Coffee culture is a big part of Norwegian culture, so if you want to experience it firsthand, check out Oslo's coffee scene, often paired with delicious baked goods. Oslo is a compact city that celebrates diversity, with various cuisines from all over the world. Take a look at Hazim Richard Lee’s top picks to try in Oslo!

Cafés in Oslo

Fuglen

Having coffee at this establishment feels like stepping back into the vintage vibes of the 1970s. Fuglen is an international coffee roaster that mainly serves customers in Oslo and Tokyo, with their latest location in Jakarta. I recommend going to Fuglen Oslo Sentrum, as the space is spacious and elongated with plenty of seating options that you can even bring a stroller.

Fuglen serves as an espresso bar that serves their own roasted coffee beans. If you're not a coffee drinker, they offer weekly spritz options, including Japanese matcha. Also, you can enjoy daily sandwiches and onigiri from their menu.

Tim Wendelboe

Tim Wendelboe has made a bit of a name for himself as a celebrity in the barista world. Not only did he win a World Barista Championship, but he also specially curated his coffee menu, making his café a must-visit for all coffee connoisseurs.

The design of the café features limited seating options (though you can bring a stroller during less busy hours), and it’s very clean and Scandi-inspired, if I say so myself. It’s a coffee bar, so you can order a variety of coffee options depending on what’s available that day.

What I also liked about his café is that you can always purchase his roasted coffee beans (they’re seasonal, which I really like) displayed on-site. Recently, there’s been a collaboration with a local ceramic company called Ment to create uniquely designed espresso cups, which make for a great souvenir to bring home, letting you enjoy your own espresso in the comfort of your home.

Supreme Roastworks

Supreme Roastworks lives up to its slogan: "No fuss, just great coffee." It is also a dedicated roaster and café in Norway. Their flagship store is in Birkelunden. I would recommend visiting their branch in Aker Brygge, as it is an establishment where they collaborate with Porsche Studio. This means you can enjoy a great cup of coffee while admiring the Porsche on display in the showroom.

Kaffebrenneriet Grønlandsleiret

This particular café is situated in an old fire station in Grønland. There is the Fire Museum behind it, and if you have your coffee at this café on a weekday morning, you won’t miss seeing rows of school kids lining up to enter the museum as part of their school outing activity.

Åpent Bakeri in the Barcode building

Åpent Bakeri is situated in one of the Barcode buildings and is a spot not to be missed. It offers a wide range of baked goods, assorted sandwiches, and beverages. The main highlight is their extensive breakfast and lunch menu, prepared by their in-house chef. The space is spacious, with plenty of seating available—even for those planning to bring their babies along to the café.

Byens Gulv

Byens Gulv is located in the Folketeaterpassasjen, just a few steps from Fiskeriet Youngstorget. It’s a place to enjoy coffee, and experience culture. On the hop, you’ll recognize Fuglen’s coffee bean packaging, which is a common sight at the café. Aside from the coffee, there are some scrumptious pastries on offer if you’re feeling a bit fancy and want something to go with your coffee.

Food scene

Tasty Thai

Tasty Thai is said to be a very well-known Thai establishment in Bislett. Rich-flavored dishes, and for the price you pay, you get both taste and value with the generous portion size.

Yum Cha

Yum Cha is right next to Valkyrien—you won’t miss it with all the red lamps, neon lights, street signage, and steaming cooking hobs that make you feel like you’re on the busy streets of Hong Kong. The menu ranges from assorted dim sums (small pockets of dumplings served in bamboo steamers) to mains, either rice- or noodle-based, whichever you fancy. Rest assured—the taste of the food is authentic and keeps us reminiscing about what good oriental food should taste like.

Dirty Vegan

At Barcode Street Food, Dirty Vegan is a burger joint worth a try, whether you're a vegetarian or not. Even though it's vegetarian-based, the taste comes surprisingly close to McD's burgers. As the name suggests, prepare to get your hands dirrrty, but rest assured, you'll leave satisfied.

Dr. Crunchy Oslo Fried Chicken

If you’re looking for a really good fried chicken joint, then Dr. Crunchy’s Fried Chicken is the place to go. I would recommend the Korean flavor option for that extra spicy kick. Otherwise, the original Crunchy Wings also pack a punch.

Mehfel

It is a top-notch classic Indian restaurant that, in my opinion, is worth-to-go. Mehfel is our go-to place whenever we have cravings for Indian food. As you enter, not only are you greeted with the best smile from the staff but also with the delicious smell of good food. I would recommend their Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan and Prawn Biryani.

No doubt, you will hit a home run on what a true definition of good food is.

Fiskeriet Youngstorget

To be honest, I think that Fiskeriet Youngstorget is the best place to have Fish and Chips in Oslo. If you happen to do a takeaway, you’ll be surprised to see your fish and chips nicely wrapped in newspaper.

Late night snack at Sultan Oslo Food & Sweets

Not a lot of people know about Sultan Oslo Food & Sweets, a fast food Syrian restaurant, as it is located just up the road from the main streets of Grønland. It serves some of the best Shawarma in Oslo—if you get the chance to watch how they prepare the Shawarma, it will leave your taste buds tantalized (I won’t spoil the details for you). You also have the option to eat there when space permits. Otherwise, you can take it away, and the food still tastes just as good!

If you have a sweet tooth...

Nice to Meet U.

Nice to Meet U so far serves the most authentic bubble tea in the whole of Oslo! You should try Cream Cheese Taro and Hokkaido Milk Tea, their best sellers, from the menu!

Talormade

Talormade (just right close to the Munch Museum) – you won’t miss the pink neon donut signage. A well-established spot that creates super tasty doughnuts, it never fails to impress us with its well-elaborated, cute variety spread. Talor has been in the donut scene for five years, and you can’t go wrong with having these donuts on any day! Talormade also roasts its own beans, and it is one of the best options to pair with your purchased donuts, especially during the winter times.

Soulcake

SoulCake has made a name in Oslo for its best and assorted cupcakes, cookies, and even cakes. You can’t miss their pink, funky logo and layout at Steen & Strøm, or their bubblegum-themed interior in Grünerløkka. The cupcakes are very well-presented and pleasing to the eyes. The main attraction is their cupcake flavors, which leave an everlasting impression of what should define a sweet treat.