In recent years, the Oslo food scene has really expanded with a lot of modern and traditional Norwegian restaurants as well as international options of great quality. The concept of Street food has gained a lot of popularity and different food stands and food trucks can be found in the city center.
Just be aware that street food in Oslo does not always equal cheap prices, this is still Norway, but you can definitely find affordable delicacies to enjoy! The growing street food scene is a good alternative to classic restaurants and provides a different type of experience.
Most of those food halls have partnerships with local farmers and producers so the food quality is usually great and justify some of the prices. Whether you want to go for a light lunch, a consistent dinner or some drinks, the below list will help you find the best place to have a great time
1. Oslo Street Food
Oslo street food is the largest indoor street food place with more than 16 food trucks and food stalls to choose from with international options and various vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives as well. The place is usually crowded all year around but there is the possibility to sit outside under outdoor heaters which is very convenient during winter. There are a lot of good food options, some better than others but it is the perfect place to hang out and have a good time.
Fun fact: After 11pm, every Friday and Saturday, the former Oslo biggest public swimming pool turns into Klubb Torggata: the food court becomes a vibrant dance floor with Oslo’s best DJs. This is super convenient when it is freezing outside and you want to have your dinner and party in the same place!
To get there: OSF is located in the super-central and popular Torggata area, you will get there within a few minutes by foot from Oslo central station.
2. Vippa
Vippa is a food court located right by the Oslo Fjord that offers flavors from all over the globe with an overall sustainable approach. It has been built within a former warehouse that gives an authentic & industrial vibe to the place. There you can choose between 9 to 11 specialities from Norwegian seafood to Syrian cuisine, this place does not disappoint!
Fun fact: Vippa is an actual social enterprise that helps immigrants and new entrepreneurs to integrate into their community and the wider Norwegian society through street-food, which is an absolutely amazing initiative.
To get there: from the city center “Jernbanetorget”, it is a 20/25 min walk but you can also take the bus 60 towards Vippetangen and get off at the last stop.
3. Mathallen
Mathallen, is located in the vibrant Grünnerlokka neighborhood. It’s Oslo’s biggest indoor food market and an amazing place to spend your afternoon in a warm and cozy atmosphere. You can buy various fresh products to take home or have a seat and try some of Norway’s classic comfort food like waffles and “Brunost” (Norwegian brown cheese), dried fish and so on! You can also enjoy loads of different international delicacies as well as local beverages in the city’s largest bar downstairs. It’s an overall great cultural experience. With an average of 40 restaurants, shops, and bars, there is no doubt you will find something good to taste on the spot or grab for later.
To get there: from the city center, you can take the tram 11, 12, 13 or buses 111, 112 then stop at Schous Plass. You can also take the bus 34 and 54 stop at Mollerveien.
4. Youngstorget
Youngstorget square is a very lively area in the center of Oslo all year round. You will find there a couple of food stands and food trucks with many Turkish, middle eastern and south asian specialties among others.
Fun fact: Youngstorget also serves as a space for a farmer’s market, which is a very unique experience and a great opportunity to purchase delicious food items from local businesses.
To get there: from the central station, Walk 6 min via Skippergata.
5. Aker Brygge
Throughout the year, you can find a few different food trucks alongside the fjord at Aker Brygge and at the City Hall square, in the same area.
Fun fact: In summer, you can also sunbathe and have a quick dip into the sea at Tjuvholmen beach located just south of Aker Brygge on the Astrup Fearnley Museum campus. It is also the perfect place for a nice picnic.
To get there: from the central station walk for 20 min. You can also take the train or the t-bane to Nationaltheater or even the tram 12 and stop at Aker Brygge and there is other buses option to get closer to the area.
6. Bar code Oslo Street food
Bar code Oslo Street food recently opened in the trendy and new Bar code district. It brings together 13 food stalls hall with a diverse culinary offer and one of the largest bars in town.
Fun fact: Out of the 3 indoor food courts, the Bar code street food offers the most diverse vegan options, from a Senegal and Caribbean inspired cuisine to 100% vegan and gluten free American style burgers.
How to get there: The food court is situated 5 min from the main train station by foot, near Oslobukta area.
7. Salt
SALT is a futuristic and artistic project as well as a cultural arena in the heart of Oslo. It offers a direct view on the fjord and you can spend the afternoon there having fun and enjoy some drinks. The food truck options are limited but enough to have a good time and there are plenty of outdoors and indoors seats.
Fun fact: SALT has 6 stages for concerts as well as a 6 different sizes Sauna that can accommodate up to 100 people.
How to get there: The food court is located 5 min from the central train station by foot.
Oslo street food options are expanding more and more, with options from all around the world as well as traditional and modern Norwegian recipes, let me know which one of the above places was your favorite and if I need to add any !