Anyone who has been to a major city in Europe in the past 20 years has seen a Doner kabob stand. This modern fast food variation of a kabob stand was developed by a Turkish immigrant in Berlin in the 70s. Since then, the restaurant type has taken off, spreading throughout the continent and overseas. In Omaha, the trend continues at Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob.

Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob was started by Omahans Felice Anania, Anne Cavanaugh and Paul Kulik in 2007. After many trips to Europe, the owners gained an affinity to many customs of the area. They came back to Omaha and worked in the restaurant business for a while before deciding to start their own place. Their visits to countries such as Ireland and Spain made lasting memories, but it was the city of Amsterdam to which they chose to dedicate their kabob stand.

Amsterdam is a city of fast food. On every street there are small french fry stands, quaint McDonald’s and of course, kabob shops. The AF&K owners thought bringing one to the Dundee neighborhood would be a perfect fit.

“Dundee was a huge location for us – definitely one of the only places we wanted to do it at with the students, younger people neighborhood and families,” Anania said.

When you walk into the restaurant, you notice a large chalkboard menu with only three main items – falafel sandwiches, Doner kabobs and curry fries.

“We have a simple, straightforward menu,” Anania said. “With our kabobs, falafels and curry fries, we make it inexpensive and do it fresh everyday.”

The falafels are vegetarian friendly, comprised of chickpea patties, fava beans, garlic, onions, parsley and cilantro. The kabobs are Egyptian style with beef and lamb, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and red cabbage along with a choice of spicy or garlic sauce – all served in a thin durum pita. Lastly, the fries are thin cut and dusted with curry.

On my visit to Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob, I noticed it was a small neighborhood place, very reminiscent of a kabob shop I used to frequent in Madrid last semester after a long night out. Similarly, AF&K also is open late after Dundee bars close. A bite of the kabob instantly lets you know it’s Egyptian style, with the various spices and ingredients. Obviously the owners took care of getting their specific recipe right.

The food may be European fare, but the portions are all American. One kabob can sustain you for the whole day, if needed. The amount of fries in one order rivals the bagfuls given to you at Five Guys Burgers.

Another nice touch are the small details in the restaurant. The fridge is stocked with Coke products and Fanta, both popular refreshments of Europe. The bathroom is labeled WC for water closet – the British sign for washroom.

I wholly recommend AF&K as a nice place to check out in Dundee. The tasty menu and friendly service is well worth the short drive from campus.