A melting pot of culture and cuisine, Amsterdam is certainly not a stranger to exotic flavors and bold, colorful cuisine. One of the jewels of Indian cuisine is indisputably street food - food that is quick to dish out on the streets and that is packed with taste. Indian fine dining has always had a presence in the city’s restaurant landscape, however, street food - which is synonymous with what Indian cuisine is all about - is finally getting the attention it deserves in Amsterdam.

Whether you're hankering after fiery chaats, crunchy samosas or crackling tandoori wonders, you don't need to jump on a plane to Delhi or Mumbai. From De Pijp to Nieuwmarkt, the city is filled with restaurants dishing out the real taste of Indian street food, some with a local perspective, and a bit of a twist with plating. So if you’re hoping to discover the spice-filled heaven of Indian street food in Amsterdam, then this is the guide for you.

How Indian Street Food Crossed Roads in Amsterdam

If there's anything more Amsterdam than space cake, it's spice cake. Indian street food in Amsterdam has become increasingly popular over the years. From cool foodie festivals to street corner markets, Indian snacks such as pani puri, pav bhaji, and chaat have won the hearts (and taste buds) of both residents and visitors.

This increase has several causes:

Diversity of Cultures: Amsterdam is a very diverse city, hence it is home of a variety of tastes from around the world.

Vegan & Vegetarian Options: There’s a diverse range of plant-based Indian street food options available, ideal for Amsterdam’s health-focused residents.

Fusion Trends: Indian flavors are being ingeniously teamed with Western recipes — from masala fries to Indian tacos and more.

Food Festivals, Indian food pop-ups, and wonder-around-your-plate eating at Indian street food events are just around the corner for Amsterdam’s people.

Here’s a round-up of some of the best outlets selling real Indian street food in Amsterdam.

Annapurna Kitchen: Where Indian and Nepalese Street Flavors Intersect

Annapurna Kitchen is a foodie’s delight, riding on the streets of Amsterdam, serving the best of Indian and Nepalese cuisine. An eatery that stays true to its roots, it specializes in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent - spicy, flavorful, and traditional.

These are the can’t-miss street food-style plates from their menu to enjoy in-house or on the go:

Momo (Chicken or Veg)

Momos: Go to our Nepalese street snack, steamed and juicy dumplings. Served at Annapurna Kitchen, both chicken and vegetarian options are available. Small pockets of great flavor with spicy dipping sauce, with a kick, they are the perfect appetizer or snack these days.

Chowmein

A tribute to Nepal’s Indo-Chinese blend, Chowmein is a stir-fry noodle dish that is a meal in itself. Vegetable and optionally chicken-based, this street-style noodle dish is for those who like quick and tasty meals that deliver a bit of crunch and kick.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that represents its working-class roots (street food even) from somewhere in the northern frontier of India. The Annapurna Kitchen version is rich and creamy, with grilled chicken and a mildly spicy tomato-based gravy that the chicken is simmered in. It’s a street food favorite for British curry lovers, who are often served the dish with naan or rice.

Saag Paneer

If you are a vegetarian, Saag Paneer is a comforting choice. It's healthy while being indulgent, made with spinach and cubes of paneer cheese. A common meal throughout India, particularly in northern states such as Punjab, it is frequently served with warm naan.

Dal Tadka

A mainstay of Indian comfort food, Dal Tadka is a spiced lentil dish that is nourishing and delicious. Crowned with a sizzling tempering of garlic, cumin, and red chilies, it’s a soul-warming stew that is just right for a chilly day in Amsterdam.

Naan (Garlic/ Cheese)

And you don’t have Indian street food without Naan — that soft, pillowy bread baked in a tandoor. 673 Annapurna Kitchen Delicious varieties like Garlic Naan and Cheese Naan are available - perfect dishes to mop curry or to be enjoyed on their own.

Whether you’re in the mood for something light (momos) or want a full meal including curry and naan, Annapurna Kitchen has something for everyone. Their menu is ideal for the street food enthusiast looking for that extra kick in each bite.

Holi Amsterdam: A Celebration of Indian Street Food

If there is one place that epitomizes the buzz of Indian festivals and street culture in Amsterdam, it is Holi Amsterdam, a vibrant Indian restaurant in Amsterdam. Culinary influence flows through this restaurant, inspired by the festival of Holi, which brings both color and flavor into your dining experience.

Holi Amsterdam focuses on traditional Indian street food classics that are an easy and joyful bite. Their menu is a glorious tribute to North Indian food, all about robust spices, mouth-watering curries, and tangy snacks.

Here are the best street food dishes from Holi Amsterdam that you need to have:

Samosa Chaat

Samosa Chaat An ultimate Indian street snack, samosa chaat elevates the popular samosa to the next level. At Holi Amsterdam, you’ll find crushed samosas layered with spicy chickpeas, tangy tamarind chutney, yogurt, onions, and fresh coriander. It’s spicy and sweet and sour and crunchy in perfect balance — an undeniable flavor explosion with every bite.

Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is a popular grilled street food throughout India. It’s marinated in yogurt and spices, and cooked in a tandoor, and the result is smoky and succulent. It comes with chutneys that amp up its spicy, juicy persona. Ideal as a solo snack or appetizer.

Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka, the Can’t-have-enough-of Paneer starter at a party, and Pandemic def are going to lose too! Bite-size cubes of paneer — a tangy and pungent Indian cheese — get soaked in a marinade of garlic, ginger, serrano chill and yogurt before hitting the grill and charring at the edges to a crispy-creamy finish. Literally street food for the vegetarians.

Amritsari Chole

A delicious combo of a spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature), Amritsari Chole is one of India’s most popular street foods. It’s delicious, decadent, and so comforting. Holi Amsterdam’s is a generous portion and full of real North Indian spices.

Butter Chicken

Another favorite Indian dish that's well-known around the world, originating from the humble street food of India, Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a rich, creamy dish with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a wonderful place to start for anyone who is new to Indian cuisine, and is delicious with rice or naan on the side.

Biryani (Chicken or Veg)

Although a member of the royal family usually hosts Biryani, it is also a popular dish sold by vendors on the street in several Indian cities. And Holi Amsterdam offers it in both chicken and vegetarian form. The basmati rice is aromatic and is slowly cooked with saffron, herbs, and spices into layers of rice sandwiched with meat or vegetables — an all-in-one dish that is festive enough to serve at a dinner party, but also flavorful enough for a weeknight meal.

Palak Paneer

A nice vegetarian feast, Palak Paneer is all about spinach puree & soft paneer cubes. It’s quite nutritious and low in spice, good for anyone who likes to eat healthy but still wants it to taste good.

Dal Makhani

This daal makhani is slow-cooked and richened with butter - it is incredibly smooth and velvety. Dal Makhani is comfort food at its best— hearty and satisfying with a warm piece of naan or a bowl of rice. It’s a North Indian classic, often made in street-side dhabas (roadside eateries).

Tandoori Platter

Tandoori Platter by Holi Amsterdam. Those who are all about the best of both worlds, look no further than Holi Amsterdam’s Tandoori Platter. It’s also home to a variety of grilled items, including chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, and more, all spiced, skewered, and cooked to perfection. This is an excellent platter for sharing and embracing plenty of flavors at once.

Amsterdam Street Food Culture: An Increasing Trend

It's official - street food is taking over the world, and with the area's ongoing variety in cuisine, it's easy to be a part of the culture too.

I have often said Amsterdam’s obsession with food festivals, outdoor markets, and pop-up events would make it an ideal street food city. Soaring Interest in Indian: The growing frenzy around Indian food is representative of an overall trend toward more powerful, multicultural flavors.

Annapurna Kitchen and Holi Amsterdam have helped to elevate Amsterdam’s Indian street food from subterranean to out in the open. They are obsessed with quality, tradition, and presentation.

How to relish Indian street food in Amsterdam

Go with friends: numerous dishes lend themselves to sharing.

Don’t be afraid of the spice: Indian food is spicy, yes, but it’s not only spicy. Give your preferences, even in a place like Holi or Annapurna, and most will honor a request to adjust the spice levels.

Experiment: Move beyond butter chicken and naan. And dishes like sekuwa or samosa chaat are worth finding.

Pair wisely: Order naan, rice, or cooling yogurt (lassi) to balance out rich or spicy items.

Final Thoughts

Indian street food is brilliant, diverse, and soulful — and an epic journey thousands of kilometers from these streets is not necessary to eat well. The finest restaurants like Annapurna Kitchen and Holi Amsterdam also bring this immensely popular Indian street food to Amsterdam.

From crispy momos and creamy curries to smoky tandoori treats and spicy chaats, these restaurants bring a small bite of India’s streets — fresh, hot and full of heart. Whether you’re touring De Pijp, visiting a food festival, or simply looking to experience strong flavors without the need of a passport, make sure these two gems are on your culinary radar.

So reach for that plate, dig in, and let the streets of India come alive in each bite.