Located in the same region, the nations of Scandinavia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden share similar cuisines. Fish is a staple to due the proximity to water and many of the same meats and vegetables are used. But each county also has unique dishes that are part of their culture and national character. Norway has a rich food heritage and some delicious dishes that are fun to try.
Traditional Ingredients and Preparations
Norwegians embrace the past and their Viking heritage. Many of the traditional dishes are made with ingredients and prepared using methods that date back to that age. These foods hold up well today and you can try them at a restaurant or while attending a banquet in Oslo. Here are some traditional dishes unique to Norway.
Finnbiff
Finnbiff is common in the northern region of Lapland. It is a stew made with sautéed reindeer. Generally, the steak or back of the reindeer is sliced thin before sauteeing and cooked in butter or reindeer fat. It is often poached in cream or beer, making for tender meat. Finnbiff is usually served with lingonberries in sugar. It is sometimes paired with mashed potatoes and lingonberry preserves. It may be the most well-known traditional Norwegian dish.
Sursild
Sursild is pickled herring. Although it is enjoyed year-round, it is a traditional Christmas food. Herring are ubiquitous in the waters surrounding Norway and so are commonly used in cooking. They are pickled in vinegar with sliced onions, mustard seeds, allspice, salt and pepper. It can be purchased in supermarkets throughout Norway and you are likely to be served sursild at a banquet in Oslo center.
Fårikål
The national dish of Norway is fårikål, which is lamb cooked in cabbage. The cabbage is blanched before being wrapped around the lamb and boiled. National Fårikål Day is the final Thursday of September. This tasty dish is served with mashed potatoes and a flatbread that is toasted.
Salmon
Some of the best salmon in the world is caught in the waters of Norway and the people take full advantage of it. Salmon is prepared in several ways including frying, smoking and baking. The most popular is a method of curing called gravlaks. Salt, dill and sugar are combined to create the curing liquid. Norwegians generally enjoy their salmon with a vegetable and some potatoes. A sauce is also commonly served.
Lutefisk
A fish dish not common in other parts of the world is lutefisk. This is another food that is traditionally connected with Christmas. It consists of a salted and dried whitefish, usually cod, that is pickled in lye. After sitting for several days and then rehydrated, it takes on a gelatinous consistency that can be off-putting at first. It has a distinct flavor that you may grow to love.
Sodd
Sodd is a hearty traditional Norwegian soup that is especially good in the colder months. It is a simple dish consisting of mutton cooked in a broth with carrots and potatoes. It’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold winter evening.
Lapskaus
Another hearty meal, lapskaus is a stew made with leftovers. Pork is sometimes used, but it is usually made with beef or lamb. In addition to potatoes, the stew contains numerous vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery root, rutabaga and is seasoned with herbs and spices. This is another excellent meal for the winter. Its roots may trace back to the Vikings.
Kjøttkaker
Kjøttkaker are meat cakes, similar to meatballs. The only significant difference is the shape. This delicious dish is elegant in its simplicity. They are generally served with mashed potatoes and often a lingonberry sauce.
Norwegian Waffles
Though not as famous as the Belgian variety, Norwegian waffles are delicious and make for a filling breakfast. They are shaped like hearts and usually served with cream or some jam, generally lingonberry. Some people enjoy them with a bit of sugar. A similar dessert is krumkake, a sweet waffle that is rolled up before eating.
Norway has a proud heritage and unique culture and that includes food. Utilizing fresh local ingredients and traditional methods of cooking, Norwegian food is distinctive, delicious and reflective of the nation and its people.
