16 Must-Try Traditional Norwegian Dishes You Can’t Miss

Did you know Norway is the 64th most visited country in the world? Not exactly impressive, but when you consider Norway has a population of only around 5 million people, it puts it into perspective! This tiny country packs a punch.

We love Norway for many reasons besides the Fjords and Reindeer. Norwegian cuisine is highly underrated, with culinary traditions deeply rooted in the country and local ingredients. There are so many remarkable dishes that you must try! This guide highlights the best traditional Norwegian dishes. These dishes reflect Norwegian culture, showcasing the country’s rich food history and eating habits.

Traditional Norwegian Dishes

One thing that stands out about the Norwegian diet is its uniqueness, encompassing typical food habits such as breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and traditional desserts. With traditions originating from the Vikings utilizing fresh fish, foraged berries, farmed lamb, and Norwegian cheese, a wide variety of Norwegian dishes await your taste buds when you visit.

1. Farikal – Mutton and Cabbage

Known as the Norwegian national dish, Farikal is a simple yet hearty dish made of mutton and cabbage. While it is easy to prepare, it does require some time. This meal involves slow cooking bone-in lamb or mutton, cabbage, water, salt, and pepper in a casserole dish for several hours until everything is tender. Serve it with a side of potatoes for the perfect traditional Norwegian meal.

Typically, you’ll find Farikal served during the autumn and winter months, making it the ideal dish to warm your bones.

2. Brunost – Brown Cheese

Brunost is a unique food that people tend to either love or hate. This staple in Norwegian households is a type of creamy cheese, usually made from cow’s milk but sometimes from cream or goat’s milk.

Brunost divides opinions primarily due to its sweet, caramelized flavor and creamy texture. While it’s tangy and unusual, if you enjoy it, you’ll be a lifelong fan. When trying brunost, remember to buy a traditional Norwegian cheese slicer, commonly found in every Norwegian kitchen, to slice this delightful cheese without hassle.

3. Vafler – Waffles

You cannot visit Norway without indulging in waffles. These sweet treats are a highlight of Norwegian cuisine, traditionally served in heart shapes for over 150 years. Generally, you’ll encounter one large waffle composed of smaller heart shapes, typically enjoyed with jam.

Norway takes waffles to another level with their thin, fluffy, and slightly crisp texture, setting them apart from the waffles you may know.

4. Smalahove – Sheep’s Head

This traditional dish may not appeal to everyone; its popularity is waning. Smalahove consists of half of a sheep’s head, cooked slowly and served with vegetables and potatoes. If you’re squeamish, you might want to skip this dish, but aficionados claim that the most delicious parts include the tongue and eye!

Traditionally consumed for centuries, you can still find this culinary relic in small villages around Christmas, making it a unique experience to test your adventurous culinary spirit.

5. Lapskaus – Stew

Lapskaus, a hearty stew enjoyed since the 1800s, is a comforting Norwegian dish typically served throughout the year. Prepared with beef, leeks, potatoes, swede, and carrots, this dish comes together in one pot, resulting in a hot, delicious stew. For a memorable experience, try the dark variety made with brown sauce for added flavor.

6. Kjøttkaker – Meatballs

No discussion of Norwegian cuisine would be complete without mentioning Norwegian meatballs. Kjøttkaker represents Norway’s unique take on meatballs, made with minced beef and a blend of spices such as ginger, pepper, and nutmeg.

Traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes, and lingonberry sauce, these meatballs evoke nostalgia for many Norwegians living abroad.

7. Trollkrem – Lingonberry Cream

The legend of Norwegian trolls is alive and well, reflected in the cultural dessert known as Trollkrem. This delightful treat is made from whipped egg whites, sugar, vanilla sugar, and lingonberries, giving it a striking purple color perfect for impressing guests.

8. Pinnekjøtt – Dried Lamb Ribs

Pinnekjøtt is a dish traditionally reserved for Christmas Eve, a time when families gather to celebrate. These dried lamb ribs are prepared meticulously, being salted, smoked, and dried for thirty days before cooking. The steaming process ensures soft, tender meat that melts in your mouth—definitely worth trying if you’re in Norway during the festive season!

9. Klemmeost – Squeezy Cheese

Klemmeost is a soft cheese that can be squeezed out of a tube, often enjoyed during Norwegian breakfasts and lunches. Typically flavored with ingredients such as bacon, ham, or even tomato and pepper, this cheese is a must-try for those exploring Norwegian cuisine.

10. Raspeball – Potato Dumpling

Norwegians have a strong affinity for potatoes, and Raspeball is a delightful take on this favorite. This potato dumpling, known by several names including Klubb and Kompe, is made from flour and well-boiled potatoes, creating a starchy delight traditionally served on Thursdays.

11. Rømmegrøt – Sour Cream Porridge

One of the simplest yet tastiest Norwegian dishes, Rømmegrøt is commonly enjoyed year-round. Made from sour cream, milk, salt, and flour boiled until thick and creamy, this dish is typically savory and pairs well with cured meats or boiled trout.

12. Fiskeboller i Hvit Saus – Fish Balls With Béchamel Sauce

This dish consists of fish balls served with a creamy béchamel sauce, a favorite among Norwegians since the early 1900s. Made from cod and haddock, these fish balls are a delightful blend of flavors served alongside potatoes and vegetables.

13. Tilslørte Bondepiker – Layered Dessert

Tilslørte Bondepiker, translating roughly to “veiled peasant girls,” is a sweet layered dessert made from whipped cream, apple sauce, and breadcrumbs roasted in sugar. Served in a glass bowl, it’s a treat to behold and best enjoyed fresh to prevent sogginess.

14. Rakfisk – Fermented Fish

Despite its pungent aroma, Rakfisk is a fermentation delicacy worthy of your palate. Made from freshwater trout, this dish undergoes a lengthy fermentation process and is often served during the winter months.

15. Bergensk Fiskesuppe – Bergen Fish Soup

Originating from Bergen, this rich fish soup combines light fish stock with small pollock, double cream, and fish balls, resulting in a delectable dish that can be enjoyed across Norway.

16. Medisterkaker – Pork Patties

Medisterkaker are traditional Norwegian pork patties typically enjoyed during dinner, blending flour, salt, eggs, and spices like nutmeg and ginger, giving them a uniquely delightful flavor.

What are traditional Norwegian foods?

Traditional Norwegian foods include hearty choices such as rakfisk, a fermented fish, and lutefisk, reconstituted dried fish. Other staples are kjøttkaker, meatballs servied with gravy and potatoes, and the iconic brunost, a caramelized brown cheese.

What is the national dish of Norway?

The national dish, fårikål, features a flavorful stew of lamb or mutton with cabbage and black peppercorns, commonly served with boiled potatoes in the fall when the lamb is at its best.

What is a typical Norwegian lunch?

A typical Norwegian lunch, known as “matpakke,” often consists of open-faced sandwiches on whole-grain bread topped with cold cuts or cheese, typically enjoyed with milk or coffee.

What do Norwegians eat in a typical day?

Norwegians typically start their day with a breakfast of whole-grain bread, cheese, and smoked salmon. Lunch often consists of open-faced sandwiches, while dinner features hearty meat, fish, potatoes, and vegetables, frequently followed by a light evening meal.

Discover Norwegian Food and More

Norway boasts a vast array of unique traditional dishes, reflecting the country’s history and geographical influences. Be sure to try a few of these delights on your next visit to this breathtaking land.