve scoured the city for the best cheap eats around, without sacrificing on any deliciousness. In fact, whatever your budget, you might find yourself returning to these spots again and again and again. Here are the best cheap eats in Amsterdam. 

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The best cheap eats in Amsterdam

Nam Kee
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Chinese
  • Red Light District
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

Nam Kee has somewhat of an iconic status in the Dutch capital, serving terrific dim sum, duck and pancakes and, perhaps what it’s most well known for, oysters in black bean sauce. If you needed any proof of its popularity, there’s actually three branches across the city, so if it’s too busy, shoot off to New King (Zeedijk 115-117, 625 2180) or Nam Tin (Jodenbreestraat 11-13, 428 8508) nearby. 

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Peperwortel
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Global
  • West of Centre
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

One could survive for weeks eating nothing but takeaways from Riaz and the fabulous De Peperwortel ('Pepper Root'). After all, indulging in a wide range of dishes that embrace Dutch, Mexican, Indian and Spanish cuisines is always a pleasure, never a chore. Be aware that De Peperwortel offers a takeaway service only.

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  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Vegetarian
  • Old Side
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended

Packed with kitsch and funky Finnish wallpaper - all of which, including wallpaper, is for sale - this little café serves up healthy juices and snacks all day long, plus vegetarian dinners based around couscous (from 6pm Thur-Sat).

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