Zupperia Café Restaurant, Bergen

...with my Norwegian friends. Zupperia was opened in September 2000 and has become established as a very popular spot for locals and visitors alike. (I believe that it is known "offically" as a "soup-restaurant" but I have described it as a cafe/restaurant in this review as I think this will give a clearer idea of the range of fare on offer here!)

The location is superbly convenient for anyone sight-seeing in Bergen. ...
...Bruns gate crosses Olav Kyrres gate. This is right next to the bandstand at the north-western end of Lille Lungegårdsvannet - the lake in the city centre. This is virtually in the heart of the shopping district, a few minutes walk from the Grieghallen and about ten minutes walk to the Fisketorget (fish market) and Bryggen.

As you make your way down the few steps to the ground-floor-meets-basement café you may well be expecting to find ... more

I spend a lot of time in Bergen and there is a cafe/restaurant right in the heart of the city whose name is frequently pencilled into my diary whenever I am planning to meet up with my Norwegian friends. Zupperia was opened in September 2000 and has become established as a very popular spot for locals and visitors alike. (I believe that it is known "offically" as a "soup-restaurant" but I have described it as a cafe/restaurant in this review as I think this will give a clearer idea of the range of fare on offer here!)

The location is superbly convenient for anyone sight-seeing in Bergen. It can be found on a corner where Nordahl Bruns gate crosses Olav Kyrres gate. This is right next to the bandstand at the north-western end of Lille Lungegårdsvannet - the lake in the city centre. This is virtually in the heart of the shopping district, a few minutes walk from the Grieghallen and about ten minutes walk to the Fisketorget (fish market) and Bryggen.

As you make your way down the few steps to the ground-floor-meets-basement café you may well be expecting to find quite a small establishment but you will likely be surprised by the spaciousness within. There are plenty of dining tables but if you have just popped in for a coffee you might manage to grab a space on one of the comfy sofas at the front of the café. And if coffee is all you want, that is fine. However you will also have the choice of sandwiches (open sandwiches, tortilla wraps or crusty baguettes), salads, a range of soups of course - including a daily special, hot main dishes, desserts and a choice of soft drinks, beers and wine to accompany your meal.

I would describe the menu as eclectic/international with various dishes representing the cuisines of Italy, Portugal, Greece, Japan and even Norway manages not to be left out! You can try a traditional Norwegian soup with reindeer meat, mushrooms and cream or – given that you are in Bergen – you could sample the Vestlandsk Fisksuppe which is a creamy seafood soup typical of the area. For me, the gems in the menu are the Thai inspired dishes – warm, fragrant, satisfying and utterly delicious.

You will find the atmosphere to be relaxed, informal and buzzing with the conversations of groups of friends. The menu has descriptions of the food in both Norwegian and English and the staff will be happy to speak English with you.

Now you may be wondering about my slightly negative remark regarding the need (in my view) of a décor revamp in the not-too-distant future. Do not be misled into thinking that this establishment is shabby. The place is simply very, very popular and the sofas are beginning to show signs of being well used. The toilet/washroom is perfectly adequate and clean but not luxurious. If you are keen to sample this wide-ranging menu in a sleek, stylish and slightly more opulent setting then you could always visit………Zupperia. A new branch has recently opened only a few minutes walk away in Vaskerelven (the street which runs from Olav Kyrres gate up to the theatre).

I had the pleasure of joining 18 of my friends in this new restaurant yesterday and therefore I can say that the Thai Red Curry, the Chicken Salad with aioli, the Marinated Chicken on Skewers, the Teriyaki Beef, the Kunstnerens Munnfull (king prawns and noodles in a sweet chilli sauce) and the Tom Yam Kung (Thai soup with king prawns) were recommended. I can speak personally for the Tom Ka Gai (Thai soup with chicken) which was superb. It may sound like a very light lunch but this steaming, fragrant bowl of light coconut based broth packed with noodles, vegetables and tender chicken is a meal in itself. Finished with slices of lime and fresh coriander leaves, the unmistakable scent of lime leaf and lemongrass is wonderful. It has a truly peppery kick but the heat of the spice never overwhelms the delicate flavours.

This establishment is quite modestly priced. Anyone planning a trip from outside Scandinavia may be surprised by that remark – at least when I go on to tell you that the sandwiches start at 68 Norwegian Kroner (about £7) and the soup of the day special starts from 55 NOK (approx £5.75). The feted Thai soups (either chicken or king prawn) are 115 NOK (approx £12) and main dishes such as the Teriyaki beef and the marinated chicken on skewers are both 138 NOK (about £14.50). However, this is Norway – one of the most expensive countries in Europe – and these prices are not excessive in this city. Prices for alcoholic drinks are high of course (Newcastle Brown or the local Hansa Pils at 56 NOK a go for example – around £5.85). You may be relieved to learn that Norwegian restaurants are happy to serve chilled – and nicely presented – tap water!

So, in summary, I would certainly recommend that anyone visiting this city gives either of these two restaurants more than a second glance. Whether you are in need of a relaxing coffee or searching for a menu with a really wide choice – this may be just the place for you.
 

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