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.
📊 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.
What to order: 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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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: The classic organic pølse with remoulade and crispy onions. Simple, iconic, Danish. For something heartier, try the chili cheese dog or the jumbo bratwurst.
"The good hotdogs are the two organic carts by DØP on Strøget, near Round Tower and Helligåndskirken."
— r/copenhagen · posted November 2021
tabiji verdict: 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 flæskestegssandwich (roast pork sandwich) — crispy crackling, tender pork, pickled red cabbage, all on a crusty roll. Add fries for a full meal.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
💰 55–85 kr per taco
📍 Torvehallerne & Kødbyen, Indre By / Vesterbro
📌 Google Maps →
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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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: Whatever they're serving — it's a set communal menu. Vegetarian options always available. Dinner at long shared tables in a stunning converted church.
tabiji verdict: 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: 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.
"Seconding the Workers Museum's smørrebrød. The name in Danish is 'Arbejdermuseet', it is situated close to Torvehallerne."
— r/copenhagen · posted June 2025
tabiji verdict: 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: 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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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: A durum (lamb or chicken wrapped in flatbread with salad and sauce). Filling, delicious, and the single best calorie-per-krone ratio in Copenhagen.
tabiji verdict: 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: 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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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 pho — a massive, steaming bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup with your choice of beef or chicken. Generous portions that actually fill you up.
tabiji verdict: 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.
💰 50–80 kr per taco
📍 Studiestræde & Nørrebrogade, Indre By / Nørrebro
📌 Google Maps →
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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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: 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.
"Tommis Burger Joint in Kødbyen is also great for burgers."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
tabiji verdict: 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: Pad thai or green curry with rice. Authentic Thai flavors at a fraction of what you'd pay at trendier spots. Portions are generous.
"Ban Geaw is, despite its looks, a fantastic Thai restaurant at Halmtorvet."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
tabiji verdict: 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: 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).
"Favori Bageri in Nordvest. Lentil soup is great and around 50dkk, practically comes with a whole loaf of bread."
— r/copenhagen · posted October 2023
tabiji verdict: 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: 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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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: Any stir-fry — the portions are massive. One order is genuinely enough for two meals. The dan dan noodles and mapo tofu are standouts.
"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
tabiji 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. Located on Rantzausgade, Nørrebro's most charming food street.
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.
"Jagger at Istedgade is also great for burgers."
— r/copenhagen · posted May 2018
tabiji verdict: 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: 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.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
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 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 with 4 sides), bakery items from Lagkagehuset or Favori Bageri (35–50 kr), and hot dogs from DØP (45–60 kr). Community dinners at Absalon are 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 easily costs 150–250 kr per person, and drinks add up fast (a beer is typically 50–75 kr at restaurants). However, street food, kebab shops, ethnic restaurants in Nørrebro and Vesterbro, and bakeries make it very possible to eat well on a budget. The key is avoiding tourist traps around Nyhavn and the main Strøget strip.
Where should I eat to avoid tourist traps?
Head to Nørrebro for affordable Middle Eastern food and hip cafés, Vesterbro for budget-friendly restaurants 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, most dishes run 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 public transit ride to Refshaleøen. Note that Reffen is seasonal (typically April–October).
Can I get good smørrebrød 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 sit-down smørrebrød restaurants in central Indre By, which can charge 200+ kr per piece.
