Top 10 culinary specialities in Oslo

Discovering Norway means exploring green spaces, strolling hand in hand with your partner along a vast expanse of water, wandering through towns and mountains in search of natural wonders…During your stay, you’ll love sampling some of the typical dishes of Norway’s capital par excellence, Oslo: breads, fruit and vegetables from healthy farms, well-stocked burgers, shellfish, meat of all kinds… You’ll find all the foods that make you smile on your plate. Find out more below.

What to eat in Oslo

1. Salmon

Very few people can say no to a delicious, freshly-prepared salmon straight from the sea. Every year, the Norwegian coast is delighted to find this legendary fish with its tender meat on their plates. And the least we can say is that the city of Oslo is no exception to the rule! Salmon? You name it, it’s Norway’s most popular food! It can be cooked with all kinds of sauces and in all kinds of ways, with all kinds of accompaniments: but the locals generally like to eat it smoked, on a slice of bread. You’re sure to love it!

2. Royal Crab

You’ll find a whole range of exquisite fish and seafood on this list. Norway borders the Atlantic Ocean, so much so that the Norwegians themselves judge only by the treasures of this vast expanse of water! This time, it’s not a fish, but a crustacean that we’d like you to discover: the king crab, nicknamed “Norway’s king of crustaceans”. Its flesh is one of the tastiest in the world. Many people like to eat it accompanied by a crunchy salad with chunks of fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that’s sure to stay with you forever.

3. The Norwegian Omelette

Be careful, this is not the kind of omelette you’re thinking of! Put the eggs aside and opt for a sweet treat made from soft sponge cake soaked in vanilla ice cream and syrup. With its meringue-like shape, the Norwegian omelette is undoubtedly THE favourite dessert of Oslo’s inhabitants. With its slightly golden colour on top, it’s an eye-catching dish that attracts the attention of visitors and tourists alike, who are always happy to indulge. Accompanied by a hot drink, this little marvel will not leave you indifferent!

4. The Kjøttkaker

Yes, dear carnivores, the meat is here! And believe us, you’ve never tasted one like this. The “Kjøttkaker” (meat cake), with its divinely prepared gravy, is an explosion of flavours in your mouth! These large fried cakes served with mashed peas, sauerkraut or potatoes can be made with different types of meat: lamb, poultry, pork… The choice is varied, depending on your preferences. The tradition is to add a thin layer of lingonberry jam to the dish. These little red berries, rich in antioxidants, are very popular in Oslo, and in Norway generally: on bread, in pancakes and waffles, or in savoury meat dishes!

5. Fish soup

Fish soup in Norway? A must! Imagine coming home in the evening, in the brutal cold. You close the door of your house and put your feet under the table: and that’s precisely where you’re served your piping hot soup, in which pieces of fish of all kinds are swimming, in particular salmon, prawns and cod. Yum, we’re already salivating! Creamy, with a few small vegetables, it’s a fortifying dish that’s packed with vitamins. If you’re a fan of mussels or other shellfish, don’t hesitate to add them to the recipe! Indulge yourself by adding a variety of foods that will only enhance the flavour of the dish.

6. Flatbrød

What is a flatbrød? Similar to a small pancake (but less voluminous), the “Flatbrød” literally translates as “flat bread”. You can find it absolutely everywhere in Oslo, at almost every table setting: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Long considered the staple food of Norwegians, it is simply a thin dough made from barley or rye, baked in the oven. It can be served with all kinds of dishes, and it’s the kind of dish that children love to cook, because it’s so simple. In just 15 minutes, it’s ready!

7. Rømmegrøt

Thick sour cream” is a kind of porridge usually served with dessert or as a snack. Rømmegrøt” is often found in winter, during the festive season. It is usually served with cinnamon, which goes very well with cream, sugar and a zest of melted butter. This is a high-calorie dish, as the cream used in the recipe comes from cow’s milk, which is particularly rich in fat. So don’t overdo it, even though we know it’s tempting!

8. Prawns

This little antioxidant crustacean, rich in calcium and good for your figure, is a treasure that the ocean has given us. As well as protecting the heart, it is reasonably calorific and can be cooked in a thousand and one ways! In Oslo, the locals love to buy their prawns fresh from the market, from smiling fishermen’s stalls, and prepare them with mayonnaise and a light squeeze of lemon. On fresh bread? It’s even better! It’s a simple meal to cook, and just as delicious.

9. Norwegian cider

What better way to quench your thirst? This time we’re not recommending a red or white wine, not even a coffee (although there are some very good ones in Oslo). Try the exquisite cider straight from the fjords and valleys of Norway. It’s one of the capital’s flagship drinks, exuding purity and a nectar to tantalise the taste buds. Norwegian ciders and apple juices regularly top international competitions. They richly deserve it!

10. Fårikål

Feeling peckish again? What would you say to finishing this ranking with a lamb-based dish? Tender and appetising, we can already see you salivating! Fårikål” is nothing more than lamb stew, mixed with a few cabbage leaves. It’s a fairly simple dish that’s often eaten by the whole family for its comforting qualities. A hearty dish, it is usually cooked in autumn, when cabbage is in season and ready to be cooked. You can add a little mashed potato to the dish, which goes well with lamb.