Summary: This post explores the spectrum of lunch options available to suit any appetite, from light and fresh to hearty and comforting. It uses examples from Indian cuisine to illustrate this diversity and positions Miri Mary as a versatile lunch spot in Amsterdam that caters to every mood and hunger level.

Lunch isn’t just a midday meal—it’s a moment to recharge, refuel, and indulge in flavors that energize both body and soul. Whether you’re someone who craves a quick, light bite or prefers a hearty plate that satisfies deeply, lunch has something for everyone. Especially in a vibrant food-loving city like Amsterdam, the lunch scene offers a beautiful variety of dishes to suit every appetite. In this blog, we’ll explore how lunch options range from light and fresh to rich and filling—and why knowing what your body needs can enhance your entire day.

Light Lunches: Fresh, Quick & Feel-Good

There are days when you want to keep things simple—something healthy, refreshing, and easy to digest. Light lunches are perfect for those afternoons when you have meetings lined up or want to avoid the post-meal slump.

Popular Light Lunch Options Include:

  • Salads with a Twist: Fresh greens paired with proteins like grilled chicken, paneer, or chickpeas, dressed with tangy vinaigrettes or yogurt-based dressings.

  • Soups and Stews: A hot bowl of lentil soup or a light vegetable broth can be surprisingly satisfying and energizing.

  • Wraps & Rolls: Indian kathi rolls or veggie wraps using whole wheat or multigrain flatbreads offer a perfect on-the-go lunch.

  • Stuffed Parathas (the lighter kind!): While traditional parathas are rich, lighter versions stuffed with spinach or cauliflower and paired with curd can be wholesome and filling without being heavy.

Who Should Choose Light Lunches?

  • Office-goers with a packed schedule

  • Health-conscious eaters

  • Travelers on the move who need energy without sluggishness

  • Those looking for a pre-workout meal

Medium Meals: Balanced & Satisfying

Sometimes, you’re not too hungry—but not light enough to skip a substantial plate. Medium lunch meals provide the perfect balance. They deliver satiety without the heaviness and typically include a mix of carbs, protein, and fiber.

Examples of Balanced Medium Lunches:

  • Indian Thali (Mini Version): A combination of rice, dal, vegetables, roti, and salad provides a complete yet manageable meal.

  • Tandoori Platters: Grilled meats or paneer served with naan or salad—high in protein, low in oil.

  • Biryani with Raita: A smaller portion of vegetable or chicken biryani with cooling raita strikes a satisfying balance.

  • Rice Bowl Combos: Steamed rice or quinoa with Indian-style chickpeas or lentils, drizzled with chutney or lemon.

Who Should Choose Medium Meals?

  • Freelancers or hybrid workers on a flexible schedule

  • People on casual lunch outings with friends

  • Students needing midday fuel

  • Tourists exploring lunch spots in Amsterdam

Hearty Lunches: Rich, Filling & Comforting

When hunger hits hard, a hearty lunch can be just the thing you need. This kind of meal often mimics dinner in its portion and richness—but timed right, it can be the perfect midday indulgence.

Hearty Lunch Options That Hit the Spot:

  • Butter Chicken with Naan: Creamy, spiced, and loaded with flavor—this classic never fails to impress.

  • Paneer Tikka Masala with Rice: A vegetarian option that’s as filling and satisfying as any meat dish.

  • South Indian Dosa Platters: With potato fillings, chutneys, and sambar—this makes for a well-rounded heavy lunch.

  • Stuffed Kulchas or Bhature: Paired with chole (chickpeas), these are ideal when you have time to sit down and enjoy.

  • Combo Meals: Featuring an appetizer, main course, and dessert—ideal for leisurely lunches or business meetings.

Who Should Choose Hearty Lunches?

  • Weekend diners out with family

  • Travelers fueling up for a day of exploration

  • Anyone treating themselves on a special day

  • Foodies seeking the best lunch Amsterdam has to offer

Matching Your Mood to Your Meal

The best part about lunch in Amsterdam is the variety. From street-side cafés to cultural restaurants, there’s a dish for every craving. Whether your body asks for light and crisp or deep and comforting, there’s no shortage of incredible choices—especially when it comes to Indian cuisine.

Indian restaurants in Amsterdam like Miri Mary cater to every appetite. With dishes that range from fresh lentil soups and wraps to rich curries and biryanis, our menu is designed to suit your mood, lifestyle, and hunger level.

Why Miri Mary is the Best Lunch Spot in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for the best lunch Amsterdam has to offer, Miri Mary brings you a dining experience that’s vibrant, soulful, and flavor-rich. Whether you’re a local seeking your daily favorite or a tourist searching “lunch near me,” our Indian-inspired menu bridges tradition with contemporary tastes.

From our hearty butter chicken thali to our light vegan wraps, we ensure every guest finds a dish that feels just right. Add in our relaxed ambiance, thoughtful service, and curated spice blends—and you’ll understand why Miri Mary is becoming a go-to lunch restaurant in Amsterdam.