Quick answer
Copenhagen's best budget eats, generally costing between 35-160 kr, offer a delicious way to experience the city without breaking the bank, with Reffen Street Food standing out for its diverse and affordable options. This guide, curated from Reddit recommendations, highlights spots favored by locals and savvy travelers for delicious meals.
- Best overall
- Nihao Yao
- Price/value range
- 80 – 70 kr
- Top-ranked pick
- Reffen Street Food — 80–160 kr
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Reffen Street Food: Copenhagen's biggest street food market with 50+ stalls.
- DØP – Den Økologiske Pølsemand: The quintessential Copenhagen street food experience.
- Grisen: Denmark's answer to the Philly cheesesteak — except it's roast pork with crackling.
Copenhagen's best budget eats, generally costing between 35-160 kr, offer a delicious way to experience the city without breaking the bank, with Reffen Street Food standing out for its diverse and affordable options. This guide, curated from Reddit recommendations, highlights spots favored by locals and savvy travelers for delicious meals.
Copenhagen is famously expensive — but it doesn't have to destroy your wallet. Beyond the Nyhavn tourist traps and overpriced Strøget restaurants, there's a thriving scene of street food markets, ethnic eateries, community kitchens, and bakeries where locals actually eat.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/copenhagen, r/Denmark, r/travel, and r/solotravel to find the spots that actual Copenhagen residents and budget-savvy travelers recommend again and again. These are the places where you eat well for under 150 kr.
Budget Eats Map
1. Reffen Street Food
How we built this list
We analyzed 100+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/copenhagen, r/Denmark, r/travel, r/solotravel, and r/EuropeanTravel — spanning 2019 to 2026. Spots were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every spot on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different people. We weighted Copenhagen residents' picks more heavily than tourist-only posts.
1Reffen Street Food
Street Food Market
Verdict: Copenhagen's biggest street food market with 50+ stalls.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Street Food Market in Refshaleøen with a 80–160 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 12,159 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Street Food Market
- Limitations
- the best variety-to-price ratio in the city
- Price / value
- 80–160 kr · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- Copenhagen's biggest street food market with 50+ stalls. Not the absolute cheapest option, but the best variety-to-price ratio in the city. Take the free Havnebussen (harbor bus 991/992) for a scenic ride there. Open seasonally — check dates before visiting in winter.
- What to order
- Reffen Street Food in Refshaleøen is a street food market where you can expect to pay between 80–160 kr for a meal. Walk the stalls first, then commit. The wood-fired pizza is consistently mentioned as some of the best in Copenhagen (~120 kr). Massive burgers and fried chicken sandwiches go for under 100 kr. Come hungry.
Source quality: 0 sources · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Closed now
MonClosedTueClosedWedClosedThuClosedFri11:30 AM – 8:30 PMSat11:30 AM – 8:30 PMSun11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
"All of these prizes are way too high. I'd just go to Reffen where you can get basically the best pizza in Copenhagen for 120, or a massive burger or fried chicken sandwich for less than 100."
— r/copenhagen · posted April 2023
"Definitely go to Reffen with the Havnebussen, the yellow public transport ferry. Great atmosphere and variety."
— r/copenhagen · posted June 2025
2DØP – Den Økologiske Pølsemand
Organic Hot Dog
Verdict: The quintessential Copenhagen street food experience.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Organic Hot Dog in Strøget, Indre By (multiple carts) with a 45–75 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,357 Google reviews · Organic Hot Dog · Strøget, Indre By (multiple carts)
- Limitations
- Price band: 45–75 kr
- Price / value
- 45–75 kr · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The quintessential Copenhagen street food experience. While regular pølsevogn (hot dog carts) are fine, DØP uses organic, free-range meat and it genuinely tastes better. Under 75 kr for a filling snack right on the pedestrian street.
- What to order
- The classic organic pølse with remoulade and crispy onions. Simple, iconic, Danish. For something heartier, try the chili cheese dog or the jumbo bratwurst.
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 3 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, official-site, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Closed now
Mon11:00 AM – 7:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 7:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 7:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 7:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 7:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 7:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🌐 Website
"The good hotdogs are the two organic carts by DØP on Strøget, near Round Tower and Helligåndskirken."
— r/copenhagen · posted November 2021
3Grisen
Danish Pork Sandwich
Verdict: Denmark's answer to the Philly cheesesteak — except it's roast pork with crackling.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Danish Pork Sandwich in Near the Lakes, Nørrebro side with a 95–130 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 690 Google reviews · Danish Pork Sandwich · Near the Lakes, Nørrebro side
- Limitations
- Price band: 95–130 kr
- Price / value
- 95–130 kr · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Denmark's answer to the Philly cheesesteak — except it's roast pork with crackling. A deeply satisfying, uniquely Danish meal for around 100 kr. The kind of place locals are genuinely proud of.
- What to order
- The flæskestegssandwich (roast pork sandwich) — crispy crackling, tender pork, pickled red cabbage, all on a crusty roll. Add fries for a full meal.
Source quality: 3 sources · yelp-snippet, menu-page, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Closed now
MonClosedTueClosedWed4:30 PM – 2:00 AMThu4:30 PM – 2:00 AMFri4:30 PM – 5:00 AMSat4:30 PM – 5:00 AMSun4:30 PM – 2:00 AM
"Grisen (close to the lakes) is by far the best pork sandwich you'll ever have the chance of eating. It's about $15 for the sandwich and some fries."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
4Hija de Sánchez
Mexican Tacos
Verdict: Founded by a former Noma chef, these are legitimately world-class tacos.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Mexican Tacos in Torvehallerne & Kødbyen, Indre By / Vesterbro with a 55–85 kr per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 586 Google reviews · Mexican Tacos · Torvehallerne & Kødbyen, Indre By / Vesterbro
- Limitations
- the quality justifies the price
- Price / value
- 55–85 kr per taco · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- Founded by a former Noma chef, these are legitimately world-class tacos. Not the cheapest on this list, but the quality justifies the price. The Torvehallerne stall is easier to hit; the Kødbyen location has a bigger menu and seating.
- What to order
- The carnitas taco or the fish taco — both made with fresh, handmade tortillas. Two tacos plus a drink makes a solid lunch for ~200 kr.
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
Hours
Mon12–9 PMTue12–9 PMWed12–9 PMThu12–9 PMFri12–10 PMSat12–10 PMSun12–9 PM
🌐 Website
"Hija de Sánchez i Torvehallerne er et godt bud på en frokost, fordi selvfølgelig skal I forbi Torvehallerne og snuse når nu I er til mad."
— r/copenhagen · posted September 2024
5Absalon Community Dinner
Community Dinner
Verdict: The best deal in Copenhagen, hands down.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Community Dinner in Sønder Boulevard, Vesterbro with a 50–100 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 3,102 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Community Dinner
- Limitations
- Price band: 50–100 kr
- Price / value
- 50–100 kr · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The best deal in Copenhagen, hands down. A full dinner for 50 kr on weeknights in a gorgeous former church. It's communal dining — you sit with strangers and share the experience. Uniquely Copenhagen and impossible to beat on value.
- What to order
- Whatever they're serving — it's a set communal menu. Vegetarian options always available. Dinner at long shared tables in a stunning converted church.
Source quality: 1 sources · facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon7:30 AM – 12:00 AMTue7:30 AM – 12:00 AMWed7:30 AM – 12:00 AMThu7:30 AM – 12:00 AMFri7:30 AM – 2:00 AMSat7:30 AM – 2:00 AMSun7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
🌐 Website
"50 dkk Sunday to Wednesday. 100 dkk Thursday to Friday."
— r/copenhagen · posted October 2023
6Arbejdermuseet (Workers Museum) Café
Smørrebrød
Verdict: Want to try proper smørrebrød without the 200+ kr per piece prices at fancy restaurants?
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Smørrebrød in Rømersgade, Indre By (near Torvehallerne) with a 75–120 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2,521 Google reviews · Smørrebrød · Rømersgade, Indre By (near Torvehallerne)
- Limitations
- Price band: 75–120 kr
- Price / value
- 75–120 kr · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Want to try proper smørrebrød without the 200+ kr per piece prices at fancy restaurants? The Workers Museum café serves authentic, beautifully made open sandwiches at prices actual Danish workers can afford. Visit the museum too — it's fascinating.
- What to order
- Classic smørrebrød — try the sild (herring), leverpostej (liver pâté), or roast beef with remoulade. Each piece is a small work of art on dark rye bread.
Source quality: 1 sources · official-site · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Closed now
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTue10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWed10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThu10:00 AM – 8:00 PMFri10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSat10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
"Seconding the Workers Museum's smørrebrød. The name in Danish is 'Arbejdermuseet', it is situated close to Torvehallerne."
— r/copenhagen · posted June 2025
7Torvehallerne
Food Hall
Verdict: Yes, it's touristy.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Food Hall in Frederiksborggade, Indre By (Nørreport) with a 60–150 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 15,985 Google reviews · Food Hall · Frederiksborggade, Indre By (Nørreport)
- Limitations
- Torvehallerne is also where locals genuinely shop and snack
- Price / value
- 60–150 kr · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Yes, it's touristy. But Torvehallerne is also where locals genuinely shop and snack. The food trucks outside are the budget move; inside is more about grazing. Go for lunch, not dinner. Combine with the nearby Workers Museum for a budget culture-and-food day.
- What to order
- Korean pancakes and Chinese street food from the food trucks by the entrance. Inside: browse the stalls for pastries, smørrebrød, fresh juice, and seasonal Danish produce.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, menu-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Closed now
Mon10:00 AM – 7:00 PMTue10:00 AM – 7:00 PMWed10:00 AM – 7:00 PMThu10:00 AM – 7:00 PMFri10:00 AM – 7:00 PMSat10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🌐 Website
"If you are around Nørreport station and need a little snack, there are two food trucks selling Korean pancakes and Chinese street food by the entrance to Torvehallerne."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2022
"Omegn og Venner at Torvehallerne — nice people, good food. Eat at the bar, talk to the chefs. Everything is basically homemade."
— r/copenhagen · posted June 2022
8Kebab & Durum Shops (Nørrebrogade)
Middle Eastern
Verdict: The undisputed king of budget eating in Copenhagen.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Middle Eastern in Nørrebrogade & surrounding streets, Nørrebro with a 45–70 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 3.7★ from 195 Google reviews · Middle Eastern · Nørrebrogade & surrounding streets, Nørrebro
- Limitations
- Price band: 45–70 kr
- Price / value
- 45–70 kr · 3.7★
- Why it made the list
- The undisputed king of budget eating in Copenhagen. When 129 Redditors upvote a single word — "Durum" — you know it's the truth. Nørrebro's kebab shops are where students, locals, and late-night revelers all converge. No specific shop because they're all good — just walk down Nørrebrogade and follow your nose.
- What to order
- A durum (lamb or chicken wrapped in flatbread with salad and sauce). Filling, delicious, and the single best calorie-per-krone ratio in Copenhagen.
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon10:00 AM – 1:30 AMTue10:00 AM – 1:30 AMWed10:00 AM – 1:30 AMThu10:00 AM – 3:00 AMFri10:00 AM – 3:30 AMSat10:00 AM – 3:30 AMSun10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
"Durum."
— r/copenhagen · 129 upvotes — top answer to "cheap food under 70 DKK"
9Ramen to Biiru
Ramen
Verdict: One of the best ramen spots in Scandinavia, and surprisingly affordable by Copenhagen standards.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Ramen in Griffenfeldsgade, Nørrebro with a 120–155 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2,245 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Ramen
- Limitations
- Price band: 120–155 kr
- Price / value
- 120–155 kr · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- One of the best ramen spots in Scandinavia, and surprisingly affordable by Copenhagen standards. A filling, warming bowl for under 150 kr is a real win. No reservations — expect a short wait at peak times.
- What to order
- The tonkotsu ramen — rich, creamy pork broth with perfectly chewy noodles. Water is free and self-serve. Pair with a Japanese beer if you want to splurge.
Source quality: 2 sources · official-site, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 9:00 PMTue12:00 – 9:00 PMWed12:00 – 9:00 PMThu12:00 – 9:00 PMFri12:00 – 9:30 PMSat12:00 – 9:30 PMSun12:00 – 9:00 PM
"Ramen to Biiru is great, their ramen is around 120–140 kroner. Water is free and you can take it as you want."
— r/Denmark · posted February 2022
10Pho Hanoi
Vietnamese
Verdict: A huge, warming bowl of pho for 120 kr in central Copenhagen is genuinely hard to beat.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Vietnamese in Near Vesterport Station, Indre By with a 100–130 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1,917 Google reviews · Vietnamese · Near Vesterport Station, Indre By
- Limitations
- Price band: 100–130 kr
- Price / value
- 100–130 kr · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- A huge, warming bowl of pho for 120 kr in central Copenhagen is genuinely hard to beat. Perfect for cold Danish weather. The portions are notably generous — multiple Redditors emphasize how big they are.
- What to order
- The pho — a massive, steaming bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup with your choice of beef or chicken. Generous portions that actually fill you up.
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 5 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, menu-page, facebook-snippet, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 11:00 PMTue12:00 – 11:00 PMWed12:00 – 11:00 PMThu12:00 – 11:00 PMFri12:00 – 11:00 PMSat12:00 – 11:00 PMSun12:00 – 11:00 PM
"I can highly recommend Pho Hanoi by Vesterport! 120kr for a big(!) portion of pho."
— r/copenhagen · posted February 2022, 8 upvotes
11La Neta
Mexican
Verdict: Copenhagen's best casual taco joint.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Mexican in Studiestræde & Nørrebrogade, Indre By / Nørrebro with a 50–80 kr per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 1,340 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Mexican
- Limitations
- Price band: 50–80 kr per taco
- Price / value
- 50–80 kr per taco · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- Copenhagen's best casual taco joint. More accessible and cheaper than Hija de Sánchez, with multiple locations. The vibe is fun and casual — order at the counter, grab a seat, and enjoy authentic tacos that rival what you'd find in Mexico City.
- What to order
- Al pastor or carnitas tacos — proper Mexican-style with soft corn tortillas and fresh salsas. Two or three make a satisfying meal.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, menu-page, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon4:00 – 10:00 PMTue4:00 – 10:00 PMWed4:00 – 10:00 PMThu4:00 – 10:00 PMFri12:00 – 10:30 PMSat12:00 – 10:30 PMSun12:00 – 10:00 PM
"La Neta is a good taco place with a couple of locations; we go there when we want a cheap date."
— r/copenhagen · posted February 2022
12Tommis Burger Joint
Burgers
Verdict: An Icelandic chain that's become a Copenhagen institution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Burgers in Kødbyen (Meatpacking District), Vesterbro with a 90–130 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 2,794 Google reviews · Burgers · Kødbyen (Meatpacking District), Vesterbro
- Limitations
- Price band: 90–130 kr
- Price / value
- 90–130 kr · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- An Icelandic chain that's become a Copenhagen institution. The Kødbyen location puts you in the heart of the Meatpacking District's nightlife and restaurant scene. Honest burgers at honest prices — no gourmet pretension, just good meat on a bun.
- What to order
- The classic Tommi's burger — a no-frills, properly cooked smash-style burger with all the fixings. Add fries and you're set for under 130 kr.
Source quality: 2 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 9:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 9:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 9:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
"Tommis Burger Joint in Kødbyen is also great for burgers."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
13Ban Geaw
Thai
Verdict: Don't judge this book by its cover.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Thai in Halmtorvet, Vesterbro with a 90–130 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1,165 Google reviews · Thai · Halmtorvet, Vesterbro
- Limitations
- the food is some of the best Thai in Copenhagen
- Price / value
- 90–130 kr · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Don't judge this book by its cover. Ban Geaw looks unassuming, but the food is some of the best Thai in Copenhagen. The Halmtorvet location means you can combine it with exploring Vesterbro and Kødbyen. A local secret hiding in plain sight.
- What to order
- Pad thai or green curry with rice. Authentic Thai flavors at a fraction of what you'd pay at trendier spots. Portions are generous.
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Closed now
Mon4:00 – 9:00 PMTueClosedWed4:00 – 9:00 PMThu4:00 – 9:00 PMFri4:00 – 9:00 PMSat1:00 – 9:00 PMSun1:00 – 9:00 PM
"Ban Geaw is, despite its looks, a fantastic Thai restaurant at Halmtorvet."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
14Favori Bageri
Bakery / Middle Eastern
Verdict: A filling meal for 50 kr in Copenhagen?
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Bakery / Middle Eastern in Nordvest with a 40–65 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 312 Google reviews · Bakery / Middle Eastern · Nordvest
- Limitations
- that's exactly why the prices are real
- Price / value
- 40–65 kr · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- A filling meal for 50 kr in Copenhagen? It exists, and it's delicious. This Turkish-style bakery in Nordvest is a bit off the tourist track, but that's exactly why the prices are real. The bread alone is worth the trip.
- What to order
- The lentil soup (~50 kr) — it practically comes with a whole loaf of fresh bread. Also try the börek (flaky filled pastries) and simit (sesame bread rings).
Source quality: 3 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 8:00 PMTue12:00 – 8:00 PMWed12:00 – 8:00 PMThu12:00 – 8:00 PMFri12:00 – 8:00 PMSat12:00 – 8:00 PMSun12:00 – 8:00 PM
"Favori Bageri in Nordvest. Lentil soup is great and around 50dkk, practically comes with a whole loaf of bread."
— r/copenhagen · posted October 2023
15Lagkagehuset (Ole & Steen)
Danish Bakery
Verdict: Denmark's most popular bakery chain — and it's actually good, not just convenient.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Danish Bakery in Everywhere (30+ locations) with a 35–70 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 752 Google reviews · Danish Bakery · Everywhere (30+ locations)
- Limitations
- Price band: 35–70 kr
- Price / value
- 35–70 kr · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- Denmark's most popular bakery chain — and it's actually good, not just convenient. The pastries are baked fresh daily and cost a fraction of what you'd pay at a sit-down café. Your cheapest quality breakfast option in Copenhagen.
- What to order
- Tebirkes (poppy seed pastry), kanelsnurre (cinnamon swirl), or a rugbrødsmad (rye bread sandwich). Pair with a coffee for a quick, satisfying breakfast under 60 kr.
Source quality: 2 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon6:00 AM – 7:30 PMTue6:00 AM – 7:30 PMWed6:00 AM – 7:30 PMThu6:00 AM – 7:30 PMFri6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSat6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSun6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
"For budget breakfasts, Lagkagehuset is everywhere and their pastries are genuinely great. A tebirkes and a coffee is the most Danish breakfast you can have for 50 kr."
— r/travel
16Nihao Yao
Chinese Stir-Fry
Verdict: If you're strategic, Nihao Yao is one of the best value meals in the city — the portions are genuinely massive enough to split or save half.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Chinese Stir-Fry in Rantzausgade, Nørrebro with a 100–140 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 690 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Chinese Stir-Fry
- Limitations
- Price band: 100–140 kr
- Price / value
- 100–140 kr · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- If you're strategic, Nihao Yao is one of the best value meals in the city — the portions are genuinely massive enough to split or save half. Located on Rantzausgade, Nørrebro's most charming food street.
- What to order
- Any stir-fry — the portions are massive. One order is genuinely enough for two meals. The dan dan noodles and mapo tofu are standouts.
- Reservation
- Usually not needed
Source quality: 6 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, instagram-snippet, happycow-snippet, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · high confidence
🕐 Open now
MonClosedTue12:00 – 9:00 PMWed12:00 – 9:00 PMThu12:00 – 9:00 PMFri12:00 – 9:30 PMSat12:00 – 9:30 PMSun12:00 – 9:00 PM
"Nihao Yao in Rantzausgade! It's not cheap but the stir fry portion is huge (for me at least) so it's enough for two meals. And yes they do taste good too!"
— r/copenhagen · posted October 2023
17Jagger
Burgers
Verdict: Vesterbro's favorite neighborhood burger joint.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Burgers in Istedgade, Vesterbro with a 85–120 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4★ from 1,142 Google reviews · Burgers · Istedgade, Vesterbro
- Limitations
- Price band: 85–120 kr
- Price / value
- 85–120 kr · 4★
- Why it made the list
- Vesterbro's favorite neighborhood burger joint. The Istedgade location puts you in Copenhagen's grittiest, most interesting street — packed with bars, vintage shops, and character. A solid burger and beer for under 150 kr total.
- What to order
- The Jagger burger — their signature stack with juicy beef, pickles, and house sauce. Add cheese. Always add cheese. Fries come in generous portions.
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, menu-page, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 10:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 10:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
"Jagger at Istedgade is also great for burgers."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
18China Box
Chinese Fast Food
Verdict: When you need pure volume at rock-bottom prices in central Copenhagen, China Box delivers.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Chinese Fast Food in Near Nørreport, Indre By with a 45–70 kr spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 234 Google reviews · Chinese Fast Food · Near Nørreport, Indre By
- Limitations
- at 55 kr for a filling meal steps from Nørreport station, it's the ultimate survival pick for broke travelers
- Price / value
- 45–70 kr · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- When you need pure volume at rock-bottom prices in central Copenhagen, China Box delivers. It's not gourmet — but at 55 kr for a filling meal steps from Nørreport station, it's the ultimate survival pick for broke travelers.
- What to order
- Medium box with 4 sides (55 kr) — mix and match from their selection of fried rice, noodles, spring rolls, and meat dishes. Maximum volume for minimum kroner.
Source quality: 3 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, yelp-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 10:00 PMTue12:00 – 10:00 PMWed12:00 – 10:00 PMThu12:00 – 10:00 PMFri12:00 – 10:00 PMSat12:00 – 10:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
"I found a place yesterday called China Box which has a medium box with 4 sides for 55dkk. It was in Nørreport too, which I wasn't expecting for such a central area."
— r/copenhagen · posted March 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for food per day in Copenhagen?
For budget eating, plan for 200–350 kr (roughly $28–$50 USD) per day. A bakery breakfast runs 35–60 kr, lunch from a kebab shop or street food market is 50–100 kr, and a budget dinner is 90–150 kr. If you cook some meals yourself using supermarkets like Netto or Rema 1000, you can get down to 150 kr per day.
What is the cheapest food you can get in Copenhagen?
The cheapest prepared food options are durum kebabs in Nørrebro (45–65 kr), Chinese fast food boxes at China Box near Nørreport (55 kr for a medium box with 4 sides), bakery items from Lagkagehuset or Favori Bageri (35–50 kr), and hot dogs from DØP or regular pølsevogn carts (45–60 kr). Community dinners at Absalon run as low as 50 kr on weeknights.
Is Copenhagen really that expensive for food?
Yes, Copenhagen is one of Europe's priciest cities for dining. A sit-down restaurant meal easily costs 150–250 kr per person, and drinks add up fast (a beer is typically 50–75 kr). However, street food, kebab shops, ethnic restaurants in Nørrebro and Vesterbro, and bakeries make it possible to eat well on a budget. The key is avoiding tourist traps around Nyhavn and Strøget.
Where should I eat in Copenhagen to avoid tourist traps?
Head to Nørrebro for affordable Middle Eastern food, Vesterbro for hip budget options around Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District), and Nordvest for authentic bakeries and ethnic food. Avoid restaurants directly on Nyhavn and the main Strøget strip — prices there are inflated 30–50% compared to spots just a few blocks away. Torvehallerne is touristy but actually has good food at fair prices.
Is Reffen street food market worth visiting on a budget?
Reffen is worth visiting for the atmosphere and variety — there are 50+ food stalls with cuisines from around the world. However, Reddit users note it's not the cheapest option: most dishes are 80–160 kr, and it's hard to get truly full for under 100 kr. It's best for a fun lunch experience rather than strict budget eating. Take the Havnebussen (harbor bus) for a scenic free ride to Refshaleøen.
Can I get good smørrebrød in Copenhagen without spending a fortune?
Absolutely. The Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet) café serves excellent traditional smørrebrød at very reasonable prices — around 75–120 kr for a proper open-faced sandwich. You can also find affordable smørrebrød at Torvehallerne and at small lunch spots away from the tourist center. Avoid the sit-down smørrebrød restaurants in Indre By, which can charge 200+ kr per piece.
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