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What Food To Try in Uppsala and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Uppsala for 2024.

National currency: Krona, symbol — kr (international currency code SEK).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Uppsala cafes and restaurants
$12.5 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.38
$67.5 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $62.29
$7.7 
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.23

What to Try in Uppsala

Must-try Dishes
Uppsalagryta - Uppsala Stew (hearty meat dish) - This comforting stew is a mix of pork, beef, root vegetables, and a fragrant blend of herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. Locals often enjoy it during chilly autumn evenings with a side of crusty bread.

Knäckebröd med Kaviar - Crispbread with Caviar (savory snack) - A traditional Swedish crispbread topped with a generous swirl of creamy caviar and sometimes a slice of hard-boiled egg. It's a common choice for breakfast or smörgåsbord events and is typically enjoyed casually, often with a cup of coffee.

Falafel - Falafel (popular street food) - Made from ground chickpeas and spices, these crispy balls are usually served in a pita with fresh veggies and a dollop of tahini sauce. You’ll find locals grabbing it for lunch, especially on Fridays, and it’s surprisingly filling.

Köttbullar - Swedish Meatballs (local classic) - Tender meatballs made from a mixture of beef and pork, served with creamy gravy and lingonberry sauce. Best enjoyed during Sunday family dinners, locals often gather for this dish, celebrating its comforting flavors.

Silltallrik - Herring Plate (pickled fish dish) - This platter features various types of pickled herring accompanied by potatoes, crispbread, and sour cream. It's a staple during midsummer celebrations and is often shared among friends at festive gatherings.

Gräddost - Cream Cheese (local specialty) - A rich, smooth cheese that’s often enjoyed on crispbread or alongside fish dishes. It’s frequently served during traditional feasts, and it’s common to see friends discussing the ideal pairing with local fish.

Rökt Viltkött - Smoked Game Meat (seasonal offering) - This unique dish showcases smoked reindeer or elk, served thinly sliced with root vegetables. Typically available in autumn, locals savor it during hunting season, appreciating its deep, earthy flavor.

Sursild - Sour Herring (surprising combination) - Pickled herring marinated in vinegar, spices, and sugar, often served with boiled potatoes. This unexpected mix of sweet and tangy is popular at festive gatherings, and you might be surprised by how well it works!

Desserts & Drinks
Glögg - Glögg (spiced mulled wine) - A warm mix of red wine, spices like cloves and cinnamon, and sweetened with raisins and blanched almonds. Typically enjoyed during the holiday season, especially during Advent when locals gather at Christmas markets to sip this cozy drink together.

Kaffe - Kaffe (strong coffee) - Rich, dark-roasted coffee often brewed using a French press or filter method. It’s a daily ritual in Uppsala; locals may indulge in a leisurely coffee break at cozy cafes, particularly during chilly autumn and winter months.

Äppelpaj - Äppelpaj (apple pie) - A warm pie filled with sweet, spiced apples and encased in a flaky crust, served with creamy vanilla sauce or ice cream. Often prepared for family gatherings and enjoyed during the fall; nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked pie wafting through the kitchen!

Bullar - Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) - Soft, sweet buns swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sprinkle of pearl sugar. Locals typically indulge in these on "kanelbullens dag," or Cinnamon Bun Day, each October, enjoying them with a cup of coffee while catching up with friends.

Semla - Semla (cream-filled bun) - A soft wheat bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream, typically eaten on Fat Tuesday to mark the start of Lent. These decadent treats are best enjoyed in cozy cafes, and you'll often see people ordering them with a side of hot milk!

Food and Groceries in Uppsala

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $2.6
Oranges $2.35
Potatoes $1.19
Apples $2.98
Beverages
Water 1.5L $1.04
0.5L Local Beer $2.02
Imported Beer $2.25
Wine Rating >4.0 $10.28

Various Groceries
Chicken $10.25
Rice $2.42
Local Cheese $9.95

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

A packed lunch scene at Uppsala University caught my eye recently. Students gathered in groups, sharing meals from the nearby food stalls, with offerings ranging from falafel wraps to generous portions of pasta. Lunchtime here buzzes between noon and 1 PM, when students typically secure their meals and find a spot on the sun-drenched steps or under canopies.

For many locals, the prices at these stalls are manageable, usually between 80 to 120 SEK for a filling meal. Comparatively, a sit-down lunch in popular dining districts like the city center can set you back about 150 to 250 SEK. Prices fluctuate with the seasons as well, often increasing during festivals or university events.

Payment methods are straightforward—most places accept both cash and card, but be aware that smaller vendors may only take cash. It's become customary to see locals tap their cards without hesitation, a practice that’s universally embraced. Tipping isn’t as common here; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated, but it’s not obligatory.

When it comes to dining habits, Uppsala has its quirks. Many locals observe 'fika'—a coffee break with pastries—usually between 3 and 4 PM, and it’s a beautiful way to see the cultural connection to coffee and cake. A common tourist mistake is underestimating the importance of this ritual; skipping it means missing a genuine local experience.

If you’re planning to dine out in the evenings, remember that restaurants typically fill up after 6 PM, especially on weekends. To avoid the rush, aim for an earlier dinner, around 5:30, which allows for a more relaxed pace and better service (trust me, it makes a difference!).

As for reservations, it's wise to book a table in advance, especially in districts like Luthagen and Kungsängens, where popular spots can be fully booked within days. This way, you secure a seat and sidestep any last-minute disappointments.

Overall, Uppsala’s food scene beautifully marries the vibrancy of student life with traditional Swedish customs. The ease of finding affordable meals amidst a picturesque backdrop is a true testament to the city’s charming atmosphere.