Local flavours of the world: A taste of home at IKEA

Food has always been important for IKEA. Founder Ingvar Kamprad himself said: “It’s tough to do business with hungry stomachs”. Today the many people, whether in Stockholm or Shanghai, love traditional IKEA dishes like meatballs. What’s more, there’s something extra cooking – dishes that celebrate local culture, make the most of the ingredients and all at a great price.

Since the first IKEA restaurant opened in 1960 in Älmhult, Sweden, food has been a key enabler for the many to interact, connect and engage with the IKEA Brand. As part of IKEA’s vision to create a better everyday life for the many people, the company is committed not only to offering well-designed, affordable home furnishings, but also to embracing the everyday habits, tastes, and traditions of the communities and countries where it operates.

Food is a powerful expression of culture and identity. That’s why, alongside the iconic Swedish meatballs, IKEA offers local dishes that reflect the unique flavours and culinary traditions of people in each country. Local food range is designed to feel familiar, relevant, and meaningful to customers.
”Food has a unique power to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. At IKEA, we believe that a visit of IKEA store isn’t just about shopping – it’s about feeling at home, sharing a meal, and connecting with loved ones. By offering affordable, delicious food rooted in our Swedish heritage and made with care for the planet, we show that we truly understand and celebrate what matters most to people in their everyday lives,” says Lorena Lourido Gomez, IKEA Food Manager at Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer.

Here’s a peek at five local heroes across Ingka Group markets.

Belgium: Mussels with a mission

Our Belgian mussels bring luxury to the everyday. Served during a limited two-and-a-half-month window each year, this dish sells up to 170 tonnes a year across just eight IKEA stores. And it’s not just popular – it supports sustainable eating. Mussels are one of the lowest CO₂ footprint proteins around. At IKEA, every part is reused: the pot is made of 100% recyclable sugar cane, and the empty shells are ground down for oyster breeding. Add in MSC certification and a ready-to-serve simplicity that co-worker love to serve, and you’ve got a win-win dish that proves sustainability can taste amazing.

Japan: Plant-based baby Castella

A childhood memory for many, baby Castella is a beloved Japanese snack, usually found at summer festivals or old-town stalls. The IKEA version comes with a modern twist: it’s fully plant-based. Nostalgia meets innovation in every bite, and at JPY 20 per piece, we’ve made this sweet treat more affordable than its animal-based cousins. A delicious nod to the past with a future-focused mindset.

UK and Ireland: IKEA Cooked Breakfast

The cooked breakfast is a long-standing tradition in British and Irish culture, dating back to the 14th century and evolving into the hearty “full English” (or Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or Ulster Fry) known today. Typically featuring bacon, sausage, eggs, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and now often baked beans and hash browns, it remains a popular, meat-heavy meal despite growing vegetarian options. At IKEA in the UK and Ireland, customers can choose between 6-piece and 9-piece breakfasts, with core items like bacon, sausage, omelette, hash browns, tomato, and baked beans, plus optional extras and vegetarian alternatives. In 2024, IKEA UK and Ireland sold over 3.5 million breakfasts.

France: Lamb Shank

This dish, known in France as Jarret d’Agneau, exemplifies the rustic elegance of Provençal cuisine. Originating from the pastoral traditions of southern France, particularly Provence, the lamb shank was once considered a humble cut, often reserved for hearty home cooking. Over time, chefs recognized its potential, elevating it through slow-cooking techniques that transform the tough meat into a tender delicacy. Infused with local herbs like thyme and garlic, and often accompanied by a rich jus, this preparation reflects the region’s emphasis on simple, robust flavors. Serving it with fries adds a contemporary twist, marrying tradition with modern tastes.

Portugal: The Heart of the Pastel de Nata

This creamy custard tart wrapped in delicate, flaky pastry is more than dessert – it’s part of Portuguese heritage. Created centuries ago by Monks in Lisbon’s monasteries, it has become a symbol of the country. We worked hard (including moving a whole machine from Barcelona!) to make the pastel de nata more accessible, offering it with coffee for just EUR 0.90. It’s a small price for a big piece of tradition. This dish is a tribute to heritage, innovation, and doing things the right way – and our customers can taste the difference.

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com.