Residents of Amsterdam's exclusive Keizersgracht canal district have sued the city over its decision to license Fabel Friet, a chip shop that has attracted massive crowds through viral TikTok posts.
The Guardian reported that neighbours presented their case in court last week. On busy days, queues for the shop stretch across a bridge on Runstraat, which borders one of Amsterdam's three main canals. The narrow street fills with tourists waiting for orders seven days a week, the court was told.
Residents say the crowds have created multiple problems. Litter accumulates on the picturesque street. Gulls linger on parked cars, steps and porches, waiting to scavenge. Rats have also appeared in the area.
The residents argue the city should not have granted the shop its operating license. Their legal challenge centres on whether Amsterdam's licensing authority properly weighed the impact of a viral social media phenomenon on a residential neighbourhood before approving the business.
Fabel Friet's success on TikTok has turned it into a destination for tourists and social media users seeking to visit and film content at the location. The shop's viral status appears to have exceeded the capacity of the narrow street to absorb foot traffic without disrupting residents.
The case highlights a growing tension in European cities. Heritage neighbourhoods designed for local residents now face pressure from internet-driven tourism. Residents claim they live in what feels like a continuous open-air event rather than a residential area.
The court has not yet issued a ruling. The outcome will affect both the chip shop's ability to operate and potentially how Amsterdam handles future licensing decisions for businesses in residential zones that might attract disproportionate online attention.