ULTIMATE VEGETARIAN FOOD GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM - WITH MAP
The definitive vegetarian food guide to Amsterdam.
Feed Me Fast
The City
Amsterdam could easily make it onto anybody’s list of most beautiful cities in the world. Its many canals and stunning architecture make it a great city to explore by foot, or bicycle if you’re brave enough to try keep up with the locals.
There is much to see and do in this gorgeous place and zero excuses for going to bed early or sleeping in late. Regardless of whatever debauchery you’ve been involved in the night before. For example, there are an astounding number of museums for a city of this size (over sixty). So a fair bit for you to get through on your weekend away.
A big plus for Amsterdam is that most of the locals speak excellent English so you’ll have no problem finding your way about.
In short it’s a city that should definitely be on your list to visit.
The Food
Dutch food isn’t as world renowned as its European relatives like France or sun-soaked Italy further to the south. But it does have its specialties that are worth trying while you’re here to fully embrace the Dutch experience.
The most famous speciality of them all perhaps is Bitterballen: a breaded, deep-fried ball usually filled with meat. I know deep fried meatball doesn’t scream vegetarian friendly but no FOMO here because lots of bars and cafes have vegetarian and vegan alternatives to try.
Amsterdam is also known for its love of CHEESE. I’m capitalising that because they really do love their cheese. Stroll down the main shopping street of Kalverstraat and you’ll see a cheese shop on nearly every corner. Most of which have beautiful little mountains of cubed cheese to sample before you buy.
There’s lots more on offer of course: fries with ubiquitous sauce options (we recommend Oorlog: sate sauce, mayo, and fresh cut onions), krokets, plus a whole host of meat-based options you’ll likely want to swerve. Raw herring anyone?
Lastly on the sweet side of things is where the Dutch really excel. You have stroopwafel, poffertjes, apple cake. Plus, if you happen to be visiting during winter, don’t miss treating yourself to some oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) from the trucks that pop up in the colder months. Basically we’ve covered everything in our Amsterdam vegetarian food guide below.
REMEMBER:
🌱 Vegan options
🍗 Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Brunch in Amsterdam
Early Riser? Sleeping off a hangover? This list has you covered.
We really could go on forever about brunch options in Amsterdam. But here is a list of our favourites.
Little Collins 🌱🍗
Gorgeous food for the eyes and the tastebuds. One of the most popular brunch spots in Amsterdam and for good reason. Their food is inventive and flavoursome. The menu changes regularly gifting you a fine opportunity to try something new and delicious with each visit.
We especially love the flaky, buttery flatbread that comes with many of their dishes and their coffee is perfection. There are many options for vegetarians and usually a sweet dish if you want to start your day on a sugar high (who wouldn’t?).
Coffee & Coconuts 🌱🍗
With a whole coconut pressed against your palms and a straw on your lips. We wouldn’t blame you for closing your eyes and pretending you were at the beach surrounded by the surfboards and excellent Hawaiian vibes this restaurant provides. Although you may have to ignore any potential rainy weather bashing against the window.
Spaced out over three floors it’s fun, buzzing, and most importantly great tasting. There are a lot of options for breakfast and lunch and for those who are after a healthier meal. But make sure you get there on time for breakie! After all you can zap that hangover with one of their nutritious juices.
Pre-warning you may have to queue on busy days, but it usually goes pretty quickly. Once you’re inside with a perfect flat white in your grasp you won’t even remember what a queue is.
Box Sociaal 🌱🍗
A distinctly Aussie brunch without the 24-hour flight. A win for everyone. Known as the inventors of the modern-day, avocado loving brunch scene our Australian friends know how to do brunch better than most and Box Sociaal proves just that.
Their impressive menu has many dedicated vegetarian options which could easily stand their own against the carnivore offerings. We particularly recommend the outstanding Shak Attack (one of the best shakshuka’s we’ve ever tried) or the veg’o kater breakfast sandwich for a robust, hearty start to the day.
Some Other Spots Worth Shouting About…
Not just beautiful food but beautiful locations, especially their Hoftuin site. Mercifully they let you book a table. Not always a given these days so always warmly welcomed when an option.
Fancy a traditional British breakfast whilst visiting the Netherlands? It might not be your first instinct, but the food here is perfect if you’re craving the brunch classics.
Another extraordinarily popular brunch spot in Amsterdam. Great food and good vibes. Make sure you get on their digital waiting list – tables can be hard to come by.
Dinner in Amsterdam
Hungry after a long day strolling around Amsterdam
Of course you are. But it’s not a problem. Feast your eyes on these options.
Sherpa 🍗
Serving dishes from Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine you might walk straight by this place in the heart of tourist Amsterdam, but it would be your loss. The food is straight up flavour town, the portions are generous, and the location is central. Basically what’s stopping you?
Vegetarians will not go hungry. Indeed there are a bunch of options for you – the paneer butter masala being our all-time favourite.
*There are vegan options, but you’ll have to ask them to clarify as they’re not listed on the menu.
Vegan Junk Food Bar 🌱🍗
This list would not be complete without Vegan Junk Food Bar. And no, you don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the food on offer here (although try telling that to a devout carnivore). It has three sites, the De Pijp location being the best option for a proper relaxed sit-down feed.
Too many great choices to list them all here but you will not be disappointed with the Nachos or the Fizz & Chipz (that’s “fish” & chips for those of you who don’t speak vegan).
Da Kaas 🍗
We will be honest with you – this one is a little on the pricier side but if you can stretch your budget (maybe a few less space cakes and a few more walks) then we highly recommend De Kaas. It’s a set menu (there is a vegetarian or carnivore option). If you’re in the land of clogs for a special occasion be sure to book this for a celebration dinner.
They grow their own veg (yep, we told you it was fancy), consequently every bite you take you can taste the quality and effort that’s gone into getting this food onto your plate for you to enjoy. To put it another way – this is not one to be missed and one of our favourites from our Amsterdam vegetarian food guide.
More Deliciousness If You’re Not Satisfied…
You might be genuinely surprised by how incredible this Vegan sushi tastes. A small restaurant that doesn’t serve booze but who cares when the food is this good? *Sees hands go up across the world*
A local hot spot. It’s not a Neapolitan traditional pizza if that’s what you’re after. But it is cheesy, and it is excellent.
CHEAP EASY EATS (SWEET & SAVOURY)
Got the munchies and need something quick?
Try these cheap and easy bites.
Poffertjes Albert Cuyp
Those poffertjes we promised you earlier. It’s a market stall in the Albert Cuyp Market which is on every day except Sunday. Butter and sugar are enough – no fancy toppings required here. Trust us.
Winkel 43 🍗
Another Amsterdam icon. The place to go for apple cake and slagroom (whipped cream). The famous apple cake isn’t listed on the menu, but it is most definitely available and waiting for you to try.
Maoz 🌱
A falafel chain with locations all over the city. A buffet style salad bar. It’s no gourmet but it’s surprisingly tasty and good value for money.
Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels
Another Albert Cuyp Market legendary stall. Make sure you don’t burn your mouth on the hot lava syrup.
The Lebanese Sajeria 🌱🍗
Vegans, Vegetarians and Carnivores rejoice! A markedly cheap, quick eat you can all enjoy.
REMEMBER:
🌱 Vegan options
🍗 Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Food Map of Dreams
Also to complete our Amsterdam vegetarian food guide journey. Here is a handy map with a list of all the restaurants on our list and their locations.
