all the foods - Norway
Here you will find a list of all the traditional cuisine we tried in Norway.
Bergensk fiskesuppe
Bergen fish soup
What is it?
As the name suggests, Bergensk Fiskesuppe is a traditional fish soup from the city of Bergen in Norway. There’s no single fixed recipe — every household and restaurant tends to have its own version. Traditionally, the stock was made from the bones of young saithe, but today it’s more common to use cod or haddock. The flavour is distinctly fishy but it’s also sour from the vinegar, sweet from the added sugar, and very creamy thanks to a generous (some would say indulgent) amount of cream.
What is in it?
While there’s no set recipe, the soup typically includes fish (unsurprisingly), root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, sour cream, and fish balls (minced white fish mixed with flour, eggs, and milk). It’s often topped with spring onions or sometimes dill and parsley, and served with bread.
Where can I eat it?
It’s ubiquitous in Bergen’s restaurants, so you really don’t have an excuse not to try it. We recommend The Hagelin Sisters, which has been serving the same fish soup recipe since 1929. They must be doing something right!
kjøttkaker
Norwegian meatballs
What is it?
Kjøttkaker, also known as Kjøttboller, are large meatballs, bigger than their more famous Swedish counterparts. They're usually served in a rich gravy alongside root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Common sides often include mushy peas and tart lingonberries, the latter adding a sharp, fruity contrast to the meat and sauce, It's classic comfort food.
What is in it?
Traditionally made with beef, though other types of meat are sometimes used. The mixture typically includes a binder like egg, flour, and milk, seasoned with pepper, nutmeg, and ginger.
Where can I eat it?
You can easily find Kjøttkaker in restaurants throughout Norway. We had ours at Pingvinen in Bergen, and it didn’t disappoint.
Hotdogs
bun sausage!
What is it?
It's a hotdog! But not just any hotdog… a very good hotdog! Okay, strictly speaking, hotdogs aren't originally from Norway—but the Norwegians do them so well, you'd be missing out if you didn’t try at least one while in the country (I certainly had more than one!).
What is in it?
There’s a wide variety, with different meats, including reindeer, perfect for a festive treat. They’re usually served with crispy onions and relish, but the reindeer one I tried (pictured) came with mustard and lingonberry jam, and it was absolutely delicious.
What is it?
Pretty much everywhere! You can even grab a great hotdog on the ferry and enjoy one while soaking in the stunning views of the fjords. In Bergen, Trekroneren is a famous hotdog stand offering a large selection of tasty options, and it's always busy for a reason, highly recommended!
svele
Norwegian pancake
What is it?
Svele is a thick Norwegian pancake, often enjoyed as a snack with coffee in a café. It’s soft and fluffy, a little like an American pancake, and can be topped with either sweet or savoury ingredients, or sometimes both at once!
What is in it?
The pancake itself is made with eggs, butter, flour, sugar, and baking soda. Toppings vary widely, but popular choices include butter and sugar, berries, jam, sour cream, or brunost (Norwegian brown cheese).
Where can I eat it?
You’ll find svele in cafés across Norway, and it’s also a popular treat on ferries, where it’s known as fergesvele (ferry svele).
Vegetarian.
skillingsboller
cinnamon roll
What is it?
Skillingsboller is a traditional Norwegian cinnamon roll from Bergen, often enjoyed with coffee. The name means “penny bun,” a nod to the old custom of naming baked goods after their price, these buns were originally sold in Bergen for one shilling (1 penny). Think cinnamon buttery goodness, there are different ways to enjoy a Skillingsbolle, but our favourite is to tear off pieces and slowly savour the journey to the warm, cinnamon-filled centre.
What is in it?
The ingredients are simple but perfect: cinnamon, cardamom, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, milk, and yeast.
Where can I eat it?
You can find Skillingsboller in cafés all around Bergen. For a reliably good one, try Baker Brun, a well-known bakery chain throughout Norway.
Vegetarian.
fiskeboller i hvit saus
fish balls in white sauce
What is it?
This is a very traditional Norwegian dish, so much so that Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the first person to reach the North Pole, took fish balls with him on his 1918 expedition to the Northeast Passage. The fish balls themselves have a gelatinous texture and a mild fish flavour, and are typically served in a white sauce. While the sauce can be quite bland on its own, it’s sometimes spiced up with curry for extra flavour. Fish balls also make appearances in other Norwegian dishes, such as Bergensk Fiskesuppe (Bergen Fish Soup).
What is in it?
The fish balls are usually made from minced cod, pollock, or haddock mixed with potato starch, then served in a rich, creamy white sauce. Occasionally, curry powder is added to the sauce for a bit more flavour. It's often accompanied by boiled vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
Where can I eat it?
You can find Fiskeboller i hvit saus in many restaurants, either on its own or as part of other dishes like the famous Bergensk Fiskesuppe. It's also sold in cans at supermarkets, ready to be cooked and enjoyed at home.
hjertevafler
heart waffles?
What is it?
Norwegians love their waffles heart shaped (pun very much intended) and enjoy them any time of day, and you should too! These waffles are soft, fluffy, and not overly sweet, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
What is in it?
These waffles are made with flour, baking powder, sugar, cardamom, milk, eggs, and butter. As for toppings? The options are endless! Traditional choices include jam and sour cream, berries, or the famous Brunost (brown cheese).
Where can I eat it?
Heart waffles are easy to find in cafés throughout Norway. We enjoyed some at Kaf Kafe, located in the historic Bryggen area of Bergen.
Vegetarian.
agneskake
almond & chocolate cake
What is it?
Agneskake is a traditional Norwegian cake made with chocolate and almonds. While its origins remain a bit of a mystery to me, one thing’s for sure, it’s delicious! With a rich, fudgy texture similar to a brownie, its chocolate base is perfectly balanced by a layer of zesty apricot jam and smooth cream, creating a delightful mix of flavours and textures.
What is in it?
The cake is made with ground almonds and chocolate, topped with apricot jam, cream, and sprinkled with chocolate flakes.
Where can I eat it?
We only came across Agneskake once during our travels, at Pingvinen in Bergen, where we also enjoyed Kjøttkaker.
Vegetarian.
Ingredients listed reflect common or typical components of this dish as served in restaurants or street‑food vendors. Variations by region, season, or vendor are common. This information is provided for general reference only. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please verify ingredient details independently. We assume no liability for accuracy or outcomes.
