The 11 cheapest eats in Amsterdam

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. 

Head south down Van Woustraat, and that large queue you’ll see is people waiting patiently to buy one of Amsterdam’s best doner kebabs at Leeman Döner. This family-run institution has been doling out their freshly baked wares and humongous kebabs and durums – choose from veal, chicken, or mixed – to the budget-conscious since 1992 – for a hearty, cheap, pre-party meal, there’s nothing better. 

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. Each dish is around €8 (the Chef’s Choice is three for €19.50), 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. 

Surinamese food abounds in Amsterdam, and one of the best – and cheapest – examples is this unassuming little restaurant close to Albert Cuypt. 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. 

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. 

Well, you’re in Amsterdam. You’ve got to get a tray or a cone full of fries, and cover them in ridiculously good mayo, right? Well the good news is that you can get every sauce under the sun for your fries order, and your lunch will still cost you less than €7. One of the cheapest spots to get them is Chipsy King, branches of which you’ll find all over the city. If you’re a tourist looking for a chip fix, check this out. 

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.

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 €20, 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 €10.95. And it’s the best tenner you’ll ever spend. Trust us.