Indulge in Culinary Experiences in Norway

Abundant seafood, regional specialties such as reindeer, and an ever-growing trend towards cutting-edge cooking using hyperlocal, seasonal ingredients make eating in Norway a locavore’s delight. Whatever your favorite flavor of culinary experience, your taste buds are covered here, from Norwegian staples in down-to-earth cafes to up-to-the-minute gastronomic trends in sleek surroundings.

It’s worth noting that many restaurants change their menus regularly (sometimes weekly), which is excellent for seasonal variety. However, it does mean that some famous Norwegian classics might not be available year-round. Here’s what to eat in Norway.

Go Wild for Reinsdyrstek (Roast Reindeer)

Reindeer is something every non-vegetarian visitor to Norway should try at least once; you’ll likely want to order it again as it’s one of the tastier red meats. It’s exceptionally lean with a gamey flavor, but it’s much milder than venison – have it roasted for a tender treat. It will typically be served with mashed potatoes, peas, and lingonberry jam.

The vast majority of the reindeer in Norway are raised by traditional Sami herders in the north of the country. They’re effectively wild, making reindeer a sustainable, healthy option if you choose to eat meat.

Warm Your Frozen Fingers with a Mug of Fiskesuppe (Fish Soup)

Norwegians are huge fans of this warming soup, generously loaded with chunks of fish such as salmon and cod, shrimp, root vegetables, and cream. Given the abundance of the soup’s ingredients locally, it’s often one of the least expensive items on the menu, but it’s no less tasty and filling for it – especially when you mop it up with a hunk of warm fresh bread.

Discover the Simple Flavors of Fårikål (Lamb Stew)

This simple, hearty stew is Norway’s national dish. There are only a few ingredients – various cuts of lamb, lots of cabbage, water, and some salt and pepper – so using top-quality meat and having the patience to let it simmer for hours is what will make for a mouth-watering meal.

Fårikål is a comforting family one-pot wonder, usually eaten with boiled potatoes and flatbrød (a kind of crispbread).

Celebrate with a Bowl of Bidos (Sami Reindeer Stew)

In the far north, particularly if you’re fortunate enough to be invited to a Sami celebration, you’ll come across this traditional stew made with reindeer, carrots, and potatoes, all slow-cooked together for maximum taste. It’s traditional for Sami people to eat this flavorful meal at weddings and other special occasions.

Try Savory-Sweet Brunost (Brown Cheese)

Made with whey, cream, and goat’s and/or cow’s milk, brunost isn’t so much a Norwegian staple as a national institution. This (technically-not-cheese) cheese has a tangy yet sweet, caramel flavor and a fudge-like texture. Whatever the variety, if you like the unusual taste, enjoy it for breakfast on a slice of bread or a waffle.

Snack on Some Chewy Tørrfisk (Stockfish)

If you visit the Lofoten Islands, you’ll see row after row of wooden racks laden with Atlantic cod drying for months in the brisk Norwegian air. It’s common to eat Tørrfisk as a snack (like a fishy jerky), washed down with some beer. It’s also often rehydrated by soaking it in water, then baked, grilled, or used in soups.

Savor the Flavor of Gravlaks (Cured Salmon)

Salmon is ubiquitous in Norway, and this particular incarnation sees it marinated in sugar, salt, brandy, and dill, giving it a rich, powerful flavor and a melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s typically served in thin slices, either with a simple salad or a creamy dill sauce.

Discover That Any Time is Vaffel (Waffle) Time

This is a treat you’ll likely be familiar with, but the Norwegians have elevated the humble waffle to top-tier status. Thin, fluffy, and oh-so-irresistible, Norwegian waffles are usually served in heart-shaped slices. Vafler are perfect for breakfast, brunch, as an afternoon snack, or for dessert, and are eaten with a variety of sweet and savory toppings.

Eat Elusive Multebær (Cloudberries)

These tart amber-colored berries are highly prized and considered a delicacy, growing one per stalk on open swampy ground. Have them in the decadent dessert multekrem (cloudberry cream) – a confection of cloudberries, whipped cream, and sugar – or try warm cloudberry jam dolloped over vanilla ice cream.

Say Skål and Supp Some Aquavit

The national spirit, aquavit (akevitt in Norwegian), is a potent dose of Norwegian culture made from potatoes and caraway liquor. The name is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, the ‘living waters’. Norwegians often drink it on special occasions such as Christmas, Norwegian Constitution Day (17 May), and Midsummer, but it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy it at any time of year.

Vegetarians and Vegans

As with many European destinations, the availability and quality of vegetarian and vegan options in Norway have improved dramatically in recent years. Most restaurants will offer vegetarian dishes, and many will have a vegan choice, too. In general, the bigger the town, the more choices there are for animal-free fare.

Other Foods Worth Trying

• Pinnekjøtt (dried, salted lamb ribs) – Traditionally eaten at Christmas.
• Lutefisk (dried cod, reconstituted with water and lye) – Often eaten along with bacon.
• Raspeballer (potato dumplings) – A welcome starchy accompaniment to many meat dishes.
• Kjøttkaker (meatballs) – The Norwegian version tends to be bigger and comes with gravy.
• Saltlakris (salty licorice) – A Nordic taste sensation popular in Norway.

Keeping an Eye on Your Krone

We’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on the fact that eating out in Norway can be prohibitively expensive, and even ‘budget’ options will have you counting every krone. Try shifting your main meal to the middle of the day – many great restaurants offer lunch specials that are just as tasty and varied but tend to be kinder on your wallet.