EatbyLe

Address: Universitetsgata 26, 0162 Oslo

I recently had the chance to go behind the scenes at Ugly Duckling, and I can confidently say: this is where you’ll find some of Oslo’s best sandwiches.

Everything here is made from scratch, and you can taste the effort in every bite.

A Concept Born in November

Ugly Duckling launched its sandwich concept in November last year. While much of their business is takeaway, the quality stands shoulder to shoulder with some of Oslo’s best sit-down restaurants.

The Bread: Soft, Rich, and Homemade

Let’s talk bread. It’s homemade—a perfect hybrid between soft brioche and Japanese milk bread. They use organic butter and milk from Rørosmeieriet, eggs from Galåvolden Gård, and Italian fine flour.

The result? Rich, soft, and packed with flavor.

💡 Pro tip: It’s a long waiting time if you’re late, so try to arrive early for the freshest bread and quickest service.

My Favorite Sandwiches

• Porchetta: Made from pork belly with ultra-crispy skin. Best eaten fresh to enjoy the full crunch.
• Meatball Sub: Juicy meatballs made with marrowbone, just the right spice level, and perfectly seasoned.
• Chicken Confit: Uses organic chicken thighs from Hovelsrud Gård. Salt-cured, then slow-roasted in duck fat from Holte Gård for unbeatable texture and flavor.

Sides and Sauces: No Shortcuts Here

Everything on the side is just as considered as the mains:

• Red cabbage salad with roasted walnuts, dried apricots, cherry syrup, and kombucha for a balanced sweet-sour profile.
• Tarragon mayo made in-house using white wine, Chardonnay vinegar, shallots, rapeseed oil, and egg yolk.
• Pickles made from organic cucumbers with apple cider vinegar, sugar, dried dill, and mustard seeds.

Final Thoughts

Ugly Duckling might still be a bit under the radar, but if you love sandwiches crafted with true care—this is a must-visit.

Come hungry, and don’t be afraid to try more than one. You’ll be thinking about it long after the last bite.