Street food and budget snacks in Norway: Pølse, Fiskekaker, Fish & Chips and waffles on wheels
Norway is known for its prices, but don't let stereotypes deprive you of a delicious experience. Street food here is not just a way to save money, but part of the culture: from the iconic Pølse hot dog at a Statoil petrol station to a waffle van at the Bergen docks. We'll take a look at the main dishes, approximate prices and places where you can grab a quick, hearty Norwegian snack for 40-150 NOK.
What is Pølse and why is it a staple at every petrol station?
Pølse is a thin sausage (pork + beef) 25–30 cm long. It is heated in hot water or grilled and served in a soft brød bun or wrapped in a thin potato pancake called lompe. Standard sauces are ketchup, mustard, remoulade and crispy onions. Price: 30–40 NOK. The legendary Narvesen chain sells a combo: 2 Pølse + coffee for 55 NOK — the perfect snack for a long drive along the fjords.
How do Fiskekaker fish cakes differ from British fish cakes, and where can you find them?
Fiskekaker are made from haddock or cod, mixing fillets, milk, flour and spices, then fried until golden brown. They are softer than their British counterparts and larger, measuring approximately 10 cm in diameter. Price at a kiosk: 45–60 NOK for a cake with potato salad. Best places: Bergen Fisketorget (Søstrene Helle counter) and Trondheim Ravnkloa — you can order a "Fiskeburger" bun and eat it by the water.
Where can you find the freshest fish and chips and how much does it cost?
On the West Coast, many fiske-buis fry cod caught in the morning. In Bergen, the Fish Me café on the waterfront offers a portion for NOK 139: cod fillet in tempura, French fries and tartar sauce. In Stavanger, Fisketorget Xpress offers a takeaway option for NOK 119. We recommend eating it straight away, as the crispy crust inevitably goes soggy after 10 minutes.
What street desserts do Norwegians themselves like?
- Heart-shaped waffles from the Vaffelgutta food truck (Oslo, Youngstorget) — 40 NOK with brunost.
- Skillingsboller-to-go from Baker Brun (Bergen) — 35 NOK for pure cinnamon flavour.
- Svele on Fjord1 ferries — 35 NOK, served hot with butter and sugar.
Are there any vegan-friendly street food options?
Yes. In Oslo, The Vegan Pølse van serves pea protein sausages (42 NOK). In Bergen, the Fisk & Grønt kiosk sells a vegan burger made from seaweed and chickpeas (75 NOK). Many bakeries offer knekkebrød with hummus and avocado for 55 NOK.
Top 5 life hacks for eating well on a budget
| № | Tip | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buy hot dogs "2 for 1" after 8 p.m. at Circle K | up to NOK 40 |
| 2 | Choose "Dagens fiskekake" at 3 p.m. — kiosks reduce prices | 20 |
| 3 | Book the Fjord1 ferry at lunchtime: cashback vouchers for Svele | free waffle |
| 4 | Use the Too Good To Go app — bread/bun packs from 29 NOK | > 50% |
| 5 | Bring a reusable mug — refill coffee is 5–8 NOK cheaper | small but nice |
Norwegian street food proves that even in an expensive country, you can find great flavours at reasonable prices. A Pølse hot dog to the sound of the waves, crispy fish and chips with a view of Bryggen, a sweet waffle at the city market — these are instant impressions that stay with you longer than a bill from a fine dining restaurant. Grab a thermos of coffee, tap your card on a Narvesen terminal and let simple flavours reveal the real Norway — salty, hot and slightly sweet, like a waffle with fresh jam.