Popular Norwegian dishes and drinks: what locals and tourists prefer in cafes, fast food outlets and restaurants

Norway is not only about fjords, mountains and the Northern Lights, but also a rich gastronomic culture that ranges from traditional home-cooked meals to more modern flavours popular in cafés and restaurants. The country offers both unique traditional dishes and international delicacies that have won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will tell you what Norwegians like to eat in cafés, what dishes are common in fast food outlets, and what delicacies are served in Norwegian restaurants in small towns.

What do Norwegians eat in restaurants and cafes?

Norway is known for its simple but hearty cuisine, which focuses on seasonal products. Locals often choose traditional dishes such as:

• Forkol (forkol) — lamb stewed with cabbage, considered a national dish.
• Røktfisk — fermented fish, traditionally served with potatoes, sour cream and onions.
• Pinnekjøtt — salted lamb, which is steamed and served with potatoes and peas.
• Fiskesuppe — fish soup filled with fresh seafood such as salmon and cod.

In addition to traditional dishes, Norwegians often choose simple and hearty sandwiches with smoked fish or meat. You can often find matpakke — sandwiches with salmon, cheese or ham, which Norwegians take with them to work or on walks.

What dishes are popular among tourists?

Norway offers tourists several dishes that have become true symbols of the country:

• Lutefisk — dried fish treated with lye, which gives it a jelly-like texture. This dish is especially popular at Christmas.
• Kjøttkaker — meatballs, often served with mashed potatoes and sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Skillingsboller — cinnamon buns, often served in cafes and a favourite treat for locals and tourists alike.
• Brunost (brown cheese) is a sweet cheese traditionally eaten with bread or waffles.

Tourists also often try fresh salmon, which is Norway's signature dish. It can be found as sashimi, grilled or marinated with dill, and it always attracts the attention of tourists.

What is popular in Norwegian fast food?

Fast food in Norway differs from classic international chains. The following dishes are very popular:

• Pølse — hot dogs, which can be found on the streets of any city. This is a classic street food served in a bun with various fillings.
• Fiskekaker — fish cakes, often served with sauce and potatoes. In fast food restaurants, they can be served in sandwiches or as a separate dish.
• Lefse — Norwegian potato flatbread, often filled with various fillings such as cheese or meat. This is a popular street food in the winter season.
• Brown cheese waffles — this snack can be found at street kiosks or small cafes. Waffles are traditionally served with Brunost, and this is a fairly inexpensive and tasty choice.

What is popular in Norwegian coffee shops?

In Norway, coffee is not just a drink, but a real culture. Coffee shops offer a variety of coffees, from filter coffee to espresso. Norwegians most often drink svart kaffe — black coffee. It is served with traditional sweets:

• Skillingsboller — cinnamon buns that are often found in cafes and bakeries.
• Kvæfjordkake — a famous cake considered the best in Norway, with almond meringue and vanilla cream.
• Krumkake — waffle tubes, usually filled with whipped cream or berries.
• Norske vafler — Norwegian waffles served with jam, cream or Brunost (brown cheese).

In addition, Norwegian coffee shops often serve tea with local berries such as lingonberries, cloudberries or blueberries.

What dishes are popular in restaurants in small towns in Norway?

In small towns in Norway, you will often find simple but very hearty cuisine, where seasonality plays an important role. Main dishes include:

• Rømmegrøt — a traditional sour cream porridge served hot with cinnamon, sugar and butter.
• Raspeballer — potato dumplings with meat or sauce, which are a staple dish in western Norway.
• Kjøttkaker — meatballs with potatoes and sauce, often found in rural restaurants.
• Venes — stewed venison or venison steak, often served with a berry sauce.

Norway's culinary preferences are diverse and reflect the country's rich gastronomic history. From traditional home-cooked dishes such as forekill and lutefisk to popular street food and drinks in coffee shops, Norway offers a wide range of opportunities to discover its cuisine. The country's restaurants and cafés not only offer the chance to sample local delicacies, but also allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of tradition and the latest gastronomic trends.