TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Norwegian Foods
Sake nigiri sushi is a Japanese type of nigiri sushi, with origins in Norway. It consists of hand-pressed sushi rice that's topped with slices of salmon. The dish has a soft texture and a clean finish that makes it good for sushi newcomers, although the flavor can be a bit fishier than maguro (tuna) nigiri sushi.
Traditionally, this type of sushi is eaten by hand in a single bite. It's usually accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, or pickled ginger (gari) on the side.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Sushi
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Poronkäristys is the traditional dish of Sámi people in Finland, Norway and Sweden, prepared by sautéing reindeer meat. The dish originates from the Arctic Lapland where the semi-nomadic, indigenous people called Sámi have been herding reindeers for a very long time.
Thin slices of reindeer meat are usually sautéed in butter, with or without onions, and slowly simmered in beer or stock until they develop a tender and succulent texture. The most common and traditional accompaniments for the dish include creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, but it can also be accompanied by pasta or rice.
This traditional Scandinavian dish is prepared with a combination of cow’s milk and beestings or colostrum – a yellow, rich milk produced by the animal right after it gave birth to a calf. The mixture is baked in the oven and the product acts as a coagulant, eventually thickening the milk to create a thick, custard-like dish.
Often compared to baked cheese, uunijuusto is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert that is often sweetened, spiced with cinnamon, and complemented by fresh berries.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Agurksalat is a traditional cucumber salad originating from Norway. This refreshing salad is especially popular in the summer and has many variations. It's usually made with sliced cucumbers, water, sugar, salt, white pepper, parsley, and white wine vinegar.
Thinly sliced cucumbers are simply mixed with the dressing, chilled for about half an hour, sprinkled with chopped parsley, then served, often as an accompaniment to fish such as salmon or mackerel. If properly prepared, the salad should be crunchy and have a nice balance of sour and salt with hints of sweetness from the sugar.
Norway probably isn't the first country that comes to mind when we think about great cheese. However, that might change as Norwegian producer Tingvollost won the main prize and the title of the world's best cheese at the 2016 World Cheese Awards in San Sebastian, Spain for its blue cheese called Kraftkar.
More than a hundred judges assessed over 3,000 cheeses according to a number of qualities such as color, texture, and flavor before they came to the conclusion that Kraftkar is undoubtedly the champion. This blue cheese is produced from cow's milk from the family farm located in the village of Torjulvågen.
Skillingsboller is a traditional version of a cinnamon roll. This circular pastry is usually associated with Bergen. The rolls are made with a combination of flour, milk, yeast, eggs, sugar, cardamom, lots of butter, and chopped almonds (optional).
After the baking, skillingsbolle are brushed with additional butter on the top and the bottom while they are still hot. The top is also sprinkled with extra sugar and cinnamon. The name skillingsboller means penny bun. They're usually eaten as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee on the side, but some people like to eat them with brown cheese (Brunost).
Pinnekjøtt is a traditional Christmas dish predominantly enjoyed in the northern and western parts of the country. It is usually prepared with racks of lamb or mutton, which are brined and air-dried or smoked before they are sliced into individual ribs and cooked.
Traditionally, the ribs are placed on birch branches and steamed until all the water evaporates and the meat becomes juicy and tender. This flavorful Norwegian classic stems from the traditional methods of meat preservation and is usually complemented with mashed or boiled potatoes, pureed Swedish turnip, and various salads.
MOST ICONIC Pinnekjøtt
View moreEven though it is popular in many Scandinavian countries, surkål is traditionally associated with Norway. Characterized by the unusual combination of sweet and sour flavors, this simple dish consists of finely sliced green or red cabbage stewed in vinegar, sugar, and various spices, with the occasional addition of sliced apples and caraway seeds.
In many Scandinavian households, it is one of the essential side dishes served during the festive Christmas period.
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.
MOST ICONIC Lefse
View moreJarlsberg is a Norwegian cheese made with cow's milk. It has a semi-soft texture, while the flavors are mild, buttery, and slightly nutty. The cheese was invented by Anders Larsen Bakke in the village of Vale, not far away from Oslo. Jarlsberg has characteristical irregular holes dispersed throughout its body, which is why it's often marketed as a Swiss cheese.
The cheese melts exceptionally well, and as a result it is used in fondues, quiches, and sandwiches. It is recommended to pair Jarlsberg with a glass of Merlot.
Pair with
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Norwegian Food Producers
Fjåk Chocolate, based in Norway, is renowned as the country’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Founded by Agurtxane Concellon and Siv Hereid in 2015, the company began by experimenting with craft chocolate in a modest kitchen before officially launching in 2017.
Fjåk infuses its chocolate with local Nordic ingredients, such as sour cherries, reindeer lichen, and lingonberries, showcasing Norway's natural bounty. This approach is central to Fjåk’s identity, offering a distinctive Norwegian spin on traditional chocolate.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
BEST Fjåk Chocolate Spreads
Oss Craft Distillery is a Norwegian distillery renowned for its high-quality craft spirits, blending traditional methods with modern innovation. Located in Blomsterdalen, near Bergen, it draws inspiration from Norway’s natural landscapes and folklore.
Its flagship product, Bareksten Botanical Gin, features over 20 botanicals, capturing the essence of Nordic forests with flavors like juniper, elderflower, and blueberries. Founded by Stig Bareksten, the distillery emphasizes authenticity and craftsmanship in every bottle.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019

The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Oss Craft Distillery Spirits
Kjekshus Gård is a cheese producer located in Norway, known for producing a variety of cheeses using milk from its own dairy herd. The company utilizes milk exclusively from its farm, ensuring control over the quality and source of the primary ingredient.
One of their notable products includes a blue cheese called Kraftkar, which has gained recognition for its distinctive taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2024

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
BEST Kjekshus Gård Cheeses
Det Norske Brenneri, established in 2011, is one of Norway's leading producers of alcoholic beverages, based in Grimstad, in the Agder region. As the first private distillery to receive a license to produce spirits following the abolition of the state monopoly in 2005, the distillery is dedicated to preserving Norwegian artisanal traditions, producing in small batches to ensure the highest quality of its products.
Their range includes a variety of beverages, such as aquavit, gin, and whisky. Among their most renowned products is "Arvesølvet Aquavit," which features hand-picked berries and herbs from the Norwegian wilderness. Det Norske Brenneri has won numerous international awards for its products, underscoring their commitment to quality and authenticity.
AWARDS

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2022

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2021

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
BEST Det Norske Brenneri Spirits
Brennevinsgrova is a Norwegian distillery located in a valley on the outskirts of Sykkylven, surrounded by the Sunnmørsalpene mountains. It was founded by Harald Strømmegjerde in 2019 on his family farm, inspired by the local environment and traditions.
The distillery produces gin, aquavit, and whiskey, using exclusively local ingredients. Raspberries from Valldal, sugar kelp from Herøy, and glacial water contribute to the unique flavor of their beverages, offering an authentic taste of Sunnmøre.
Brennevinsgrova has received numerous awards for the quality of its products, including recognition for the best gin in Norway.
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2024, 2022, 2021

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
BEST Brennevinsgrova Spirits
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
BEST Aalan Gård Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
BEST Brimi Gard & Seter A/s Cheeses
Himmelspannet AS is a cheese producer based in Norway, known for producing organic cheese varieties using traditional methods. The company utilizes milk from local farms to ensure high-quality dairy products, focusing on sustainability and organic farming practices.
Himmelspannet AS offers a selection of cheeses that includes both soft and hard cheeses, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Norwegian Food Products
Løiten Linie Aquavit is a renowned Norwegian spirit with a rich heritage, known for its distinctive flavor and traditional production process. Like other Linie Aquavits, Løiten Linie undergoes a unique maturation process where the spirit is aged in oak barrels that are shipped across the equator twice.
This journey, which allows the barrels to experience temperature changes and motion, imparts a depth of flavor and complexity to the spirit. The aquavit is flavored with a blend of spices, including caraway, fennel, and dill, giving it a balanced, smooth taste.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Kraftkar, a product made by Tingvollost, is a distinctive Norwegian blue cheese that has received international acclaim for its exceptional quality. Aged for 7 months, this robust cheese is known for its rich and creamy texture with blue veins running throughout, offering a balanced combination of sweetness and sharpness in its flavors.
Kraftkar has garnered substantial praise, notably winning the title of "World's Best Cheese" at the World Cheese Awards in 2016. This accolade highlights its superior craftsmanship and the meticulous aging process that enhances its unique, flavorful profile.
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2017
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023

International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
2023
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024

International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
2024
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Rørosblå is a blue cheese produced by Eggen Gardsysteri AS, located in Norway. This artisan cheese is made using traditional methods and is known for its rich, complex flavor profile that features a unique blend of sweet and spicy notes. The composition includes cow's milk from local farms around the Røros region, an area renowned for its pristine natural environment and high-quality dairy production.
Rørosblå is characterized by its creamy texture and distinctive blue veins, which develop during the aging process in the cheese's maturation rooms. This cheese is often celebrated for its depth of flavor and is a popular choice among cheese connoisseurs.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Norwegian Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 1,994 ratings were recorded, of which 1,662 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.