Norway features beautiful coastlines so it should be no surprise that you will find a lot of fish on the menu. Back in the day, dried cod was the number one export coming out of Norway! Nowadays they export a lot more fresh cod and salmon. Norway is the second largest exporter of fish in the world! All that being said if you don’t eat seafood, there’s plenty of red meat such as lamb, beef, and even reindeer!
Breakfast is very typical for European countries featuring cheese and cured meats along with smoked salmon and granola with yogurt. Most Norwegians do not eat a heavy breakfast because lunch is early some time around 11am. For lunch, Norwegians enjoy matpakke which are open faced sandwiches topped with a variety of options like salmon or brunost (brown cheese). Dinner is very early in Norway typically between 4pm and 5pm and usually consists of some kind of stewed meat to help you warm up after a cold day out. Below are popular dishes you should consider trying while in Norway.
Let’s Start with the Snacks!
Brunost (Brown Cheese)
Brunost is a brown cheese that, let’s be honest.. isn’t really cheese BUT is probably the most interesting and fun food to try when you are in Norway. Brunost is made by boiling whey, milk, and cream and gets its notable brown color when the milk sugars begin to caramelize. It has a firm fudge-like texture, but needs to be cut with a sharp knife or cheese cutter. It has a lovely savory and sweet flavor (think salted caramel) but I wouldn’t recommend trying it alone for the first time because of its heaviness. Instead, take a thin slice of brunost and try it with waffles (vafler), crackers, or a slice of bread.
Vafler (Waffles)
Vafler are heart shaped waffles and you will see them EVERYWHERE and are eaten all day with either sweet or savory toppings. What makes them special is they are spiced with cardamom which is one of my favorite flavors because it just feels warm and cozy. You will see everything is heart shaped in Norway especially the lights on people’s homes in the winter – making an already charming country even more magical.
Bær (Berries)
Berries are very popular in Norway especially strawberries, blueberries, gooseberries, lingonberries, and the rare and expensive cloudberries. Berries are often made into jam or compote and served alongside desserts.
Lefse (Flatbread)
Lefse is a flatbread that lands somewhere between a tortilla and roti, as it can be filled with brunost or potato.
Pepperkaker and Blue Cheese (Gingerbread Cookies and Blue Cheese)
Yes you read that right, gingerbread cookies topped with blue cheese are a very popular snack. We ordered it in a wine bar alongside our sparkling wine which was delightful. I highly recommend you try it as it was our favorite food discovery of the trip!
for the Meat Lovers
Fårikål (Lamb)
Fårikål is a hearty casserole of lamb, cabbage, and potatoes which is perfect on a cold winter day. It is widely considered the National Dish of Norway and is popular to make for friends and family.
Pinnekjøtt (Lamb)
Pinnekjøtt is rack of lamb that has been smoked, cured, and then steamed creating an extremely tender dish that falls off the bone. It is traditionally served with pureed rutabaga and potatoes.
Places to Try: Art Cafe Bistro in Tromso, Norway (reservations highly encouraged as this place is very small and food is excellent)
Kjøttboller of Kjøttkaker (Norwegian Meatballs)
Norwegian meatballs known as Kjøttboller are extremely similar to the more famous Swedish meatballs. They are a mix of ground beef and pork seasoned with nutmeg, allspice, and nutmeg that have been pan fried and then served with a brown sauce, cabbage in cream sauce, lingonberry jam, and potatoes.
Finnbiff (Reindeer Soup!)
I know it sounds weird to eat reindeer to some but think of it like eating deer meat. Finnbiff is a soup prepared by browning thin cuts of reindeer meat in a pan with bacon and mushrooms and then a broth of herbs, brunost, sour cream, and milk is added.
Bidos is a reindeer stew made by the Sami people. It doesn’t have the creaminess from the dairy in finnbiff but is more of a broth with vegetables like onion, carrots, and potatoes. We had this on our Reindeer Experience where we were able to feed the reindeer and learn more about the Sami culture which was a great experience.
Pølser (Hot Dogs)
Pølser are Norwegin hot dogs and can be found everywhere and are a popular fast food. We noticed a lot of 7/11 convenience stores which of course have them. They also served them at stands in the Christmas markets in Oslo.
And now to the Seafood!
Salmon
Salmon is the king of food in Norway and you can find it smoked, cured, grilled, or canned. Smoked salmon is probably Norway’s biggest culinary claim to fame around the world. It is simple and delicious, normally served on rye bread. Gravlaks is cured salmon served typically with mustard and dill sauce on bread and makes a great appetizer or breakfast. Another option is to try salmon in sushi which may not be traditional, but Norway did introduce the use of salmon in sushi to Japan in the 1970s.
Fiskeboller of Fiskekaker (Fish Balls or Cakes)
Think of them like meatballs made with fish served in a cream sauce usually with vegetables on the side or in soups. They can be a little lacking in flavor so if you can find one with curry seasoning, I think they are a little better.
Places to Try: Art Cafe Bistro in Tromso, Norway (reservations highly encouraged as this place is very small and food is excellent)
Rørkaviar (Tubed Caviar)
Tubed caviar can be found in markets and is just unique and interesting. If you like caviar, consider buying some as a souvenir to enjoy at home.
Desserts
Eplepai
Eplepai is a delicious apple cake that they call a pie but it is made by stirring apple slices into a cake batter. You may see them topped with nuts like walnut or almond slivers and served with a side of ice cream.
Bolle
Bolle are sweet rolls made from yeasted dough seasoned with cinnamon or cardamon and filled with things like, jam, raisins, or chocolate. Skolebolle are a popular sweet roll filled with custard and topped with coconut shavings. Kanelboller are Norweigan cinnamon rolls are my personal favorite.
Places to try: Almost any grocery store or Bakery Nostalgia in Senja, Norway
Krumkake
Krumkake are waffle cookies that are rolled into a cone and filled with things like whipped cream and jam. They are especially popular around the holiday so keep an eye out at Christmas markets.
Sweets
Freia is a popular brand of chocolates you will see everywhere. Kvikk Lunsj are chocolate wafers similar to KitKat bars but taste even better. I brought them home for everyone as a souvenir. Candy on Saturdays is actually a tradition so use it as an excuse to try different things!
Nugatti is the Norweigan version of Nutella but has a thicker texture and a stronger hazelnut taste.
Drinks
Akevitt
Akevitt is a distilled liquor similar to vodka made from potatoes and grain. It has been produced since the 1500s and while Norweigans sip it straight, you might enjoy it best in a cocktail.
Solo
Solo is an orange soda similar to Sunkist or Fanta that is extremely popular in Norway.
Glogg
Glogg is a lovely warm mulled wine with spices and citrus that is wonderful to enjoy while wandering a Christmas market or just to warm up on a cold day. This is my personal favorite.