5 Cheap Eats in Oslo Under 150 NOK

Oslo has a reputation for being expensive, but here's the thing – you can actually find amazing meals for under 150 NOK if you know where to look. From iconic hot dog stands that have been serving locals since the 1930s to vibrant food halls packed with international flavors, the city offers plenty of budget-friendly options. These aren't just cheap meals – they're delicious, authentic experiences that locals love.

TL;DR

Syverkiosken has been serving traditional Norwegian hot dogs since 1936, with current family ownership since 1979, starting from just 20 NOK
Food halls like Oslo Street Food and Vippa offer diverse international cuisines for 95-150 NOK
Vietnamese spots serve authentic dishes, though prices have increased to around 149-179 NOK at Banh Mi XO
Traditional Norwegian comfort food at Pilestredet Parkservering offers authentic daily specials
Areas like Grønlandsleiret and Torggata have concentrations of affordable dining options
Vegetarian options like Krishna Cuisine offer filling meals starting from 155 NOK with free refills

The Icon: Syverkiosken Hot Dog Stand

Let's start with a true Oslo legend. Syverkiosken has been serving hot dogs at Maridalsveien 45B since 1979, with current family ownership since 1979, and their traditional Norwegian pölse starts at just 30 NOK. That's probably the cheapest meal you'll find in the entire city.

But here's what makes it special – this isn't just any hot dog stand. They're famous for their "Wiener" sausage and offer a massive selection of toppings. You can get yours wrapped in lompe (a traditional Norwegian flatbread) or a regular bun. The toppings cost extra, and while prices vary, it remains an incredibly affordable option.

The stand draws everyone from business people grabbing a quick lunch to tourists wanting an authentic Norwegian street food experience. And honestly, after trying expensive restaurant meals, there's something satisfying about a perfectly simple hot dog that locals have been enjoying for nearly 90 years.

Food Hall Adventures: Oslo Street Food and Vippa

Food halls are where Oslo's cheap eats scene really shines. Oslo Street Food at Torggata 16 packs multiple vendors under one roof, with dishes ranging from 100-150 NOK. You'll find everything from Thai curries to Norwegian waffles.

The atmosphere hits different too. It's this indoor melting pot where you can try global flavors without breaking the bank. One day you might grab Vietnamese pho, the next you're trying something completely new from a vendor you've never heard of.

Then there's Vippa Food Hall at Akershusstranda 25, housed in a former warehouse right on the waterfront, serving international street food for 95-150 NOK. The community vibe here is incredible – it's not just about the food, it's about the experience of eating with views of the harbor.

Both halls solve the classic group dining problem too. When your friends can't agree on cuisine, everyone can grab what they want from different stalls and still eat together.

Vietnamese Gems Worth the Price

Oslo's Vietnamese food scene offers some of the most authentic flavors in the city. Lille Saigon 1 serves traditional Vietnamese pho and rice plates, though current main dish prices start from around 260 NOK. The portions are generous, and the flavors are legit – this isn't watered-down tourist food.

For something quicker, Banh Mi XO at Olav Vs gate 4 makes Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, with current prices ranging from 149-179 NOK. These aren't your typical sandwiches – they're packed with fresh ingredients and Vietnamese flavors that make for a perfect grab-and-go lunch.

What I love about these spots is how they've maintained their authenticity while serving restaurant-quality Vietnamese food. You're getting genuine Vietnamese flavors at prices that, while higher than some options, still represent good value for the quality.

Traditional Norwegian Comfort Food

If you want to try traditional Norwegian cuisine without the tourist prices, Pilestredet Parkservering at Pilestredet Park 18 is your spot. Their daily specials feature classic husmannskost – Norwegian comfort food that locals actually grew up eating.

We're talking generous portions of meatballs, fish stews, and other homestyle dishes. This isn't fancy presentation – it's the kind of food Norwegian grandmothers make, served in portions that'll keep you satisfied for hours.

The place feels authentic because it is. While tourist restaurants charge premium prices for "traditional" Norwegian food that's often adapted for international tastes, Pilestredet Parkservering serves the real deal at affordable prices locals can enjoy.

Budget-Friendly Video Food Tour

International Flavors for Less

Oslo's diversity shows in its affordable international food scene. Krishna Cuisine at Sørkedalsveien 10 offers vegetarian and vegan meals, with their lunch menu starting from 155 NOK including free refills. You get stew with rice, savory dishes, chutney, small side salad, and soup.

Gazakjøkken at Møllergata 10 serves quality Middle Eastern food with falafel wraps starting at 119 NOK and chicken shawarma from 144 NOK. The portions are solid and the flavors are authentic.

For burger lovers, Illegal Burger has locations at Møllergata and Grünerløkka, serving Josper-grilled burgers starting from 140 NOK. Their "Gourmet" burger with truffle mayo, mushrooms, and cheese offers premium ingredients at reasonable prices.

These spots prove that cheap eats in Oslo don't mean compromising on quality. You're getting authentic flavors from people who know their cuisine, just without the premium location markup.

FAQ

Is it really possible to find good cheap food in Oslo? Yes, absolutely. Despite Oslo's expensive reputation, there are many places serving delicious, substantial meals under 150 NOK. The key is knowing where locals eat rather than sticking to tourist areas.

Which areas of Oslo have the most budget-friendly restaurants? Focus on Grønlandsleiret and Torggata – these streets have concentrations of reasonably priced restaurants. You'll find more variety and better prices than in the city center tourist zones.

What's the cheapest meal I can get in Oslo? Syverkiosken's hot dogs start at 20 NOK, making them probably the cheapest proper meal in the city. Even with toppings, it remains extremely affordable.

Are there good vegetarian cheap eats in Oslo? Krishna Cuisine offers excellent vegetarian and vegan options starting from 155 NOK with their lunch menu that includes free refills. Many of the food halls also have vegetarian vendors.

What's a good quick lunch option? Banh Mi XO's Vietnamese baguette sandwiches are perfect for a quick, filling lunch. They're portable and packed with fresh ingredients, though current prices range from 149-179 NOK.

Do these cheap places compromise on food quality? Not at all. Many of these spots serve food that's as good as – or better than – expensive restaurants. They keep costs down through location, overhead, and focusing on what they do best rather than fancy presentation.