Navigating Scandinavia with a Plant-Based Diet
Managing specific dietary needs while studying abroad can be a challenge as products and stores vary from what you may be used to in your home country. That said, as vegetarian and vegan diets have risen in popularity in Scandinavia, there has been an increase in veggie-friendly cafes, restaurants, and grocers in both Copenhagen and Stockholm with plenty of options for students with plant-based diets.
Tips for Grocery Shopping
While living in Scandinavia, generally expect to go shopping in multiple stores to find what you need, especially if you are on a limited budget. The cheapest grocery stores do not always have those specialty products you are looking for.
All products in the supermarket are in Danish/Swedish, so when in doubt, ask questions – the vast majority of locals in Copenhagen and Stockholm speak English and will be able to help you out!
The symbol for organic foods is easy to spot: Look for the word økologisk in Denmark and ekologisk and KRAV in Sweden.
Vegetarian and Vegan Cafes and Restaurants
Copenhagen:
- 42 Raw, a cafe that specializes in raw food – i.e., food which has been heated to 107 degrees Fahrenheit – or 42 Celcius
- Atlas Bar, although not a vegetarian restaurant, they have a huge variety of delicious vegetarian plates
- Morgenstedet, a vegetarian restaurant in Christiania, only accept cash
- Estin, open for lunch and sells vegetarian salads
Stockholm:
- Hermitage, buffet-style international cuisine
- Chutney, meals with Indian influence
- Falafelbaren, high-quality falafel
- Hermans, buffet-style, with a view overlooking Gamla Stan! (more expensive option)
- Lao Wai, an all-vegan Chinese food restaurant (more expensive option)
- Kalf & Hansen, affordable lunch meals
- Mahalo, an all- vegan café, serving breakfast and lunch
- Feca, vegan pizzas and pasta courses available
- Bistro Bananas, offers a vegan three-course dinner (more expensive option)
- Vigårda, affordable vegan and vegetarian burgers available
When in Doubt, Clarify
When you order your meal, we recommend you clarify with the waiter how you define vegetarianism or veganism (i.e. no honey, no fish or meat products, etc.). Some restaurants will consider vegetarians as pescetarians and assume it is okay to serve fish.