When it comes to vegetarian and vegan cuisines, the flavour sensation is ever growing and nowhere is greener than in Amsterdam. With vegan eats blossoming across restaurant and bar menus, the Dutch have certainly branched out to create dishes that will surprise you with its tasty and healthy combinations – it may even possibly convert any meat lover to become herbivore!

To find the best patch of vegetarian and vegan cuisines in Amsterdam, head to these meat-free gems that will have your palate and body in a Dutchie delight.

Bagels & Beans

Going against the grain is the Dutch café chain favourite, Bagels & Beans. Both meat and veggie lovers are united as this casual café brings out the best of the food chain with its natural and sustainably sourced ingredients put together in one fresh and healthy bagel. There are several bagel flavours to choose from but my pick would be the oathie variety.

A bagel that would raise some eyebrows is the innocent yet badass sounding Dutch weedburger bagel – made of briny soy shreds and Royal Kombu, a winter weed from the Dutch region of Zeeland. It is served with a special weed sauce (the healthy kind folks) and salad.

With multiple outlets around the country, this is fast vegan at its finest.

Bagels &Beans, Multiple outlets

TerraZen

This offbeat, hole-in-the-wall café treats you to vegan delights like mama makes!

TerraZen presents a fusion of the Caribbean and Japanese flavours in its home-style cooked vegan dishes. Its most popular dishes include the ‘I cannot believe it not chicken moment’ fried ‘chicken’ wrap and its lip-smacking vegan desserts – trust me when I say to try the apple pie topped with vegan ice-cream!

Close to Amsterdam Centraaal station, this long-established vegan restaurant is the place to go for a zesty meal in a bright communal dining setting.

TerraZen, Sint Jacobstraat 19hs 1012NC Amsterdam

De Waaghals

The name may translate to the dare devil, however, De Waaghals certainly dares to be bold when it comes to creating delectable vegan and vegetarian dishes. Located in the trendy De Pijp area, this restaurant is a long time advocator on the sustainable eating since opening its doors in 1981.

With a focus on using organic ingredients, this cosy restaurant’s ever-changing bi-monthly menu takes inspiration from around the world with a dish of a month focussed on a different country. To compliment your veggie delight, treat yourself to a glass of organic wine or locally brewed beer. I would advise making a reservation beforehand as this is a place worth dancing with the devil for.

Restaurant De Waaghals, Frans Halsstraat 29, 1072 BK Amsterdam

Zest for Life

If you are in need for an ultimate detox after stuffing your face with Dutch pancakes and questionable Febo items, you have come to the right place as Zest for Life features a menu entirely free of sugar, gluten and dairy; time to eat a chocolate brownie guilt free! With all meals, snacks and juices and smoothies made on premise, you know your body and mind will be in for a treat!

This intimate raw and vegan food café is located nearby tourist attraction, Museumplein.

Zest for Life, van Baerlestraat 45 hs, 1071 AP Amsterdam