Visiting Norway soon? Turn your vacation into a Scandinavian culinary adventure with these 11 must-try and easy-to-find food items in Norway. Trying a foreign country’s food is often one of the top benefits of going through the effort of travelling there. Norway is no different, and if you ever get the chance to visit the country, there are some foods you simply have to sample. Cinnamon buns are a beloved food item in Norway. From the snappy bite of a classic pølse (a Norwegian hot dog) to the sweet, twisty temptation of a kanelsnurr (a Norwegian cinnamon bun) we’ve got your foodie itinerary c ..read more

Known as ‘tyttebær' in Norway, the lingonberry is famous around the world thanks to its use in IKEA. Here's the story of the berry and how it's used in Scandinavia. An important element of Scandinavian cuisine, the lingonberry is a small, red berry known for its tart flavour and numerous health benefits. It's closely related to the cranberry and blueberry, both in appearance and nutrition. Lingonberries are a key ingredient in Norwegian trollkrem. Thriving in the wild, cold climates of Northern Europe, these berries are integral to the region's food culture and have been harvested for centurie ..read more

Grilled, steamed or boiled, the pølse–Norway’s take on the hot dog–is an incredibly popular snack. If you’ve spent any time in the country, you’ve probably noticed this. But have you ever wondered why this simple dish has such a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Norwegians? Bacon pølse in bread from Narvesen in Norway. Photo: David Nikel. Let's take a playful journey into everything pølse: where to find the best ones, the unique flavours and ingredients that set them apart, the types of bread they nestle in, and the array of toppings that can turn a simple snack into a gourmet expe ..read more

Brunost is a hugely popular food within Norway, but it can be hard to find elsewhere in the world. Here's where you can buy it in several other countries. Have you ever tasted brunost, otherwise known as Norwegian brown cheese? Its distinctive sweet yet tangy flavour and fudgey texture has been a beloved staple in Norwegian households for generations. Brunost is surprisingly popular in North America. Among visitors though, it's very much a ‘love it or hate it' food among tourists. Known as brunost in its homeland, brown cheese has recently become more popular around the world. For those yearni ..read more

The kransekake is a common sight at Norwegian weddings and Norway's national day. Here is the story of one of the most famous cakes in Norway. Prepare for your mouth to start watering, dear readers! In the world of cakes, the kransekake from Norway stands out. Known as the ‘wreath cake' or ‘ring cake', it's not only beautiful to look at but also delicious to eat. Kransekake, the Norwegian celebration cake. Built layer upon layer, in concentric circles that graduate in size, the kransekake tells a story of centuries-old Nordic customs, familial gatherings, and the joy of celebrations. Composed ..read more

The semi-solid blue mould cheese ‘Nidelven Blå’ from Gangstad Gårdsysteri has taken the biggest title as the World Cheese Awards. Here’s the full story. When one thinks of the world's best cheese, the rolling hills of France or the green pastures of Switzerland might immediately come to mind. Nidelven Blå from Norwegian cheesemaker Gangstad Gårdsysteri. Photo: Gangstad Gårdsysteri. However, in a delightful twist, the title of the world's foremost cheese for 2023 doesn't hail from these usual suspects. Believe it or not, but a Norwegian cheese has taken the crown: Norway’s very own Nidelven Bl ..read more

An introduction to salty liquorice, an ‘acquired taste' that is nevertheless hugely popular in the Nordic region. Plus, read on for our verdict on the best ones to try. Liquorice in itself is not uncontroversial. Typically, people either hate it or love it. But someone, somewhere, decided liquorice would be better if it first hit you with a wall of bitter saltiness. When we say ‘somewhere', we mean in Northern Europe. Liquorice, both in its traditional and its salty variants, is most popular in countries like the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, as well as in Northern Germany ..read more

Norwegian waffles are a must-have snack when visiting Norway. Here’s everything you need to know about this traditional treat. If you ever visited Norway, you almost certainly came across Norwegian waffles at some point during your travels. This seemingly ever-present treat is simple to make and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. Norwegian waffles served in the traditional heart shape. Photo: Daniel Albert. So whether or not you have tasted Norwegian waffles before, grab your apron and join us as we explore the world of Norwegian waffles, or “vafler” as we say in Norway. These heart-sh ..read more

A must-have drink on a cold winter night, Gløgg is a traditional hot Scandinavian drink. Here’s what you need to know about gløgg. Made from red wine, spices, and fruit and served hot, gløgg is a Norwegian mulled wine that is commonly enjoyed in the run-up to Christmas. With an origin that can be traced back to medieval times, gløgg is enjoyed across the Nordic region. Mugs of gløgg with pepperkaker and Scandinavian saffron buns. Often served with thin ginger biscuits or other sweet snacks, gløgg is a staple at holiday markets but it’s also a popular drink to make and enjoy at home. While very ..read more

Norway's much-loved Røros Smør is now available in selected parts of the United States. Norwegian Americans rejoice! Norway's best butter is coming to a store near you. In its 20th anniversary year, the dairy Rørosmeieriet has struck an export deal to make its butter available in more than 60 American stores. Røros Smør in its American packaging. Photo: Rørosmeieriet. Rørosmeieriet delivers milk, cream, sour cream, butter, sour milk, fresh cheese and yoghurt all over Norway. But the American dream will begin with its two signature butter products, unsalted and salted. Focusing on Norwegian Ame ..read more