Fish and meat in Norway: the best combinations with drinks, including wine and cider

Norway is famous not only for its fish and meat, but also for its unique drinks, such as aquavit, cider and, of course, wines, which go perfectly with the local cuisine. Pairing fish and meat with the right drinks plays an important role in bringing out the flavours of a dish. In this article, we will discuss the best drinks to serve with traditional Norwegian dishes such as salmon, cod, reindeer and other delicacies, and how to create the perfect gastronomic pairing.

What drinks go well with Norwegian fish dishes?

Fish such as salmon, cod and shellfish require sophisticated drink pairings to bring out their flavour and texture. Here are a few recommendations:

• Salmon: Salmon, especially when marinated, such as gravlax (marinated with dill and salt), pairs perfectly with light and fresh wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Light white wines with bright acidity will highlight the saltiness of the fish. Salmon can also be served with dry cider with an apple aftertaste, which will perfectly refresh the taste.
• Cod: Cod, which is the basis of many traditional Norwegian dishes, such as baccalà (dried and soaked fish), goes well with white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. These wines, with their fruity notes and balanced acidity, help bring out the mild flavour of the fish. Light cider is a refreshing accompaniment to fried or baked cod.
• Shellfish and oysters: Shellfish and oysters, popular on the Norwegian coast, are ideal with champagne or brut Chardonnay. These sparkling wines will contrast perfectly with the salty taste of seafood.

What drinks go best with Norwegian meat?

Norway is famous not only for its fish, but also for its meat dishes, especially lamb and venison. It is important to choose drinks that will enhance the rich flavour of the meat.

• Venison: Traditional Norwegian venison dishes, such as venison steak or Pinnekjøtt (salted lamb), are served with heavier drinks such as red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah are excellent choices — they have a rich flavour and go well with game. Aquavit can also be served to enhance the spices and character of the meat.
• Lamb: Serve stewed lamb or meatballs such as Raspeballer (potato dumplings with meat) with a strong red wine such as Pinotage or Tempranillo. These wines have a good tannin structure and perfectly complement the flavour of the meat. If you want to try something unusual, you can pair lamb with dark beer or light cider to add notes of sweetness and citrus.

What drink should you serve with difficult-to-pair dishes such as lutefisk?

Lutefisk is a difficult dish to pair with wine, as its texture and taste are very specific. At Christmas, this traditional Norwegian dish is served with potatoes and peas. We recommend serving a dry white cider, which will contrast with the jelly-like texture of the fish and add lightness to its dense and rich flavour. Alternatively, you could serve honey or herbal aquavit, which goes well with the saltiness and unique texture of lutefisk.

What role does aquavit play in combinations with fish and meat?

Aquavit is a traditional Norwegian alcoholic beverage that goes well with both meat and fish dishes. It is a must-have at Norwegian holidays and traditional feasts. For example, aquavit with herbs is served with venison or red meat, emphasising the spices and richness of the dish. Lemon aquavit is often served with fish, especially grilled salmon or lutefisk, as its citrus notes help balance the fattiness of the fish.

How to choose cider for fish and meat dishes?

Cider is a popular drink in Norway, especially in apple-growing regions. Dry apple cider is best served with fish dishes, as it does not overpower the taste of the fish but adds interesting fruity notes. Dark cider with caramel notes is best paired with lamb or venison dishes, as it perfectly highlights the rich flavour of the meat.

Norway is not only a country of beautiful fjords and picturesque landscapes, but also a country where fish and meat dishes are inextricably linked to drinks. The right combination of drinks and traditional dishes helps to reveal the taste of each ingredient and make your gastronomic journey even more exciting. Whether it's salmon with dry cider, venison with red wine or lutefisk with aquavit, every sip in Norway brings joy and harmony.