Confused about how to order food at IKEA? You’re not alone. The ordering system at IKEA restaurants is quite different from most dining places. IKEA adopts a self-service concept, where customers take their own food from start to finish.
This is different from typical restaurants, where orders are taken and served by staff. With this concept, you’ll experience something new and unique, complete with a variety of Swedish and local menu options that create a different dining atmosphere.
In this guide, you’ll learn the full dining process at IKEA, along with tips to make your first experience easier, more comfortable, and budget-friendly.
A unique and enjoyable way to order food
IKEA restaurants follow a Swedish-style cafeteria concept, where visitors pick their own food using trays and trolleys. Unlike regular restaurants with waitstaff, IKEA lets you control your entire ordering experience from start to finish.
Here’s how to order food at IKEA:
1. Take a tray and trolley
Once you enter the restaurant area, you’ll be directed to take a tray and trolley. These will be used to carry all your food and drinks. Trays and trolleys are usually available at the entrance, so make sure to grab one before lining up.
2. Choose your food along the line
You’ll follow a queue while selecting your food. Some items like salads and desserts are self-service, while main dishes are usually served at a counter by staff. Check the menu boards along the way to decide quickly and keep the line moving.
3. Get your own drinks
For beverages, you typically take an empty cup and fill it yourself at the drink station. Options usually include soft drinks, tea, and coffee, with refill options depending on the type selected.
4. Pay at the cashier
After selecting everything, proceed to the cashier to pay. You’ll receive a receipt as proof of purchase. Make sure your order is complete before paying to avoid going back.
5. Collect your food and find a seat
If there are hot items not yet served, you can collect them at a designated area after payment. Then, find an available table. During peak hours, you may need a bit of time to find a seat.
6. Enjoy your meal
After finishing your meal, customers are expected to return trays and dispose of leftovers properly as part of the self-service system. This helps maintain cleanliness and ensures a comfortable dining environment for others.
7. Clean up after eating
Once you're done, don’t forget to return your tray, plates, and leftover food to the designated return area using the same trolley. Separate trash, utensils, and trays accordingly.
This habit is part of IKEA’s self-service concept and helps maintain cleanliness and comfort for all visitors.
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