Caldi E Freddi, the best sandwich for under a tenner.
If you’ve ever walked around the beautiful streets of Amsterdam, you’ve probably already noticed the copious amounts of Italian spots scattered across the city: pizzas, pasta, and everything in between. Don’t get me wrong, some of these places are amazing and I’d highly recommend trying a couple. But, the real underdog here, the unsung heroes of the Italian food scene of Amsterdam, are the Italian delis.
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Stick with me here. Imagine a ciabatta, warm and fresh out of the oven—the crust crackling under the pressure of your fingers. A soft pillowy interior opens up with the slice of a knife, ready to become the foundation of an epic sandwich. Now for the toppings, the infrastructure of greatness. Italian cold cuts, fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, and sauces that’ll make you giddy after the first bite. Have I piqued your curiosity? Are you intrigued? Good, let’s get into it!
If you’re a foodie or simply looking for a good lunch, this is the spot for you. Finding that perfect sandwich shop is like finding the perfect song; once you’ve found it, it’ll stick with you forever. You look forward to that sandwich you always order, you get on a first-name basis with the staff, and it becomes part of your routine. If you dive deeper into this guide, you’ll find a few more Italian delis in Amsterdam that are worth visiting, but this one is perfect for a budget-friendly meal. Italian delis are the heart and soul of authentic Italian bites in Amsterdam. But even among these, Caldi E Freddi, just minutes away from the central station, stands out for its incredible and affordable menu.
Under a tenner
Caldi E Freddi is a little spot serving sandwiches, calzones, takeaway meals, and desserts, all under ten euros. You should be able to find the deli simply by seeing the long line outside waiting for their turn to order. You’ll hear the Italians in the back, yelling orders and fucking around. As soon you walk in, you’re met with a display of all the cold cuts and cheeses lying in wait, ready-made dishes and desserts neatly packed on the other side. Trolleys of fresh bread that you can’t help but stare at, and the sandwiches being made across. You’ll fall in love with the place before you’ve even tried the food.
The best part? It’s affordable. You can get away with getting a sandwich for less than six euros, which is rare in Amsterdam. And this isn’t just a plain sandwich. No, a sandwich from Caldi E Freddi is filled to the brim, bursting with flavor, and will fill you up for the rest of the afternoon. It’s all fresh, made to order, and it’s made with that Italian love that’s simply unparalleled.
The Final bite
Visit the shop, pick a sandwich, be adventurous, get an espresso, and order a tiramisu to finish. Treat yourself! I can guarantee that once you do, you’ll go back again and again.
