FEBO Amsterdam - Rozengracht — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Such is the fame of the Dutch Febo automat chain, many overseas visitors consider the "hole in the wall" dining experience as an essential 'must do' tourist attraction when visiting the Netherlands.

The automat concept is nothing new. The world's first automat was opened in Berlin in 1895. Automats were very popular in New York during the 1930's, but it was Febo which created an image unlike any other.

Febo started life as a bakery in 1941 and soon became renowned for their outstanding croquettes, a favourite Dutch snack. The company took its name from the abbreviation of Ferdinand Bolstraat, the street where the business was first founded.

Today, there are new Febo outlets being opened all the time. There are more than 20 Febo automats in Amsterdam alone, most of which are franchises and, the company even has an international division.

Febo's Rozengracht branch is smaller than most but this compact branch has become extremely popular, especially in these times of social distancing.

Snacks directly available from the restaurant's drop down windows include calf, beef and saté croquettes; Chinese loempia, Indonesian fried Bami and Nasi snacks, cheese souffle, "kipkorn" chicken sticks and various burgers, including a vegetarian version. The most controversial snack is Frikadel, referred to by imitators as Frikandel, a long cigar shaped sausage full of mystery ingredients and often sliced through the middle and served with a combination of diced raw onion, tomato ketchup and mayonnaise, which people either love or hate.

If any of the windows are empty and not yet replenished, or you are lacking the right change (change machines are available), food can be ordered directly from the counter, also selling French fries, ice-cream and milk shakes. The premises are spotlessly clean and open late at night when other restaurants have closed and a tasty snack is...

I used to love FEBO it was so cute going there with your coins getting to open up a window with food in it. And now they've ruined it they put the prices up so heavily you may as well go to McDonald's and they only take card removing some of the novelty. I've noticed noone really goes there anymore and I think this is why. Not everyone wants to use their card abroad and imagine contemplating taking it just so you can get FEBO. Not worth it. Will miss the...

Food Usually I love Febo, but we got dry, cold, salty and old fries… It tasted like it had been there for a while. Same for the snacks from the wall.

Service Man that helped us was nice. But did get a bit annoying after a while, trying to get attention by whistling at us.

Vibe Just a quick grab and go Febo. There was a bar where you could out your food and eat. However, no bar stools....