The best cheap eats in Amsterdam

This overnight success, which opened in March 2026, proves the Parisian bouillon concept translates perfectly to Amsterdam — so much so that a second location is already set to open in Zuid this summer. Expect classic French comfort food at prices almost unheard of in the city centre, with starters from just €3.60 and mains from €11.20. Unsurprisingly, Bouillon d'Amsterdam is packed from breakfast through late evening, which we see as a promising sign that affordable dining is finally returning to central Amsterdam.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176-180, 1012 SJ, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Open daily from 11.30am-11pm (kitchen closes at 10pm)

Expect to pay: €3-15 for starters and sides, €11.20-17 for mains, and €4.40-8.50 for desserts 

Nam Kee has somewhat of an iconic status in the Dutch capital, and has been serving terrific dim sum, duck and pancakes and, perhaps what it’s most well known for -  oysters in black bean sauce - since 1981. If you needed any proof of its popularity, there are actually three branches across the city. The first? On the Zeedijk, in the heart of Chinatown, but if it’s too busy, shoot off to the Nieuwmarkt location or the high-end Gelderlandplein shopping centre. 

Address: Zeedijk 111-113, 1012 AV, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from noon-9.30pm; Friday and Saturday, from noon-10pm

Expect to pay: €4-45 for starters and soups, €15.50-33 for mains, €5-9.50 for sides 

Named after a Sherpa town that's known as the ‘gateway to Mount Everest’, the centrally located Nepalese-Indian Namche is the spot for all-things momo. These beautifully crafted dumplings (from €14.45 for 8) are available with chicken, vegetable or water buffalo fillings. You can order them steamed or fried, paired with a trio of spicy dipping sauces.

Address: Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 91, 1017 NH, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Open daily from 4pm-10pm

Expect to pay: €3-11 for starters and sides, €14.50-29 for Nepalese specialties, €19.50-28 for mains, and €7-9 for desserts

A viral sensation, owner and chef Alejandro Galindo’s tacos are rightly lauded. Unfussy yet authentic, and bursting with flavour, the beef tacos at Taco Lindo are true northern and central Mexican classics, as is his vegan pastor. At just €4.50 a pop, it’s easy to see why the queues at his Albert Cuyp market location are long; head to the one in Amsterdam West for a more serene, but equally delicious, experience.

Time Out tip: A new location will be opening in De Pijp this June.

Address: Taco Lindo West, Haarlemmerweg 509, 1055 PL, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday, from 5pm-9pm; Friday to Sunday, from noon-9pm; closed Monday and Tuesday

Expect to pay: €4.50 for one taco, or €15 for four, along with €2-9.50 for sides, and €1-3 for drinks

Surinamese food abounds in Amsterdam, and one of the best – and cheapest – examples is this unassuming little restaurant close to Albert Cuyp, Roopram Roti. Their traditional roti – a grilled flatbread – served with meat, potatoes and long beans, all prepared in a tasty curry sauce (a special mix of Indian and Caribbean flavours), is incredibly good value, and they have several variations, specials, and other dishes. Do try the chicken, but beware of their hot sauce – it’s volcanically spicy. 

Address: Van Woustraat 37, 1074 AB, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 1pm-9pm; Sunday, from 3pm-9pm; closed Monday

Expect to pay: €10.30-27 for roti dishes and rolls, €15-27 for rice dishes, and €2-6 for sides and snacks

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

Address: Zeedijk 143, 1012 AW, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8am-6pm; Saturday, from 9am-6pm; and Sunday, from 10am-6pm

Expect to pay: €2.75-10.50 for everything from breakfast pastries to sandwiches and more.

There’s a reason we love Pizza Beppe (and it’s not just that it’s reasonably priced). The menu has pizzas costing all the way up to nearly €25, but a delicious marg, with delicate dough, a perfectly charred crust, sauces made with San Marzano tomatoes and gooey puddles of Buffalo mozzarella still comes in at €12.50, and it’s the best €12.50 you’ll ever spend. 

Address: Amstel 84, 1017 AC, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 5pm-9.30pm; and Friday to Sunday, from noon-10pm

Expect to pay: €9-13 for starters, €12.50-25 for pizza, €7-11 for dessert

Head south down Van Woustraat, and that large queue you’ll see is probably people waiting patiently to buy one of Amsterdam’s best döner kebabs at Leeman Döner. Budget-friendly since 1992, this family-run institution has been doling out their freshly baked wares and humongous döner kebabs. Choose from veal, chicken, or mixed. For a hearty, cheap, pre-party meal, there’s nothing better.

Address: Van Woustraat 160, 1073 LW, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, and Saturday to Sunday, from noon-9pm; Friday from 11am-9pm

Expect to pay: €7-15 for the small, but mighty menu

Well, you’re in Amsterdam, so you’ve got to get a cone full of chips, and cover them in ridiculously good mayo, right? After all, deep-fried snacks like frietjes are deeply ingrained in Dutch culture. You can find them at authentic street stalls like Wil Graanstra on Westermarkt or at specialised fry shops throughout the city, of which Vleminckx Sausmeesters is not only one of the cheapest, but also the best. The good news is that you can get any sauce under the sun for your order here, and your lunch will still cost you less than €6. If you’re looking for a cheap chip fix, check out this Amsterdam classic.

Address: Voetboogstraat 33, 1012 XK, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, and Friday to Saturday, from 11am-7pm; Thursday, from 11am-8pm

Expect to pay: under €6 for these golden potatoes

This student-run café changes its menu every three months or so with the dishes proposed – and chosen – by committee. But essentially at Cultureel Eetcafe Skek you are always garuanteed ridiculously cheap, homemade delights. Most dishes are under €10, and generally the food here leans towards vegetarian and vegan, with seasonality also being a big theme). Add in an inventive, local-heavy drinks menu, and it’s like eating in the world’s best student canteen. 

Address: Zeedijk 4-8, 1012 AX, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday, from 5pm-1am; Friday and Saturday, from 5pm-3am; closed Monday

Expect to pay: €4-10 for snacks and sharing plates, €20-25 for specials, €13-20 for meals, and €6-7 for desserts