ExploFood · Europe
What to eat in Norway
Five dishes to try in Norway, the most typical first. Two are vegetarian.
Five dishes to try in Norway
Fårikål
Lamb and cabbage stewed slowly with whole black peppercorns.
How to have it: The national dish, eaten in autumn; served with boiled potatoes, from September onwards.
Raspeball
Large potato dumplings served with salted meat, sausage and mashed swede.
How to have it: Often a Thursday dish in western Norway; regional names include komle and klubb.
Lutefisk
Dried cod soaked in lye until jelly-like, served with bacon and peas.
How to have it: A Christmas-season dish; restaurants serve it from November to December.
Brunost
Sweet, caramel-coloured brown cheese made from whey.
How to have it: Sliced thin with a cheese plane on bread or waffles; found at every breakfast buffet.
Skolebrød
Sweet cardamom bun filled with custard and topped with icing and coconut.
How to have it: Sold at bakeries and cafés all over the country; a classic with afternoon coffee.
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Questions
What food is Norway famous for?
Fårikål (lamb and cabbage stewed slowly with whole black peppercorns) comes first on our list, followed by Raspeball, Lutefisk, Brunost and Skolebrød.
What is the national dish of Norway?
Ask ten people and you get several answers. The dish we put first for Norway is Fårikål: lamb and cabbage stewed slowly with whole black peppercorns. The national dish, eaten in autumn; served with boiled potatoes, from September onwards.
Which dishes in Norway are vegetarian?
Two of the five on this page are vegetarian as usually made: Brunost and Skolebrød. Recipes vary, so ask about stock, lard or fish sauce.
How reliable is this list?
The dishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, where you can also tick off the ones you have tried. Recipes vary by region and by family, so take it as a starting point.
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Get ExploDishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, with links to Wikipedia. Recipes and names vary by region.