Where to Eat the Best Fries in Amsterdam

How to Enjoy Your Fries

In Amsterdam, you will need to get used to the fact that fries are generally served in paper cups with generous dollops of mayonnaise instead of tomato ketchup. For the culinary adventurous, there is a fiery variant called 'patatje oorlog' where the fries are served with onion, peanut sauce and curry ketchup. Watch out: it's spicy! Some places may also serve Zaanse mayonnaise which is a hit with locals who enjoy the vinegary taste. Fries with apple sauce (known locally as applemoes) and sambal, the hot chilli condiment, are other interesting options.
Take note that portions served at stands are often generous and tend to surprise first-timers. This does not necessarily hold true for sit-down restaurants.

Best Places to Eat Fries in Amsterdam

Despite a deluge of friteries, the Dutch have zeroed in on some of their favourite spots, which visitors to the city are recommended to check out.
Vleminckx
Located on a side street, close to the Spui tram station, you could easily miss this joint if it was not for the serpentine queues. Do not be scared off, as the line moves rather quickly. Prices are easy on the wallet and the service is friendly. You can choose from an array of toppings such as samurai sauce, garlic sauce or the classic Dutch mayo - thicker and creamier than its international counterparts. While drinks are not served, there are several bars in the vicinity that serve chilled beer to wash down your fries with. Vleminckx closes at 7pm, so make sure to be there on time.
Boca's
Hugely popular with groups, Boca's demands that you make a reservation before going. When the weather is fair, sit out on their patio and dig into the succulent fries. As an accompaniment, try the ciders, wines or chilled beers. To make more of a meal of it, try out their tapas style platters, including mini-sandwiches, oysters, mussels and croquettes. At Boca's, the music and service is excellent making it a highlight on the Amsterdam fries trail.
Pontstation
Pontstation is the place to be when it comes to traditional fish & chips served with tartare sauce. The fish here is always fresh and fried in a light, crispy batter. The hotdogs served with mustard are also pretty popular, along with croquettes and cheeseburgers. And the fries are not bad either!

Mannekin Pis
Voted as serving the best fries in The Netherlands, Mannekin Pis is a popular chain that stays busy until the late hours. The portions are huge, and the potatoes crisped to perfection. They offer a selection of toppings and sauces to choose from such as traditional Dutch curry sauce. Mannekin Pis is close to Central Station, near the Damrak, making it easy to hunt down. The lines may be long but that is only because the fries are so good. A lack of indoor seating does not deter locals, who happily stand outdoors and eat.
Chipsy King
In an apparent reference to the Gypsy Kings, Chipsy King is a firm favourite with Amsterdam's party animals looking to refuel in between hitting the city's nightclubs. Patate Ooorlog is especially recommended here, as can be seen by the scores of diners relishing this dish of double fried chips served with satay sauce and onions. A short walk from Central Station, Chipsy King is a great choice as the servings are generous and the prices reasonable.
Frites Uit Zuid
Perfect for an elegant sit-down dinner on a terrace with a glass of wine in hand, the gourmet, homemade fries served here are expertly prepared - perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Try pairing them with in-house delicacies such as the shrimp croquettes, soft shell crabs, oysters, mussels and frikandel (minced hotdog). Excellent service and a refined ambience only add to the enjoyable dining experience.
Fries are somewhat of a culinary obsession in Holland. Make sure you feast on them while in Amsterdam!

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Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!