Fabel Friet Runstraat — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Fabel Frite is located in the Runstraat in what locals refer to as a "pijpenla", or "pipe draw", a reference to the long and narrow draws traditionally used to store clay smoking pipes, with their long stems; These days, the expression is used to describe commercial premises which have some depth, but are extremely narrow, a common feature in Amsterdam.

Similar to the establishment in parallel Hartenstraat, selling hamburgers in every colour of the rainbow, Fabel Frite is a magnet for 'selfie' seekers.

Queues, which often stretch the length of the bridge over Keizergracht, are directed by a pair of security guards who are inadequate at keeping nuisance, noise, rubbish and obstruction to a minimum.

You will typically have to queue for 15 to 20 minutes. On entering, you are greeted by a tourist-weary staff, who couldn't be ruder if they tried.

Fries are served with choice of Parmesan or Cheddar toppings, or a selection of mayonnaise, ketchup and peanut sauces. There's also a vegan mayonnaise and the option of diced onion. Other offerings include croquettes, frikandel - deep-fried spiced mincemeat sausage, and Gouda cheese soufflé. Prices are above average, and the food, while very tasty, could hardly be described as outstanding. Despite proclaiming to have the city's best fries, it is revealing that Fabel Frite does not appear in the 'top ten' ratings of any of the major websites, listing Amsterdam's best chip shops.

The subject of much controversy, since its opening, and at a time when local businesses suffer a barrage of red tape at every turn, it is astonishing that the local council gave their approval, which has subsequently caused untold damage to the image of the '9 Streets' area.

The deterioration of the '9 Streets' has not only angered local residents, it is increasingly attracting the attention of national and international media. Most recently, UK's Guardian newspaper published a major article entitled "TikTok food tourists leave a bitter taste in Amsterdam De...

Fabel Friet has turned Amsterdam’s Runstraat into the city’s most unexpected tourist trap—a place where people line up for hours, not for a Van Gogh or a canal tour, but for a plate of fries. Yes, you heard that right. Fries. Thanks to TikTok, this once-peaceful street now sees daily invasions of tourists eager to film themselves eating what they believe to be the Holy Grail of potatoes. Meanwhile, the locals? They’ve started avoiding the area like it’s cursed, muttering under their breath, “All this, for a patatje met?”

One frustrated neighbor summed it up perfectly: “How is it possible? A whole street ruined for a basic snack? The fries are far from special—just your standard patatje with a bit of glitter, cooked in the same oil that’s probably older than the shop itself. Hundreds of people eat from the same fryer every day—does that sound appetizing? No, thank you!”

Fabel Friet has become the city’s ultimate food fable, a tale of how TikTok can turn a run-of-the-mill snack into a social media sensation. The fries themselves? Not even close to the best in town. Yet here we are, with tourists willing to wait an hour for a few bites, while the locals watch in disbelief, wondering how a simple fry stand could disrupt their lives so completely.

In the end, Fabel Friet is a testament to the power of hype over substance. It’s not about the taste; it’s about the spectacle. So, is it worth the wait? Only if you’re more interested in getting that TikTok shot than in actually enjoying your food. For everyone else, there are plenty of better fries in Amsterdam—and they don’t come with a...

🌟 5-Star Review for Fabel Friet, Amsterdam 🌟

If you’re hunting for the ultimate fry experience in Amsterdam, Fabel Friet is where your search ends! From the moment you step up to the counter, you’re met with an energetic and lively atmosphere that immediately draws you in. Watching the team expertly prepare fries with a smile only adds to the experience—it's clear they’re as passionate about their craft as we are about enjoying it!

The fries? Crispy perfection. With a golden crunch on the outside and a soft, pillowy interior, they’re everything fries should be. I went with their signature truffle mayonnaise and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and let me tell you, the flavors are out of this world. The rich, earthy truffle mayo pairs beautifully with the sharp, nutty Parmesan, making each bite a decadent treat.

Beyond the food, the entire experience feels like a celebration of great flavors and great vibes. The open kitchen gives you a peek behind the scenes as mountains of fresh potatoes transform into crispy delights. It’s fast-paced yet welcoming, and you can’t help but soak in the energy of the place.

Pro tip: Even if there’s a line, it’s worth the wait—and it moves fast, thanks to the efficient and friendly staff. The portions are generous, so come hungry or bring a friend to share.

For a perfect fusion of great food, fantastic atmosphere, and an authentic Amsterdam foodie experience, Fabel Friet is an absolute must-visit. Five stars...