🥗 How to save money on food while travelling in Norway: practical tips and life hacks

Norway is a beautiful but expensive country, especially when it comes to food. Tourists visiting the country for the first time are often surprised by the high prices in cafes and restaurants. However, with the right approach and knowledge of some simple life hacks, you can significantly reduce your food costs while still eating delicious and varied meals. In this article, we will share the most useful and effective tips on how to eat in Norway on a budget, tell you where to buy groceries, how to choose budget cafes and restaurants, and how to organise your own meals while travelling. Useful links to blog sections: ‘Prices and costs’, ‘Budget life hacks’, ‘Cuisine and gastronomy’.

❓10 FAQs on how to save money on food in Norway

1. What is the most economical way to eat in Norway?

The most budget-friendly way to eat in Norway is to cook your own meals, especially if you are staying in an apartment, campsite or hostel with access to a kitchen. Food prices in supermarkets are significantly lower than in cafes and restaurants, and the quality of the food is high. By buying groceries at chain stores (such as Kiwi, Rema 1000 or Coop Extra), you can cook nutritious and tasty meals yourself. This way, your daily food budget can be reduced by 2-3 times. For tips on choosing accommodation with a kitchen, see the ‘Accommodation and lodging’ section.

2. Which supermarkets in Norway have the lowest prices?

The most affordable supermarkets in Norway are Rema 1000, Kiwi and Coop Extra. These stores offer a wide range of quality products at reasonable prices for Norway.

They often have promotions and discounts on basic food items such as meat, fish, vegetables, bread and dairy products. Meny and Joker stores are usually more expensive, so it is better to avoid them to save money. You can often find items with discounts of up to 40–50% during evening sales, which can help you significantly reduce your food expenses.

3. How to save money on food in cafes and restaurants?

If you want to eat out, check out the special lunch menus (‘lunsjmeny’) in cafes and restaurants, which are usually available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, prices for dishes can be significantly lower than in the evening.

It is also advantageous to eat at buffet-style establishments, where you pay a fixed amount and can eat without restrictions. Another option is street food and small fast food cafés, where you can find budget-friendly dishes (from 80–150 NOK per serving).

4. What are the cheapest foods in Norway?

The most affordable foods in Norway are bread, oatmeal, pasta, rice, seasonal vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage), locally caught fish (salmon, cod, saithe), eggs and dairy products from local producers.

Buying local fish or chicken is usually much cheaper than imported meat (beef, lamb). Check special offers regularly to make the most of discounts in supermarkets.

5. How can I save money on drinking water in Norway?

Tap water in Norway is of high quality, tasty and completely safe to drink. This allows you to completely avoid buying bottled water and save a significant amount of money. Just bring a reusable bottle with you and fill it up for free at hotels, apartments or even from natural sources. For more information about drinking water, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

6. Can you save money by buying food at markets in Norway?

Markets in Norway are usually more expensive than supermarkets, as they are often geared towards tourists and offer local delicacies at inflated prices. However, you can sometimes find fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables at attractive prices at markets, especially towards the end of the working day.

It is best to visit markets for a unique experience or to buy souvenirs, rather than for everyday shopping.

7. Can you save money by visiting fast food chains in Norway?

Fast food chains (e.g. McDonald's, Burger King, Subway) offer more affordable prices compared to traditional restaurants. Prices for a standard meal usually range from 100 to 150 NOK. It is also worth checking out local small establishments offering shawarma, pizza or Asian cuisine, where you can eat well for relatively little money.

8. How can I save money on breakfast at hotels?

Breakfast included in the price of accommodation is a great way to save money, as breakfast in a café or restaurant can cost around NOK 150–200. If breakfast is not included, it is cheaper to buy food in advance and prepare breakfast yourself in your room or apartment. This is significantly cheaper and often more convenient.

9. Is it worth buying ready-made food in supermarkets?

Yes, Norwegian supermarkets offer high-quality ready-made meals (salads, soups, sandwiches, sushi and hot dishes) that are significantly cheaper than restaurant food. Kiwi and Rema 1000 stores are particularly good places to buy such products.

10. Are there any discount cards for tourists in Norway?

Special tourist discount cards (such as the Oslo Pass or Bergen Card) often offer discounts at cafes and restaurants. You can also use discount apps (such as Too Good To Go), which allow you to buy food at a significant discount at the end of the day.

By following these simple tips, you can save a significant amount on food while travelling in Norway, while still enjoying delicious and varied meals. Enjoy your trip without breaking the bank!