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🌱 Vegan · Netherlands

Vegan in Amsterdam

Vegan restaurants in Amsterdam, cross-referenced against OpenStreetMap contributor tags. Honest about availability, local-dish compatibility, and neighborhood density.

Verified venues50Last verifiedJuly 2026EditorTripozi editorial team

The honest overview

Amsterdam presents a mixed bag for the dedicated vegan traveler. While the city is progressive and generally aware of dietary needs, the sheer density of 100% vegan establishments is not as high as one might expect for a city of its size and reputation. You'll find a good number of 'plant-forward' restaurants, meaning they offer vegan options, but these often require careful navigation to avoid cross-contamination and hidden animal products. Traditional Dutch cuisine is heavily butter and dairy-based, making many classic dishes inherently unsuitable. The city's historical Jewish Quarter, centered around the old Portuguese Synagogue, and the areas with a significant Turkish community, such as around the Dappermarkt in the east, offer some culinary diversity, but dedicated vegan spots are still sparse in these specific locales. Expect to rely on international cuisines and modern cafes for the bulk of your vegan meals. While chains are becoming more vegan-friendly, independent restaurants can vary wildly in their understanding and adherence to vegan principles. Be prepared to do your research and ask detailed questions.

SourcesOpenStreetMap contributors (diet tagging)Amsterdam — WikipediaHappyCow — global vegan directory

36 verified

Vegan restaurants

Restaurant · 2.2km from centre

SOIL Vegan Cafe

🌱 100%

141-H Bilderdijkstraat 1053KN Amsterdam

hours listed
Website ↗source: OSM ↗

4 verified

Vegan cafés

2 verified

Vegan bakeries

1 verified

Vegan specialty shops

6 verified

Vegan fast food

Fast food · 1.4km from centre

Vegan Junk Food Bar

🌱 100%

9-10 Marie Heinekenplein 1072MH Amsterdam

burgerhours listed
Website ↗source: OSM ↗

1 verified

Vegan delis

The scene

How easy is vegan in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a growing number of vegan-friendly establishments, but finding 100% vegan restaurants requires targeted searching. Many restaurants offer vegan options, but these are often plant-forward rather than exclusively vegan. The density of dedicated vegan venues is highest in areas like Oud-West and De Pijp, though even here, you'll find a mix of fully vegan places and those with good vegan choices. Staff understanding of veganism is generally good, especially in tourist-heavy areas and newer establishments. However, cross-contamination can be a concern in kitchens not solely dedicated to vegan cooking. Chain restaurants, like those found in major shopping streets such as Kalverstraat, are often more consistent with their vegan labeling than smaller, independent eateries.

  • 01Utilize apps like HappyCow to identify 100% vegan restaurants and those with vegan options. Filter by 'vegan' for dedicated establishments.
  • 02Look for the 'Vegan' certification or symbols on menus or restaurant websites. While not universal, it can be a helpful indicator.
  • 03Learn key Dutch phrases: 'Ik ben veganist' (I am vegan), 'Geen vlees, vis, zuivel, eieren, honing' (No meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey).
  • 04When in doubt, ask specifically about ingredients like butter (boter), cream (room), eggs (eieren), and honey (honing) in dishes that appear vegan.
  • 05Be aware that even 'vegetarische' (vegetarian) dishes may contain dairy or eggs, so always specify 'vegan'.

Neighbourhood density

Where to stay for easy vegan eating

Oud-West

Excellent

This area has a high concentration of vegan and vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants, particularly around the Ten Kate Market. It's a good bet for finding diverse vegan options throughout the day.

De Pijp

Good

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp offers a solid selection of plant-forward eateries and a few dedicated vegan spots. It's generally easy to find vegan meals here.

Centrum (Canal Belt)

Fair

While very tourist-heavy, the Centrum has a growing number of cafes and restaurants with vegan options. However, 100% vegan places are less common, and you'll need to be diligent in checking menus and asking questions.

Jordaan

Fair

A picturesque neighborhood with many independent shops and eateries. You'll find some vegan-friendly places, but dedicated vegan restaurants are fewer, and traditional Dutch establishments may use butter extensively.

Amsterdam-Noord

Fair

Across the IJ river, Noord is developing rapidly with new eateries. While some offer vegan options, it's less dense than western areas, and you might need to plan your visits.

Oost

Poor

While home to diverse communities and markets like Dappermarkt, Oost has fewer dedicated vegan establishments compared to the western parts of the city. Options are more limited and often require travel to other neighborhoods.

Netherlands specialties

Local dishes & vegan compatibility

Stamppot

Avoid

Mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables, traditionally served with sausage or gravy. Butter is almost always used in the mashing process, and gravy often contains meat products.

Haring (Raw Herring)

Avoid

A traditional Dutch snack of raw herring, often served with chopped onions and pickles. This is inherently not vegan due to the fish.

Poffertjes

Avoid

Small, fluffy pancakes made with buckwheat flour and yeast. Traditionally cooked in a special cast-iron pan and served with butter and powdered sugar. Butter is essential for cooking and serving.

Bitterballen

Avoid

Deep-fried, breaded meatballs or ragout. The filling is typically meat-based, and they are often fried in the same oil as other non-vegan items.

Kroketten

Avoid

Similar to bitterballen but larger and cylindrical. The ragout filling is almost always meat-based, and they are deep-fried.

Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie)

Ask first

A baked pie with apples, cinnamon, and raisins. Traditional recipes almost always use butter in the crust. Some modern bakeries may offer vegan versions, but it's not standard.

Stroopwafel

Ask first

Two thin waffles with a caramel-like syrup filling. The dough typically contains butter and eggs. While vegan versions exist in specialty shops, traditional ones do not.

Erwtensoep (Pea Soup)

Ask first

A thick, hearty soup made from split peas, leeks, carrots, and celery. Traditionally, it is cooked with pork or ham for flavor. Vegan versions are available but not traditional.

Shortcuts

Groceries & self-catering

  • Albert Heijn: The largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. They have a wide selection of plant-based products, including their own 'AH Vrij van' (AH Free From) range and dedicated vegan sections.

  • Jumbo: Another major supermarket chain offering a good variety of vegan alternatives, including plant-based milks, yogurts, cheeses, and meat substitutes.

  • Lidl and Aldi: Budget-friendly supermarkets that often carry a rotating selection of vegan products, especially during themed weeks. Check their weekly flyers.

  • Marqt and Ekoplaza: Organic supermarkets that are excellent sources for high-quality vegan products, fresh produce, and specialty vegan items. They are generally more expensive.

Practical tips

What travellers told us

  1. 1HappyCow is your best friend for finding vegan establishments in Amsterdam. Use the app religiously.
  2. 2Be wary of 'vegetarian' restaurants; always confirm that dishes are free from dairy, eggs, and honey.
  3. 3Many traditional Dutch snacks and baked goods rely heavily on butter and eggs. Assume they are not vegan unless explicitly stated otherwise.
  4. 4Look for restaurants specializing in cuisines known for vegan-friendliness, such as Indonesian (though watch out for shrimp paste/terasi), Indian, or Middle Eastern.
  5. 5When ordering fries (patat/friet), ask for them to be cooked in vegetable oil and ensure they are not cross-contaminated with animal fats if fried in the same vats as other items.
  6. 6Supermarkets are your reliable fallback. Stock up on plant-based milk, yogurt, bread, and snacks for quick meals or to supplement restaurant visits.
  7. 7Don't hesitate to ask staff about ingredients. A simple 'Is dit veganistisch?' (Is this vegan?) followed by specific ingredient checks is often necessary.
  8. 8Explore the markets like Albert Cuyp Market or Dappermarkt for fresh produce, but be cautious with prepared foods sold by individual vendors, as vegan preparation is not guaranteed.

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