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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK

Meatballs and Michelin stars: top cheap eats in Stockholm

Nook restaurant - red lampshades hanging over tables
Nook serves a fusion of Korean and Scandinavian flavours. Photograph: Anna Schori

Teatern
Teatern at ringencentrum.se; bobergsmatsal at nk.se; åhlens.se

When it comes to food, Sweden is known for two things: high standards and even higher price tags. However, a recent trend in Stockholm shows the opposite – some of the hottest chefs in town are opening up eateries in big shopping centres. The latest example is the food court Teatern, located at Ringen in Skanstull. With 250 seats spread out over a total of 900 sq m, many top-end food stalls have just opened, including a patisserie by pastry star Daniel Roos; a sausage kiosk by Fäviken founder Magnus Nilsson and a ramen bar by chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman. There’s also Brobergs Matsal, opened in the NK department store by Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén, and the veggie gurus Sally Voltaire & Sisters in Åhlens.

Nook
Åsögatan 176, nookrestaurang.se

If you want to experience new Nordic with a twist you should head to Nook on Södermalm, which serves a fusion of Korean and Scandinavian flavours. Three courses start at £26.

Meatballs for the people
Nytorgsgatan 30, meatball.se

Who doesn’t like Swedish meatballs? As the name suggests this restaurant is a crowd pleaser, serving meatballs made from ethically sourced meat. The classic Swedish variety, served with lingonberries, cucumber and potatoes, is available for the traditionalists, alongside seasonal and daily specials. Dishes from £9.

Falafelbaren
Hornsgatan 39b, falafelbaren.se

So, so quaint, but oh so sweet! The falafel bar originally opened as a coffee kiosk, but the reputation of its falafels spread quickly among Stockholmers and has since been the focus. Order homemade falafel that is deep fried in front of you and served in warm pita bread with red cabbage, pickles, humus and vegetables.

Daniel Roos’ patisserie at Teatern
Daniel Roos’ patisserie at Teatern. Photograph: Anna Schori

La Neta
Barnhusgatan 2 and Östgötagatan 12b, laneta.se

With a mission to bring authentic Mexican food to Stockholm, founder David Licona opened up La Neta, a traditional taquería located on Södermalm and then another in the city centre. Order dishes such as suadero, tacos filled with slow cooked beef; alambre with shredded chicken and queso, verduras and choriqueso quesadillas. Just make sure to bring out your best pronunciation – everyone speaks Spanish in the kitchen. Tacos from £1.50.

Food trucks
Stockholmfoodtrucks.nu

Stockholm is one of Europe’s hippest capitals, so it’s no surprise that the food truck phenomenon has been in full swing since a regulatory change allowed food trucks to be granted permits in 2013. You can enjoy anything from Indian wraps from the Indian food truck, to wood-fired pizza from Forno Auto and Vietnamese/French baguettes, bánh mi, from Bun Bun.

Kaffe
Sankt Paulsgatan 17

This Södermalm hangout is where you’ll spot actors and authors, and is really the kind of place where you can become friends with the staff. Serving fantastic coffee alongside a range of cakes and sandwiches, the quality is exceptional, considering the price. Remember to bring cash, as Kaffe doesn’t accept cards.

A picture of a burger from a food truck
The food truck scene is in full swing. Photograph: Anna Schori

Delibruket Flatbread
Bergsgatan 1, Sundbyberg, flatbread.se

Make your way north of the city to the suburb Sundbyberg. Delibruket Flatbread, located in an old water tower, serves wood-fired pizza with ingredients that are carefully sourced from local producers. Try combinations such as goat’s cheese, caramelised onion and roasted peppers or fennel sausage, portobello mushrooms and mozzarella. Pizzas from £7.

Vegetarian Stockholm
theplant.se, doctorsalad.net, restaurangvaxthuset.se, grorestaurang.se, paradiset.com

Stockholm is full of exciting places for vegetarians, and vegans, to feast. Cheap eat options include the recently opened The Plant, for organic vegan fast food, or Doctor Salad, for a vegetarian-focused menu of fresh salads and juices. Higher-end options include Växthuset (the Greenhouse) which sits next to summer outdoor Trädgården nightclub on Södermalm and has a menu featuring delights such as poached eggs flavoured with chili and Earl Grey. You don’t need to be a clubber to eat here, but the restaurant is for night owls, with two sittings at 10pm and 1am. Henrik Norén and Magnus Villnow’s credo at Gro is simple: honest, local ingredients with vegetables to the fore. A set menu of four courses costs £39 and will keep both veggies and carnivores happy, with a separate seasonal menu for both. Fully organic shop Paradiset is the place to pick up grocery supplies on the go and includes a food court on its second floor.

Discover more excellent affordable eats, Stockholm’s gastronomic stars, new Nordic cuisine, and coffee connoisseurs.

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Book your short break to Stockholm with Expedia, visit www.expedia.co.uk/mystockholm

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