Restaurants modelled on the Parisian bouillon, serving traditional French bistro dishes at low prices, are catching on across the Netherlands.
The concept began in Paris in 1854, offering workers and market vendors quick, cheap meals built around meat broth.
Bouillon d’Amsterdam opened in March and reportedly draws 500 to 800 guests a day.
Prices and how the model works
Steak tartare costs €9.60, escargots €11.10 and steak frites €16.90.
Simple dishes, fast service and high turnover keep prices low despite high Dutch hospitality costs, though profit margins are very thin.
Hospitality experts see the trend as a response to rising supply costs, staff shortages and shrinking spending power.
New locations in Zuid and beyond
A second location, Le Petit Bouillon d’Amsterdam, opened in Amsterdam-Zuid in June.
The owners are now eyeing The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht, which they want to run themselves at first, possibly with local partners, while also exploring a franchise model.
Separately, Bouillon d’Or, which has no link to the Amsterdam group, was due to open in the former Brasserie HAUT in Weesp in the week to 10 October.
If the bouillon crowds have you hungry for more, here are more places to eat French food around the city.