FEBO-Eating out of the ‘wall’

FEBO-Eating out of the ‘wall’

Netherlands is a beautiful country and the most touristy place in the Netherlands any day is Amsterdam. Now you may think just like any other tourist who has been to Amsterdam I will start off with the beautiful canals, the majestic museums and of ‘course the tulips. I would love to write about all of these but the foodie in me decided to start off with something else.

The Dutch people are very tolerant people and pretty advanced in a lot of stuff but before coming to Netherlands I have never heard of anything like a Dutch cuisine. I think this is the only aspect they are lagging behind unlike their continental neighbours like Italy or France. However the Dutch people have something which none of the other European countries rather no other country has and that is you have guessed it right, ‘FEBO’.

FEBO is a chain of Dutch walk-up fast food restaurants which is automatic in nature.  FEBO is most notable for this automatic format and beats KFC or McDonald’s any day if you are especially in Amsterdam. The FEBO snacks can be bought from the automats on a wall. The primary automat-vended items are mostly snacks of Dutch origin like Krokets, Frikandellan, Hamburgers, Kaassouffle’s and other similar deep fried items. The best part of FEBO is that if you are starving but almost broke, it always has a snack to fit your budget as it’s the most ‘Lekker’ that’s tasty for Dutch and affordable. FEBO also has a counter which is available for purchasing French fries, beverages, and hamburgers etc apart from the automats.

Now you might be thinking why there is so much fuss about FEBO since we all have seen vending machines back in our country. Yes I agree you have had your own fair share of automat experience already back home but have you ever had the experience of eating a deep fried fresh Kroket out of the wall. Well there lies the catch! All the items sold in FEBO are fresh and prepared everyday and none of the items are packed or canned food. Well the process is pretty simple, you walk up to the window of the tastiest-looking treat, drop the correct amount in the slot, open the door, and take out your snack just as in any other vending machine except here the machine is a huge one almost like a wall full of yummy food shelved in compartments waiting to be picked up.

Well if you refer to the picture below I am sure you will get some idea for the live experience you need to hit a FEBO shop next time you are in Amsterdam or any other big city in the Netherlands for that matter.

  pic source-Alamy & Tankpro

History of FEBO

This famous fast-food eatery was founded in the year 1941 in Amstelveenseweg in Amsterdam, near the Olympic Stadium under the name FEBO Bakery by Johan Isaac Borst. It was later renamed as Maison Febo after Ferdinand Bolstraat. According to Febo historians, Borst learned many of his skills from a boss who was based along the Ferdinand Bolstraat, a street in central Amsterdam. The snack shop’s name is thus a tribute to his experiences there. FEBO actually started out as a small pastry shop, run by a baker named John Isaac Borst. Besides artisan breads and other delicacies John Borst got his fame by inventing the most famous Dutch snack the ‘Kroketten’ (potato and meat croquettes).

Before long the demand for the freshly made ‘Kroketten’ was so high that eventually the quaint bakery was transformed into an automat-style restaurant where eager customers queued up to pull out their favorite fried snacks.

On the Menu

FEBO is still best known for its croquettes. Here are a few, yummy meaty recommendations: “Kalfsvleeskroket” for those who love beef or “Kipcorn” for those who crave a bit of chicken. For the Eastern touch, check out “bami” or “nasi,” both croquettes come packed with rice or noodles, as well as vegetables and herbs. If you’re looking for a non-meat option, check out the delicious “Kaassouffle,” a fried cheese nugget.

FEBO has also expanded its menu to include other non-croquette offerings, including some Asian-inspired dishes, “pataats” (chips), and a few sweet snacks. They also serve grilled hamburgers and sandwiches.

All these are pretty cheap and affordable to one and all. For further details on the menu please check FEBO’s website www.febo.nl.

According to the company website, FEBO has 66 shops all over the Netherlands with 54 being franchises. There are 22 shops in  Amsterdam alone and thus FEBO has become an integrated part of the Dutch culture.

So next time you are in Amsterdam don't forget to drop by FEBO..happy EATING!