10 Traditional Dishes to Try on Your Norway Vacation

Norway is a country of stunning fjords, northern lights and cultural heritage. However, in addition to its breathtaking scenery, Norway has a great and rich cuisine. When you are about to go to this Nordic paradise you should always include in your schedule to taste the traditional dishes in Norway. And when you are preparing to take the gastronomic trip leave your Norway tourist visa to make the trip go without any hitch.

Norwegian food is as varied as the tastes: hearty fish stews and sweet treats. In Go Kite Tours, we consider that one of the most effective things that a person can experience in a country is to explore local food. The following are the ten dishes that you must not miss during your Norway vacation.

1. Fårikål – Norway’s National Dish

A trip to Norway will never be complete without visiting Fårikål which is often known as the national dish in Norway. This is a warm stew of lamb and cabbage, and is cooked slowly in the presence of black peppercorns and salt. Fårikål is traditionally a fall dish, and it is very basic and fulfilling. It is served by locals with boiled potatoes and thus a healthy meal especially in cold Norwegian weather.

2. Fish Lutefisk – A Special Kind of Experience

One of the most unique traditional dishes in Norway is probably Lutefisk. It is prepared with dried white fish, typically cod, and immersed in a lye solution and then cooked. What comes out is the gelatinous texture which is definitively an acquired taste. Lutefisk is commonly eaten together with peas, bacon, or mashed potatoes and is eaten during holiday events particularly on Christmas. To the food enthusiasts, it is not merely a case of eating Lutefisk but it is a case of enjoying Norwegian history and tradition.

3. Rakfisk Fermented fish delicacy

Rakfisk is also another dish that must be tried in case you are adventurous when it comes to food. This fermented fish is common trout which has been salted and allowed to ferment in several months. Cold with flat-bread and sour-cream, Rakfisk has a sharp taste that Norwegians like. It can be accompanied by local aquavit to increase the genuine experience.

4. Kjottaker Norwegian Meatballs

Norwegian meatballs or Kjttkaker are not the same as those made in Sweden. These meatballs are made of minced beef with onions, flour, and milk pan-fried, with a rich brown gravy, potatoes, and lingonberry jam. It is a popular comfort food in the country and it is an ideal representation of homestyle Norwegian food.

5. Sursild – Pickled Herring

Sursild is a pleasant dish to the seafood lovers. The pickled herring is marinated in vinegar, sugar and spices, which present a tangy taste and a sweet taste to a certain degree. Sursild is often eaten on open-faced sandwiches or as a part of a Christmas smorgasbord and presents the Norwegian fishing history and the need to maintain fish to ensure winter supplies.

6. Raspeballer – Potato Dumplings

The potato dumplings, also called raspeballer, are a hearty Norwegian country meal. These dumplings are made of grated potatoes blended with flour, salt and in some cases meat boiled and served with melted butter or bacon. Raspeballer gain special popularity in the colder areas and are commonly consumed as an exposure, rustic dinner.

7. Koldtbord -The Norwegian Smorgasbord

Norway has a buffet that is called koldtbord, and it includes a variety of cold food, such as smoked salmon, cured meats, cheeses and salads. It is an excellent experience of trying several classic dishes in Norway at a single sitting. At a hotel, restaurant or even a celebratory event, Koldtbord enables the traveler to have the diversity of the Norwegian cuisine in a meal.

8. Brunost -Brown Cheese Delight

Every food trip in Norway will not be complete without trying Brunost, the Norwegian brown cheese. This cheese is made using goat milk and its taste is sweet and caramel. Brunost is a popular dish consumed on bread or waffles, and is a part of most Norwegian families. This is a good souvenir to take home after visiting the place because of its distinctive flavor.

9. Lefse Sweet Norwegian Flatbread

Lefse is a Norwegian dish prepared by potato, flour, butter and milk or cream. It may be taken simple, with sugar and cinnamon, or may be used in wrapping savoury fillings. Lefse is usually a holiday and celebratory dish and a taste of Lefse leaves the travelers with a sweet bite of Norwegian cuisine.

10. Kransekake – Almond Ring Cake

Kranekake is a dessert that cannot be omitted by those who have got a sweet tooth. This giant almond cake is usually prepared in rings, and arranged in a cone form. It is usually served during weddings, Christmas and special occasions. Fried in the outside but tender in the inside, Kransekake is an ideal specimen of how Norway has oft shown simplicity and delight in the baked cereal.

How to have fun at Norwegian Traditional food

• Pre-plan – Even most of the traditional dishes, particularly holiday meals such as Lutefisk or Rakfisk are seasonal. Man-check local menus to be sure.
• Serve along with domestic drinks – Norwegian beers, aquavit, ciders and others pair with the spectacular taste of traditional food.
• Eat at local restaurants– Although there are Norwegian restaurants in tourist destinations, local small restaurants can offer the best experience.
• Know some food expressions – Simple expressions such as Takk for maten (Thank you, food) will go a long way towards improving your dining experience.

There is more to eating traditional dishes in Norway than simply eating it is experiencing the Norwegian culture and history. Norwegian cuisine, whether in savory meat stews or in exotic fish dishes or delicious puddings, is as varied and full of color as the country itself.

So, right before you take this taste trip, remember to book your Norway tourist visa in order to stop making your travelling a pain. And when you need to make your plans about your trip, Go Kite Tours will be there to make your trip to Norway be the way you want to remember it, with breathtaking fjords and the experience of the moment you will also remember.

Whether you are strolling Oslo, finding things to do in Bergen or tour the fjords, savoring these traditional foods is an extra touch of taste to your Norwegian trip. You must not leave Norway without experiencing the original tastes that have been passed on and have been enjoyed over a long period of time.

And after you have consumed all the food delights you better have your plans of returning or next visit fixed with a hassle free Norway visa. The Norwegian cuisine is an adventure, and if well prepared your visit can as easy as it is unforgettable.