Description
There’s a place that’s made quite a name for itself in Amsterdam’s food scene: The Vegan Junk Food Bar, or VJFB, as plenty of people call it. It’s a vegan’s dream, serving up all the familiar junk food favorites without a single animal product. A little hard to believe until you try it.
I’m not vegan myself, but a few plant-based friends brought me here once, and I was in for a surprise. The VJFB2D™ Amsterdam location on Staringplein is where it all began in 2017. Since then, they’ve expanded faster than my waistline after a visit (just kidding… sort of).
You’ll find VJFB spots around Amsterdam, each with its own feel. The one in De Pijp is usually lively, while the Downtown location on Reguliersdwarsstraat works well when you’re exploring the center and fancy a quick vegan bite.
So what’s on the menu? Think burgers, fries and shakes, all done up vegan-style. These aren’t sad, flavorless patties, either. The food has plenty of flavor, and even a committed carnivore might do a double-take.
Key Features
What makes VJFB stand out in a city that’s already pretty vegan-friendly? Here’s the short version:
- 100% Vegan Menu: Everything on the menu is plant-based, so there’s no need to quiz the waiter about hidden dairy or animal products.
- Junk Food Reimagined: They’ve veganized familiar guilty pleasures, from loaded fries and crispy ‘chicken’ burgers to shakes that might change your mind about vegan food.
- Instagram-Worthy Presentation: VJFB goes big on colorful, over-the-top presentation. Pink buns? Check. Rainbow fries? You bet.
- Gluten-Free Options: Got a gluten intolerance? They offer a separate gluten-free menu, so you can still join in.
- Cocktails and Boozy Shakes: Sometimes you want a little something extra with your meal. Their cocktail menu is just as creative as the food.
- Multiple Locations: With several spots around Amsterdam, you’re never too far from a VJFB fix. Each has its own feel, so choose based on your mood (or how close it is to your hotel, let’s be honest).
What really gets me about VJFB is that it’s not just about the food. It’s about changing perceptions. I’ve watched plenty of non-vegan friends get genuinely surprised by how good it is. Maybe this vegan thing isn’t so bad after all.
The atmosphere is part of the appeal, too. It’s got a cool, edgy feel, with tattooed and pierced staff, music turned up and a lively hum around the room. Definitely not your typical quiet, hippy-dippy vegan joint.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit VJFB depends on what you’re after. For a quieter meal, try a late lunch or early dinner on a weekday. Then again, some people come for the lively atmosphere, so the busier hours have their appeal.
Weekends are when VJFB really comes alive. Friday and Saturday nights are peak times, especially at the Downtown location. Expect a lively crowd, and be prepared to wait for a table. These places can fill up quickly.
If you’re a brunch person, Sunday’s your day. They don’t have a dedicated brunch menu, but the regular offerings hit the spot after a late night. A stack of vegan pancakes or a loaded breakfast burger is a pretty good way to start the day.
One local tip: if you’re visiting Amsterdam in summer, try to get a seat outside. Munching on vegan junk food while people-watching on a sunny day is hard to beat. Bring your sunglasses, though; those colorful dishes can be dazzling in the sun.
Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit. Stop by for a late-night snack or a quick lunch between sightseeing, and you’re in for a good meal. Just come hungry; the portions aren’t for the faint-hearted.
How to Get There
Getting to VJFB is straightforward, whichever location you’re headed to. Amsterdam’s public transport makes it easy to reach these spots, and each restaurant sits in a convenient part of town. Here’s how to get to each one.
For the original spot, VJFB2D™ Amsterdam on Staringplein, you’ve got a few options. Take tram 1 or 11 to the 1e Con. Huygensstraat stop, then walk the short distance. Buses 15 and 247 also get you close.
For the De Pijp location, take the metro to De Pijp station on lines 52 or 50, and you’re practically there. It’s also a good excuse to explore the Albert Cuyp market before or after your meal.
The Downtown location on Reguliersdwarsstraat is right in the middle of things. You can walk from Dam Square or Central Station if you’re up for it. Otherwise, trams 2, 11 and 12 stop nearby at Koningsplein.
Amsterdam’s a city made for cycling. If you want to feel like a local (and burn off some of those vegan calories), rent a bike. Just don’t overdo it before the ride back; cycling with a food baby isn’t as fun as it sounds, trust me.
And if all else fails, plug the address into your favorite map app and follow the smell of vegan junk food. You can’t miss it!
