Markus Anecdotes - FEBO

Written by and with photos by Markus

When people think of the Netherlands, images of windmills, tulip fields, and bicycles often come to mind. However, there’s another uniquely Dutch experience that remains relatively unknown to outsiders: FEBO, the country’s legendary automat-style fast-food chain.

Imagine walking up to a wall of small, glass-fronted compartments, each containing a hot snack. With just a few coins (or now, a contactless payment), you open a door and retrieve a steaming kroket or frikandel. There’s no human interaction, no waiting in line, and no need for conversation—just grab your food and go. For many, it’s an oddity. For the Dutch, it’s a way of life.

FEBO traces its origins back to 1941 when a baker named Johan de Borst opened a pastry shop in Amsterdam called “Maison FEBO.” The name was derived from Ferdinand Bolstraat, the street where the bakery was first located. As time passed, de Borst began selling savory snacks alongside his baked goods. The concept of the automated snack wall gained popularity, and by the 1960s, FEBO had fully transformed into a fast-food chain with vending-style dining.

Today, FEBO has more than 20 locations throughout the Netherlands, with its flagship store still in Amsterdam. The concept remains largely unchanged: fresh snacks are continuously stocked behind small doors, and hungry customers can grab their food instantly.

The magic of FEBO lies in its simplicity. Customers walk up to a vending wall filled with different types of deep-fried treats. Each item is freshly prepared in the kitchen behind the wall, ensuring that the food is hot and crispy. Once a snack is placed into the compartment, a small light indicates that it’s ready to be purchased.

Payment is straightforward—originally, you had to use coins, but modern FEBO locations now accept debit cards and contactless payments. Once you’ve paid, the door unlocks, and you can retrieve your snack. It’s as easy as using a vending machine, but instead of grabbing a cold soda, you’re pulling out a warm, freshly made frikandel or kaassoufflé.

What’s on the Menu?

FEBO specializes in traditional Dutch fast food. Here are some of the most popular snacks you can find:

• Kroket (Croquette) – A deep-fried roll filled with creamy, seasoned meat ragout.

• Frikandel – A skinless, deep-fried sausage made from a mix of meats, often eaten with curry ketchup, mayo, and chopped onions.

• Kaassoufflé – A crispy pastry pocket filled with melted cheese.

• Bami and Nasischijf – Deep-fried patties filled with Indonesian-inspired bami (noodles) or nasi (rice), reflecting the Netherlands’ colonial past.

• Grillburger – A small but flavorful hamburger that you can grab from the vending wall.

• Chicken Satay Stick – A nod to Indonesian cuisine, featuring skewered, grilled chicken coated in rich satay sauce.

• Gehaktstaaf – A deep-fried minced meat stick, often served with mustard or ketchup.

• Speciaal Sauce Combinations – Some locations offer unique sauces mixed with mayo, curry ketchup, and onions, adding a burst of flavor to any snack.

In addition to these classics, some FEBO locations offer fries and milkshakes, but the self-service vending concept is what makes the chain so unique.

Why Do the Dutch Love FEBO?

The Dutch have a long-standing love affair with deep-fried snacks, but FEBO’s appeal goes beyond just the food. It fits perfectly into the Dutch culture of convenience, efficiency, and practicality. Here are a few reasons why FEBO is such a hit in the Netherlands:

• Speed and Convenience – In a country where people bike everywhere and prefer quick, no-nonsense meals, FEBO is the ultimate fast-food experience.

• A Late-Night Essential – FEBO is a favorite among partygoers and night owls. Many locations stay open late, providing hot snacks when everything else is closed.

• A Nostalgic Tradition – Many Dutch people grew up with FEBO, and it holds a nostalgic place in their hearts.

• Quality and Freshness – Unlike typical vending machine food, FEBO snacks are freshly prepared and constantly replenished.

• An Affordable Option – FEBO’s pricing is very reasonable, making it an accessible choice for students, tourists, and anyone looking for a quick bite.

• An Icon of Dutch Practicality – The Dutch are known for their straightforward and efficient approach to life, and FEBO embodies this philosophy perfectly.

While FEBO is well known in the Netherlands, the automat-style restaurant is a rare sight elsewhere. The concept actually originated in the United States and Germany in the early 1900s, with automats like Horn & Hardart thriving in cities like New York and Philadelphia. However, by the 1970s, most automats had disappeared, replaced by fast-food chains that favored human cashiers and drive-thrus.

In contrast, FEBO has continued to thrive. The chain has embraced modern payment methods and social media while staying true to its original concept. This blend of tradition and innovation has kept it relevant in the ever-changing fast-food landscape.

How FEBO Compares to Other Vending Machine Cultures

 While FEBO remains a staple in the Netherlands, vending machine dining is also popular in other parts of the world. In Japan, vending machines are taken to an entirely different level, offering everything from hot ramen and fresh sandwiches to canned coffee and even full meals. Japanese vending machines emphasize convenience and variety, often featuring high-tech payment systems and touchscreen menus. In contrast, FEBO focuses specifically on deep-fried fast food, keeping the selection simple yet satisfying.

Similarly, in the United States, while vending machines mostly dispense packaged snacks and drinks, some cities have experimented with gourmet vending machines offering fresh salads, pizzas, and even cupcakes. However, the automat-style dining that once thrived in places like New York has largely faded away, making FEBO one of the last standing examples of this unique concept.

In countries like Germany and South Korea, vending machines are also evolving to serve fresh food, but few have the nostalgic, no-fuss appeal of FEBO’s grab-and-go deep-fried snacks. The Dutch approach emphasizes quick service and practicality, perfectly aligning with the nation’s straightforward and efficient culture.

With increasing advancements in technology, vending machine dining is seeing a resurgence in some places. Countries like China and Japan have introduced AI-powered vending machines that can cook fresh meals on the spot. Could FEBO evolve in a similar way? While the traditional concept remains beloved, innovations such as digital menus, more diverse food options, and even healthier alternatives may shape its future. One thing is certain—FEBO has cemented itself as a unique and lasting part of Dutch culture.