The Asian Restaurant Industry in Bergen: Key Data, Companies, and Outlooks

The Asian restaurant industry in Bergen has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years. With 19 registered companies in the municipality and a growing number of employees (from 96 in 2023 to 195 in 2026), data suggests a gradual upturn after a period of decline. At the same time, sales statistics show a more complex development, with a sharp decline in 2025. Key areas such as Bergen, Fyllingsdalen, and Godvik have proven to be central to the industry, while companies such as China Palace As and Lotus Hua Takeaway have stood out with high sales figures. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs analyze locations in Bergen for this industry.

Sales and employee development

The Asian restaurant industry in Bergen has had an uneven development. Sales figures fell sharply from 2016 to 2020, before gradually recovering until 2024. In 2025, however, a sharp decline of 55% was recorded, which may be due to specific market conditions. The number of employees, however, has shown a more stable growth, with an increase from 96 in 2023 to 195 in 2026. This suggests that companies have invested in staff even during periods of lower sales.

Companies in the industry

In Bergen, there are 16 registered companies in the Asian restaurant industry, with a total of 201 employees. The most common legal form is AS (11 companies). Key players include:

• China Palace As (Torgallmenningen 3A, Bergen): 125 employees, 49.1M in operating income
• Lotus Hua Takeaway As (Godvik): 4 employees, 2.7M in sales and 19% EBITDA margin
• Samrabthai Cuisine As (Fyllingsdalen): New company established in 2024 with 14 employees

However, several companies have reported negative results, such as Papa's Takeaway As (Søreidgrend) with a -16% EBITDA margin and Kelsar Invest As with a -147% EBITDA margin. This shows that the industry has both successful and challenged actors.

Distribution of business in the municipality

Bergen is the most active area with 6 companies and 158 employees, while Godvik has shown an extremely high sales growth of 100% in 2025. Fyllingsdalen has a high EBITDA margin of 23%, indicating efficient operations. Søreidgrend, however, has negative results with a -31% operating margin.

Operational dynamics and bankruptcy statistics

The industry has shown variations in financial health. Papa's Takeaway As (Søreidgrend) has an EBITDA margin of -16% and an operating profit of -912,000 NOK, while Kelsar Invest As has an EBITDA margin of -147%. This shows that some companies are facing significant financial challenges. On the other hand, Robin Drift As (Bergen) has an EBITDA margin of 13% and a positive operating profit of 767,000 NOK. No bankruptcies have been registered in the industry, but several companies have negative results that could be a warning sign.

Outlook for entrepreneurs

The Asian restaurant industry in Bergen shows both opportunities and challenges. The gradual increase in the number of employees (from 96 in 2023 to 195 in 2026) suggests growing demand for services in the industry. This can be an advantage for new entrepreneurs. However, attention must be paid to the sharp decline in sales in 2025, which may be due to specific market conditions. Places such as Godvik have proven to be attractive with a sales growth of 100%, while Fyllingsdalen has higher EBITDA margins. Entrepreneurs should also be aware of competition from other restaurants in the municipality, which can affect profit margins.

Comparison with the broader restaurant sector

The broader restaurant and café sector in Bergen has a much larger scale, with 632 companies compared to 19 in the Asian restaurant industry. Sales figures for the sector have shown a more stable development, with an increase from 2,370.4M in 2016 to 3,441.6M in 2024. EBITDA for the sector is 21.9M for Select Service Partner As Avd Bergen Lufthavn Flesland, one of the most profitable actors. This shows that the Asian restaurant industry has a smaller market share and must compete with a wide range of restaurants, including sushi restaurants and cafés. Entrepreneurs should therefore focus on differentiation and quality to compete effectively.

The Asian restaurant industry in Bergen has shown both growth and challenges in recent years. With a growing number of employees and a gradual upturn in sales after a period of decline, there are opportunities for new companies. However, entrepreneurs must be aware of the sharp decline in 2025 and the competition from a wide range of restaurants in the municipality. Places such as Godvik and Fyllingsdalen have proven to be attractive, while companies with high EBITDA margins can provide inspiration. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs analyze locations in Bergen for this industry.