Effendy

Effendy is a popular Amsterdam lahmacun café devoted to one of Turkey’s best-known street foods. The original location opened on the Rozengracht in 2018. Following its success, Effendy expanded to the Overtoom and has just opened a third location on Ferdinand Bolstraat in De Pijp.

Lahmacun is a thin Turkish flatbread traditionally covered with seasoned minced meat and vegetables. At Effendy, it is baked until lightly crisp and served as a wrap with lettuce and parsley. The menu ranges from the straightforward classic to more substantial versions filled with lamb kebab or chicken.

The lahmacun kebab combines thinly sliced lamb with Charleston peppers, cheddar, red onion and parsley. The chicken version is prepared with chicken thigh, cheese, mushrooms and red pepper. Vegetarian diners can choose the spinach and feta lahmacun, while the vegan version comes with vegan cheese, spinach, red pepper and red onion.

Effendy is designed primarily for a quick meal rather than a long lunch. Service is informal, seating is limited and takeaway is a popular choice. Turkish lentil soup and sweet treats such as pistachio or walnut baklava complete the menu.

Eat your lahmacun immediately while the flatbread is still warm and crisp. The original Rozengracht location is convenient when exploring the Jordaan, while the Overtoom branch is ideal before or after visiting Vondelpark. The new Ferdinand Bolstraat location makes Effendy an excellent stop near the Albert Cuyp Market.

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