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Lefse | Traditional Flatbread From Norway, Northern Europe | TasteAtlas
Lefse | Traditional Flatbread From Norway, Northern Europe | TasteAtlas
Lefse | Traditional Flatbread From Norway, Northern Europe | TasteAtlas
Lefse | Traditional Flatbread From Norway, Northern Europe | TasteAtlas
Lefse | Traditional Flatbread From Norway, Northern Europe | TasteAtlas

Lefse

(Lopse, Lefsa, Kline, Klinge)

Lefse is a traditional flatbread, visually looking like a huge, round tortilla. It comes in many varieties such as plain, sweet, thin, or thick. There is also a popular version of lefse with potatoes incorporated in the dough, and it is a favorite of the Telemark region.


Originally, potatoes were not included in the flatbread since potatoes were introduced to Norway just about 250 years ago. Today, lefse is usually dipped into a bowl of water to absorb it, and is then consumed with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. For serving, it is recommended to roll the flatbread and cut it at an angle.


All of the lefse varieties can also be used to make appetizers or sandwiches, when they are filled with cheese, salad, seafood, or meat. Potato lefse is especially good for canapés due to its unique flavor. In Norway, lefse can be bought at most supermarkets or baked at home, and it is also popular in the United States of America, in cities with high percentages of Norwegian ancestors such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Seattle.

Part of

Dessert

Flatbrødsoll

Flatbrødsoll is a traditional and simple dessert originating from Norway. This cool and refreshing dessert is especially popular on hot summer days and it's usually ... Read more

Wrap

Lefserull med røkelaks

Lefserull med røkelaks is a popular Norwegian dish consisting of smoked salmon and lefse—traditional Norwegian flatbread with a soft texture that is easily ... Read more

Serve with

Spread

Gomme

This traditional Norwegian spread is either a type of sweet, brownish-colored cheese or a type of porridge made with milk and oats or rice. The consistency of the ... Read more

Stew

Lapskaus

Lapskaus is a traditional stew originating from Norway. The stew is usually made with a combination of beef (lamb, pork, and chicken are also viable options), onions, ... Read more

Cured Fish

Rakfisk

Rakfisk is a Norwegian specialty that is made by salting and fermenting fish for a few months or up to a year. It is typically prepared with trout or char, although ... Read more

WHERE TO EAT The best Lefse in the world (according to food experts)

1
Recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other food critic.
"A cafe serves great lefse."
2
Recommended by Visit Norway
"Bakes local traditional pastries like "lefsekling" (pastry with sugar and butter). Quality is based on culture and real handcraft/homemade."
3

Kaffestuggu

RørosNorway
Bergmannsgata 18
Recommended by Aftenposten
"Stop by Kaffestuggu for homemade lefse and coffee."
4
Recommended by Aftenposten
"Stop by Thomasgaarden for homemade lefse and coffee."
5
Recommended by Dusken Staf
"It's delicious and tasty."
6
Recommended by Norwaves
"Have a hot coffee and a ‘pjalt’ – a local lefse pancake with goat cheese - at the 106-year-old bakery Trygstad Bakeri."

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3.9
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