Oslo’s Best Cheap Eats: 17 Budget friendly restaurants starting from 39KR/€3.50 !

Where to eat in Oslo on a budget? To add to my earlier post on the BudgetTraveller of the best cheapest hostels and hotels in Oslo  ( best value budget hotel in Oslo is definitely the Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget ) and how to enjoy Oslo on a budget, I am excited to have Oslo local, Elin Reitehaug to share her favourite cheap eats in Oslo. God appetitt! PS If you are planning a trip in Scandinavia, checkout my cheap eats guide to Copenhagen and also my list of the 33 best free things to do in Stockholm.

1. Apent Bakeri

This is a chain of bakeries which you can find all over Oslo. Prices here are in line with most Oslo Bakeries where you can get pastries or bread from 30 NOK, a coffee from 40 NOK and they do American pancakes for breakfast for 99 NOK

You can find them in several locations across Oslo.

2. Silin Bakeri

Address: Grønlandsleiret 61C, 0190 Oslo, Norway

If you love Ali Bakery , a classic cheap eat in Copenhagen, specializing in Middle Eastern baked goods, then you will love Silin Bakeri in Grønland. Lots of great option for both vegans and vegetarians- their ‘Zattar with Chilli’ is delicious ( 39 KR ) and their Manakish’s ( like a flatbread pizza basically ) ( 45 KR) is flavourful and so good.  

Also recommend the Zaatar with olives too. Everything we tried here was delicious and it is one of the best food deals in Oslo. Perfect place to grab lunch or a snack.

3. Banh Mi XO

Address: Olav Vs gate 4, 0161 Oslo, Norway

For the best Banh Mi in town, you have to go to Banh Mi XO. The baguette is crispy, pork has lots of flavour and they stuff it with a ton of fresh coriander, carrots and cucumbers in true Vietnamese style. There is sadly no pate which is a minus bit otherwise this is a really tasty Banh Mi. For the price of 126 KR ( €10.50) it also remains one of the best cheap restaurants in Oslo.

4. Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar

Address: Hausmanns gate 31a, 0182 Oslo, Norway

If you’re looking for freshly made burritos, with your own choice of fillings at a good price & friendly staff, Freddy Fuego is the place to go to and definitely one of the best places to eat in Oslo on a budget. Secret to Freddy Fuego’s burritos is their home made salsa which they freshly prepare on-site every day, they marinate their meat in a secret sauce ( involves whole dried chillies) which are then cooked on low heat for hours to make the meat extra tender and flavourful

You will Freddy’s right at the corner of Torggata and Hausmanns gate, between the city centre and Grünerløkka

Price example: The veggie ‘El Veggie Verde’ starts at 145 KR/€15 or El Puerco Picante is 150 KR/€14.50 and they have beers from 89 KR

5. East Kitchen

Address Markveien 50 A

This tiny, little restaurants with less than 10 seats has some of the best Asian restaurants in Oslo. It is situated in the middle of Grünerløkka, an area full of restaurants, cafés and clubs.

Food Asian and sushi

Price example Chinese spring rolls ( 2 pieces ) from 75 NOK ( €7.20 ) to Pad Thai for 215 NOK ( €16)

6. Punjab Tandoori

Address: Grønland 24

This is a fast food Indian place with good and cheap food. They have a selection of sauces and stews and the nan bread is always fresh and tasty. Main courses like their incredible value Vegetarian Thali ( 109 NOK, takeaway -comes with nan, green salad, chickpea curry, Dahl and rice ) and Chicken Curry  ( With Rice, Naan bread or salad) from 109 NOK, make this one of the best places to eat in Oslo.

7. Krishna Cuisine

Address: Sørkedalsveien 10, 0369 Oslo, Norway

Krishna Cuisine is not a place you will stumble upon since it’s quite hidden away in a small shopping center close to Majorstua. They serve great vegetarian food and all meals can be made vegan. There is usually one soup and one dish of the day – and if you buy dinner of the day you get a free refill!

Food Vegetarian/vegan
Address Sørkedalsveien 10 (close to Colosseum cinema)
Price examples Soup with rice and papadam: 109 NOK , Lunch menu 155 NOK (with free refill – Stew with rice, savoury and chutney served with a small side salad and soup)

8. Gazakjøkken

If you have a craving for falafel or a good shawarma in Oslo, Gazakjøkken is the place to go in Oslo. Quality and taste is fantastic and the staff are amazing. Top tip: Order the supermix wrap and a falafel platter with fries.

Price example: Falafel wrap starts from 119 NOK/ €11.50 while a Chicken Shawarma will set you back 139 NOK/€11.50 too

8. Falafel and kebab

In Grønland and in the eastern part of Torggata you will find a wide selection of fast food stores who serve kebab and falafel in pita or roll. The portions are usually large , and the prices starts from 40 NOK (€5).

9. Oslo Mekaniske

 Bring your own food

This is one of the most charming cafés and pubs in Oslo – I love every little thing about Oslo Mekaniske! It is very busy at weekends, especially Fridays after work hours. This is the only place I know of in Oslo where you can bring your own food. All they ask is you is to buy a drink from the bar and clean up after yourself. It is not the cheapest or most expensive beer in Oslo. It is only a 10 minute walk from the central station, just opposite Oscar´s Pizza.

Address: Tøyenbekken 34

10. Picnic in a park?

If your budget is really tight – why not have a picnic in the park? Then you can bring your own drinks (which is much cheaper than in restaurants).

Note that drinking alcohol in public is not allowed in Norway – but nobody will bother as long as you are discrete and don’t make any trouble. You can buy food from the grocery store and make yourself a picnic – or even cook your own meal on “engangsgrill” (the disposable grills they sell everywhere during spring and summer) 

11. Vegetable shop in Smalgangen

In this busy vegetable shop you will find just about anything you need and what is called “immigrant shops” in Norway. They are easy to spot because you see stacks of vegetables and fruits outside and is usually cheaper than going to the supermarket. One of my favorites is the one in Smalgangen where you can buy veggies, olives, fruit, bread, cheeses and  børek (20 NOK).

Address Smalgangen

12. Rice Bowl

Rice Bowl is a very popular restaurant in Oslo because of the good value meals – they serve tasty Thai food in huge portions. It is often busy, so you may have to wait to get seated.

The service is good and quick though, so after you have ordered it won´t take long before your food is ready. I love their red curry with tofu! All the dishes on the menu can be made vegetarian.

Address Youngs Gate 4

Price example

Phad kra pao kai  195 NOK/€18
Kwutiew Nua (Noodle Soup): 195 NOK/€18

13. Café Q (Mono)

Mono has the coolest music scene in town. In the American style diner in the back they serve the most delicious veggie burgers. Make sure to pass by Saturdays at 18.00pm for the free concert!
Price example Soup of the day: 80 NOK (10 Euro), Burger 120 NOK (15 Euro).
Address Pløensgate 4

14. Illegal Burger

This is the hottest burger spot in Oslo, serving charcoal grilled homemade gourmet burgers – and there are always people hanging around waiting for their tasty burger. The service is fast though – so you wo’t wait too long. All burger varieties may be served with beef burger, fish burger or vegetarian – single or double. Prices starts from 90 NOK (€12).
Address Møllergata 23 (just above Youngstorget)

15. Curry & Ketchup

Great Indian food and not a boring moment during your meal – this place is filled with curiosities of all kinds.

The waiters are barely ever smiling, but they are efficient. Curry & Ketchup is all about the delicious food for a nice price. Mains from 100 NOK (9 Euro)

Note: cash only!
Address: Kirkeveien 51

TUNCO’s mission is to cook mouthwateringly delicious meals for the flavor obsessed and give back to people in need. Our menu has a rich selection of yummy, stir-fried noodles and snacks with a range of vegetable-based options you can enjoy with a clean conscience.

16. TUNCO

17. Syverkiosken 

Further tips

Silin Bakeri in Grønland has many options for both vegetarians and vegans. I tried the three vegan options: chilli, zattar, and zaatar with olives. All three were very flavorful, I definitely recommend trying them all, but I think the zaatar with olives was my favorite!

The portions are small and the prices are super cheap, it’s a perfect place to grab lunch or a snack.

2. Banh Mi XO

Address: Olav Vs gate 4, 0161 Oslo, Norway

For the best Banh Mi in town, you have to go to Banh Mi XO. The baguette is crispy, pork has lots of flavour and they stuff it with a ton of fresh coriander, carrots and cucumbers in true Vietnamese style. There is sadly no pate which is a minus bit otherwise this is a really tasty Banh Mi. For the price of 120 NOK ( €10.50) it also remains one of the best cheap restaurants in Oslo.

3. Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar

Address: Hausmanns gate 31a, 0182 Oslo, Norway

If you’re looking for freshly made burritos, with your own choice of fillings at a good price & friendly staff, Freddy Fuego is the place to go to and definitely one of the best places to eat in Oslo on a budget. Secret to Freddy Fuego’s burritos is their home made salsa which they freshly prepare on-site every day, they marinate their meat in a secret sauce ( involves whole dried chillies) which are then cooked on low heat for hours to make the meat extra tender and flavourful

You will Freddy’s right at the corner of Torggata and Hausmanns gate, between the city centre and Grünerløkka

Price example: The veggie ‘El Veggie Verde’ starts at 145 KR/€15 or El Puerco Picante is 150 KR/€14.50

4. East Kitchen

Address Markveien 50 A

This tiny, little restaurants with less than 10 seats has some of the best Asian restaurants in Oslo. It is situated in the middle of Grünerløkka, an area full of restaurants, cafés and clubs.

Food Asian and sushi

Price example Chinese spring rolls ( 2 pieces ) from 75 NOK ( €7.20 ) to Pad Thai for 168 NOK ( €16)

5. Punjab Tandoori

This is a fast food Indian place with good and cheap food. They have a selection of sauces and stews and the nan bread is always fresh and tasty. Main courses like Chicken Curry ( With Rice, Naan bread or salad) start from 95 NOK (€9 )

Food: Indian
Address: Grønland 24

6. Krishna Cuisine

Krishna Cuisine is not a place you will stumble upon since it’s quite hidden away in a small shopping center close to Majorstua. They serve great vegetarian food and all meals can be made vegan. There is usually one soup and one dish of the day – and if you buy dinner of the day you get a free refill!

Food Vegetarian/vegan
Address Sørkedalsveien 10 (close to Colosseum cinema)
Price examples Soup with rice or papadam: 65 NOK , Lunch menu 135 NOK/ €13 (with free refill – Stew with rice, savoury and chutney served with a small side salad and soup)

7. Gazakjøkken

Address: Møllergata 10, Oslo, Norway

If you have a craving for falafel or a good shawarma in Oslo, Gazakjøkken is the place to go in Oslo. Quality and taste is fantastic and the staff are amazing. Top tip: Order the supermix wrap and a falafel platter with fries.

Price example: Falafel wrap starts from 119 NOK/ €11.50 while a Chicken Shawarma will set you back 119 NOK/€11.50 too

8. Falafel and kebab

In Grønland and in the eastern part of Torggata you will find a wide selection of fast food stores who serve kebab and falafel in pita or roll. The portions are usually large , and the prices starts from 40 NOK (€5).

9. Oslo Mekaniske Verksted

Address: Tøyenbekken 34

Bring your own food!

This is one of the most charming cafés and pubs in Oslo – I love every little thing about Oslo Mekaniske! It is very busy at weekends, especially Fridays after work hours. This is the only place I know of in Oslo where you can bring your own food. All they ask is you is to buy a drink from the bar and clean up after yourself. It is not the cheapest or most expensive beer in Oslo. It is only a 10 minute walk from the central station, just opposite Oscar´s Pizza.

10. Picnic in a park?

If your budget is really tight – why not have a picnic in the park? Then you can bring your own drinks (which is much cheaper than in restaurants).

Note that drinking alcohol in public is not allowed in Norway – but nobody will bother as long as you are discrete and don’t make any trouble. You can buy food from the grocery store and make yourself a picnic – or even cook your own meal on “engangsgrill” (the disposable grills they sell everywhere during spring and summer) 

11. Vegetable shop in Smalgangen

In this busy vegetable shop you will find just about anything you need and what is called “immigrant shops” in Norway. They are easy to spot because you see stacks of vegetables and fruits outside and is usually cheaper than going to the supermarket. One of my favorites is the one in Smalgangen where you can buy veggies, olives, fruit, bread, cheeses and  børek (20 NOK).

Address Smalgangen

12. Rice Bowl Thai Café

Address: Kirkegata 20, 0153 Oslo, Norway

Rice Bowl is a very popular restaurant in Oslo because of the good value meals – they serve tasty Thai food in huge portions. It is often busy, so you may have to wait to get seated.

The service is good and quick though, so after you have ordered it won´t take long before your food is ready. I love their red curry with tofu! All the dishes on the menu can be made vegetarian.

Price example

Phad kra pao kai  195 NOK/€18
Kwutiew Nua (Noodle Soup): 195 NOK/€18

14. Illegal Burger

Address: Møllergata 23, 0179 Oslo, Norway ( just above Youngstorget )

This is the hottest burger spot in Oslo, serving charcoal grilled homemade gourmet burgers – and there are always people hanging around waiting for their tasty burger. The service is fast though – so you wo’t wait too long. All burger varieties may be served with beef burger, fish burger or vegetarian – single or double. Prices starts from 146 NOK (€12).

15. Curry & Ketchup

Address: Kirkeveien 51, 0368 Oslo, Norway

Great Indian food and not a boring moment during your meal – this place is filled with curiosities of all kinds.

The waiters are barely ever smiling, but they are efficient. Curry & Ketchup is all about the delicious food for a nice price. Their dosas are fantastic and the best value item on the menu from 189 KR and they also fantastic Chilli Momos from 159 NOK

Note: cash only!
Address: Kirkeveien 51

TUNCO’s mission is to cook mouthwateringly delicious meals for the flavor obsessed and give back to people in need. Our menu has a rich selection of yummy, stir-fried noodles and snacks with a range of vegetable-based options you can enjoy with a clean conscience.

16. TUNCO

17. Syverkiosken 

Further tips