For many, a trip to IKEA isn’t just about picking out affordable furniture—it’s also about grabbing a bite at the retailer’s iconic food court. IKEA has built a strong reputation not only for its Swedish meatballs but also for providing a unique and budget-friendly dining experience that keeps people coming back. It’s not just hungry shoppers taking a break, there are also visitors who come solely for the food. Here’s a closer look at its history, what makes it special, and why it continues to be a must-visit destination.
The History of the IKEA Food Court
IKEA first introduced food into its stores in the 1950s when founder Ingvar Kamprad noticed that hungry customers were leaving before completing their purchases. By 1960, the first in-store restaurant was up and running in Älmhult, Sweden. Kamprad believed that affordable, quality food would keep shoppers in the store longer, ultimately boosting sales. Over time, IKEA’s food offerings expanded, with the introduction of its now-famous Swedish meatballs in the 1980s.
What Makes the IKEA Food Court Stand Out?
IKEA’s food court isn’t just another fast-food stop. It offers an experience that’s unique to the brand’s identity. Here’s why it continues to draw big crowds:
Affordable Prices
You can get a $1 hot dog and a full meal for under $10. IKEA’s food remains one of the cheapest dining options around.
Familiar Favorites
No matter where you are, you can expect the same staple items, from Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce to creamy Daim cake. The menu remains relatively the same at every location.
Cultural Experience
IKEA’s menu introduces customers to Scandinavian meals they might not otherwise try, like salmon dishes or shrimp sandwiches.
Convenience
Located inside the store, the food court gives shoppers a chance to take a break without leaving the premises.
Sustainability Efforts
IKEA has expanded its offerings to include plant-based alternatives, such as vegan meatballs and dairy-free soft-serve to cater to people with evolving interests and dietary restrictions.
The IKEA Food Menu
IKEA offers three types of meatballs. The usual meat based ones made of beef and pork, and then the alternative veggie and plant based balls which although sound similar, have different flavors and ingredients.
You also have your nordic-inspired dishes likes ones made with salmon fillets and marinated herring (not at every location). This is balanced with your American staples like hotdogs and pulled pork sandwiches while Canadians can enjoy their poutine.
For dessert you can try the DAIM cake, a Swedish almond cake with crunchy caramel and chocolate, danishes and other types of cakes. Many people enjoy the frozen yogurt that can be as cheap as $1.50 for a scoop.
Some may wonder what lingonberries are. They are closely related to the cranberry. Lingonberries are popular in Scandinavian cooking and are usually used for sauces and baked goods.
Other than the plant-based meatballs, vegan customers can also sink their teeth into vegan hotdogs and ice cream.
How Good is the Food, Really?
In the subreddit r/IKEA, a person with the username Ok_Maize_6852 posted “Am I the only one who likes IKEA food??”
One reader responded “Yes, you are the only one. I can’t believe Swedish meatballs are vegan now. Where did the Vikings go?”
But there were many positive comments as well: “considering how full the restaurant is every time i’m at ikea, i’d say you’re far from being the only person who likes it. i’m not a meatball person but like a lot of the other food they have!”
Some food mentions were the cinnamon rolls, chips, soft-serve, mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course, the meatballs.
At the end of the day, IKEA’s food isn’t gourmet dining, but it delivers on its promise: decent quality at unbeatable prices. The retailer has consistently focused on food safety, ingredient sourcing, and sustainability, ensuring that its offerings stay relevant to changing consumer preferences.
For many, the IKEA food court is more than just a place to grab a cheap bite—it’s part of the full IKEA experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or making a tradition out of your meatball meal, IKEA has proven that its food court is here to stay.