On my latest trip to Amsterdam I was the victim of ‘zakenrollers’ (pickpockets). This gave me the opportunity to test my knowledge of the lower priced eateries. The following is a list of options for the financially challenged. I apologize for not giving addresses for all, as I am in the process of moving to a new state and my A’dam phone book is already packed, I’ll try to update w/ addresses as soon as possible.
I will not insult your palate by suggesting that Amerikan fast food restaurants are good food. However, they are cheap and predictable. Now, on to the more appealing options.
Falafel is a good inexpensive meal, and is widely available in AMS. I recommend the ‘MAOZ’ falafel restaurants. They are cheap, clean, have a good selection of fresh toppings, and are located all over the city. Other good falafel choices include Falafel King on Regulierssteeg, and Falafel Dan.
Shoarma is fairly ubiquitous in AMS. It’s hard to walk two blocks without seeing a shoarma shack. Shoarma is similar to Gyros, with layers of spiced meat roasted on a spit. Shoarma is usually less processed than gyros. My favorite shoarma is at Grillroom Baba, near the Rembrandtplein. Also serving kofta, and other middle eastern specialties, you can fill up fast for under 10e.
FEBO is a Dutch favorite, and very inexpensive. Basically an automat with Dutch style snacks. Most of what they serve will be unusual to amerikan palates, but go ahead and try it. You can’t beat the price. Smullers is similar to Febo, but also has a grill and fries. Both Febo and Smullers have locations all over AMS.
Broodjes is the Dutch word for sandwiches. You can find them in many places. I like to frequent the many bakeries and ‘croisanteries’ in the city center. Or you can make your own broodjes with supplies from Albert Heijn or another supermarket, or from the Albert Cuypmarkt or one of the other outdoor markets.
The Albert Cuypmarkt (Albert Cuypstraat)and the Dappermarkt (Dapperstraat) are regularly held outdoor markets featuring fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meats seafood and cheese. There are also many excellent snack foods available, including some of the finest sate in the city.
Pizza is always a staple of inexpensive cuisine, and Amsterdam has some good and bad examples. There are a plethora of ‘slice jockeys’ in the tourist areas, and although they are quick and mostly edible (tip… I avoid the places that infer some connection to NYC), I find that the small Italian restaurants will give you more bang for your pizza buck. A few of my favorites include Setebello at Korteleidsedwarsstraat 89, where the pizza and pastas are exquisite yet remarkably affordable. L'Angoletto, at Hemonystraat 18, is a bit more pricey generally, but you can still get an excellent pizza at a reasonable price. I love their ‘Quatro Fromage’ pizza.
More to come…


[This message has been edited by HigherFlyer (edited 07-30-2003).]

To my knowledge, limited I admit, I have never seen processed Shoarma and the reverse has held true for me as well that gyros are always processed meat. There has been no middle ground in my experience.

The difference that I've seen is twofold.
#1. The spelling of Shoarma, Shwarma, Shwirma, Doner kebab, etc etc etc.
&
#2. The meat present in Shoarma, sometimes it is lamb, sometimes beef, sometimes chicken, sometimes a mixture of lamb/beef etc etc etc.

What the world's shoarma shacks need is that heavenly garlic mayo sauce offered in AMS. MMMMMMMMMMMMM!

edited to add: sorry about the ‘zakenrollers’, I just knocked on wood as that has never happpened to me or my family.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 07-30-2003).]

Prior to 1980, you could get unprocessed gyros at the higher end restaurants in Chicago's Greek town area. I remember it was particularly good at a place called Parthenon on Halstead st. Since then, almost all have alligned with one of the two big gyros concerns, usually 'Corfu'. When I was in high school, I often had gyros and Spanakopita for lunch, but now it's just not the same.

If you want an inexpensive 'soup, salad and entree' type, sit down meal, I recommend Petit Restaurant Blom at Nieuwendijk 119. I often lunch there, my favorite being the Dutch split pea soup (in season). A wide variety of sandwches and entrees are available, as well as a deli counter with deserts and specialties. The food is quite good, & I've never spent more than 10e. Reservations are not necessary.
Edited to add: I recently did spend 12e for lunch here on my latest trip. Still great though!

[This message has been edited by HigherFlyer (edited Dec 03, 2003).]

It has been pointed out to me that I haven't reviewed any restaurants that I DON'T like. Here's one.
Al's fish & chips on Nieuwendijk. At first glance it seemed ok, so Me & my friend "Dan-o" decided to try it since the prices are cheap. My fish was greasy and under cooked. We both got the squirts later that evening.

Back in A'dam, I discovered a new place called Soup Kitchen. At the corner of Martellaarsgracht and Niewendijk, Soup kitchen serves great soups and sandwiches at reasonable prices. I had the chicken noodle, and a ham sandwich. Very satisfying, for not much cash!