What Food To Try in Groningen and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Groningen for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Groningen cafes and restaurants
$14.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $8.21
$82.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $65.72
$9.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.86
What to Try in Groningen
Must-try Dishes
Broodje Gezond - Healthy Sandwich - A hearty sandwich loaded with ham, cheese, and fresh vegetables, all tucked into a crusty roll. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, locals often grab it on the go from street vendors.Frikandel - Dutch Sausage - A skinless sausage made of a mix of meats, deep-fried and served with a dollop of sauce and chopped onions. Commonly eaten as street food, it’s a favorite snack for late-night munchies after a night out.
Groningse Mosterdsoep - Groningen Mustard Soup - A creamy soup flavored with local mustard and pieces of smoked sausage, garnished with fresh herbs. It’s a popular dish during the colder months, enjoyed by locals in cozy cafés.
Groningen Smeersels - Local Spreads - Varied spreads made from locally-sourced ingredients, typically enjoyed on freshly baked bread. These are often found at farmers' markets and perfect for a casual, interactive lunch with friends.
Haring - Raw Herring - Whole herring fish, served raw with onions and pickles, usually eaten by holding it by the tail and taking a bite. It's a unique local custom to enjoy this during the summer months while sitting by the canals.
Boerenkool - Kale Stew - A filling dish made of mashed potatoes mixed with kale and served with a slice of smoked sausage on top. This hearty meal is often prepared in winter and best enjoyed at family gatherings.
Pompoensoep - Pumpkin Soup - A velvety soup made from roasted pumpkin and spices, typically served warm with a swirl of cream. Locals love it in autumn, especially around Halloween, as the pumpkins are freshly harvested.
Stamppot - Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables - A comforting combination of mashed potatoes mixed with various vegetables like carrots or sauerkraut, often topped with sausage. It’s a staple in the colder months, with locals enjoying it for Sunday family dinners.
Desserts & Drinks
Groninger Mule - Groninger Mule (local twist on a cocktail) - A refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime, often served in a traditional copper mug. You'll see locals enjoying it during lively gatherings or festivals, especially on warm summer nights.Grunneger Koffie - Groninger Koffie (local coffee variation) - Dark coffee brewed with a hint of vanilla and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of warming spice syrup. Typical in cozy cafés; it's especially popular during cold, rainy afternoons when you need a little pick-me-up.
Ijstaart - Ijstaart (frozen dessert cake) - A delightful layered ice cream cake with flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and seasonal fruits. This treat is a local favorite during birthday celebrations or in the summer, served straight from the freezer for a refreshing bite on a hot day.
Oorlog - Patat Oorlog (fries with toppings) - Crispy fries topped with satay sauce, mayo, and chopped onions, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. You can find it at outdoor stands or food markets, typically enjoyed late at night after a night out, though many locals will grab it anytime!
PeperNOTEN - PeperNOTEN (spiced cookie) - Soft, spiced gingerbread cookies commonly enjoyed around Sinterklaas festivities in early December. Prized for their warm spices and unique texture, these sweet bites are often shared during family gatherings and come in pouches to pass around.
By the way, be sure to try the Groninger Koffie on a cloudy day; it’s like a hug in a cup!
Food and Groceries in Groningen
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.3 |
| Bananas | $1.71 |
| Oranges | $1.45 |
| Potatoes | $1.37 |
| Apples | $2.32 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.64 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.11 |
| Imported Beer | $1.33 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.79 |
| Milk 1L | $1.24 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $23.5 |
| Chicken | $9.9 |
| Cigarettes | $8.98 |
| Rice | $1.95 |
| Local Cheese | $12.2 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Recent bustling afternoons in Groningen reveal something intriguing about local meal times. It's common to see groups of friends gathering for lunch anytime from noon to 1:30 PM. This is when cafés and restaurants, especially around the Vismarkt and Folkingestraat, are teeming with locals enjoying their midday break. On the flip side, if you wander into these spots past 2 PM, you'll find them surprisingly quiet, with many places winding down their lunch service.
In terms of meal costs, lunch can range from about €10 to €20, depending on where you choose to dine. For instance, a hearty sandwich and drink might set you back €12 at a casual spot, while a light meal in a more upscale eatery could creep up to around €18 or more. Dinner follows a similar trend, with menus typically containing dishes priced between €20 and €35, though street food options can go as low as €5 for a filling snack.
If there's one thing to know about payment customs here, it’s that cash is still very much in play, especially at smaller venues. While card payments are widely accepted, some local cafés prefer cash and might even encourage you to use it. Tipping sees a casual approach; locals often round up the bill rather than adhering to a strict percentage.
Oh, and before I forget, a common tourist mistake is underestimating the dining hours. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so it’s wise to plan accordingly—especially on Sundays, when options can be limited.
Seating in popular districts like the Peperstraat or the Herestraat can fill quickly during busy hours, typically between 7 PM and 8:30 PM, so reservations are a good idea for those prized dinner spots.
In examining seasonal dining habits, you may notice that summer months bring an uptick in outdoor dining, with many places offering terraces that fill with locals enjoying the weather. Conversely, colder months lead many to seek the coziness of their favorite indoors.
As the local food scene evolves, there’s a noticeable trend of younger residents shifting towards more health-conscious choices and plant-based options, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability in their eating habits. So while Groningen maintains its traditional food customs, it's clear the landscape is changing.
In terms of meal costs, lunch can range from about €10 to €20, depending on where you choose to dine. For instance, a hearty sandwich and drink might set you back €12 at a casual spot, while a light meal in a more upscale eatery could creep up to around €18 or more. Dinner follows a similar trend, with menus typically containing dishes priced between €20 and €35, though street food options can go as low as €5 for a filling snack.
If there's one thing to know about payment customs here, it’s that cash is still very much in play, especially at smaller venues. While card payments are widely accepted, some local cafés prefer cash and might even encourage you to use it. Tipping sees a casual approach; locals often round up the bill rather than adhering to a strict percentage.
Oh, and before I forget, a common tourist mistake is underestimating the dining hours. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so it’s wise to plan accordingly—especially on Sundays, when options can be limited.
Seating in popular districts like the Peperstraat or the Herestraat can fill quickly during busy hours, typically between 7 PM and 8:30 PM, so reservations are a good idea for those prized dinner spots.
In examining seasonal dining habits, you may notice that summer months bring an uptick in outdoor dining, with many places offering terraces that fill with locals enjoying the weather. Conversely, colder months lead many to seek the coziness of their favorite indoors.
As the local food scene evolves, there’s a noticeable trend of younger residents shifting towards more health-conscious choices and plant-based options, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability in their eating habits. So while Groningen maintains its traditional food customs, it's clear the landscape is changing.