Norwegian kitchens provide as vast a window to the country’s character as any library would. The Scandinavian country’s cuisine smells of its rustic background. The bare necessities have inspired innovative dishes. Fish, seafood, meat and dairy dominate the cuisine in a country that can grow barely anything other than potatoes, carrots and cabbages. Try tradition-rich fish recipes such as lutefisk, persetorsk or gravlaks or meat stews such as lapskaus or farikål accompanied by Norwegian flatbread.
Here we give you a rundown of the unique dishes that originated in this country and our recommended places to taste them in Bergen.
Lutefisk is air-dried cod treated in lye. A signature Christmas preparation from Scandinavia, lutefisk has reluctant followers in the U.S. Midwest too, thanks to the Scandinavian immigrants.
Persetorsk is cod pressed in a solution of salt and sugar. Bergen has declared January 28 as Persetorsk Day.
Gravlaks, or buried salmon, is the product of another unique preservation technique from Norway. From the days of the Vikings, fishermen would rub salmon filets with spices and sugar and bury them in a barrel on the beach, where temperatures would match that of a modern refrigerator. Nowadays, they just use the refrigerator but the name has stuck.
When in Bergen, don’t miss the chowder-like fish soup and fish cakes (which is no cake). King crabs from the north and Norway lobsters (langoustines) are on offer too. Hunting is also part of the culture. Elg/moose, red deer, reindeer and even whales are hunted. Grab a moose burger from the Fish Market square or a reindeer dog from Tre Kroneren.
If you are out exploring, you have a world to taste in Bergen. Expatriates from around the world have made their new home richer with their cuisine. From Ethiopian and Eritrean to Thai and Vietnamese, there are several platters to choose from when you are in Bergen.
Cheese: brown cheese (brunost), gamalost and the award-winning Fana cheese from a Bergen neighbourhood.
Baked goods: skillingsboller (cinnamon buns), mandelboller (almond buns)
Chocolate – Freia, Fjåk and Nidar. Try Norwegian flavors such as sea buckthorn, lingonberry, or aquavit.
What to drink
The GI-tagged Hardanger cider. If you are a teetotaler, apple juice from Hardanger is equally thrilling.
Beer – Bergen’s own Hansa and 7 Fjell
Akvavit – Our own national spirit with spices and herbs.
Bareksten – The world famous Gin from Bergen
Gløgg – Norwegian mulled wine that evokes Christmas (Spice-infused non-alcoholic variants available too).
Can you recommend a good Norwegian restaurant?
Lysverket – The Michelin-starred restaurant redefines Nordic cuisine. Run by chef/owner Christopher Haatuft, the restaurant offers a 10-course menu with focus on local ingredients and seafood.
850-2990 kroner
Schou [skau] – Fine dining paired with a fantastic view. Enjoy a 10-course tasting menu atop Mt Fløyen (Fridays and Saturdays only)
1800-3300 kroner
Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant – The island restaurant which inspired the movie ‘The Menu’. Please only watch the movie after visiting the restaurant 🙂 When you book lunch or dinner, boat transport is generally included.
1595-2095 kroner
Skyskraperen (Mount Ulriken Viewpoint) – 3-course lunch or 5-course dinner in Bergen’s highest restaurant aptly named ‘Skyscraper’. A gondola ride up the 641-metre high mountain is included.
999-1439 kroner
Fløirestauranten (At Mt Fløyen viewpoint).
250-475 kroner
Enhjørningen – Seafood restaurant in the heart of the World Heritage Site. Celebrating the coastal culture from the Hanseatic Enclave.
425-920
Frescohallen – The restaurant inside Norway’s first stock exchange is famous for its murals that depict the business life of western Norway, from fishing to fish trading to shipping.
345-695 kroner
Bryggeloftet – The traditional Norwegian restaurant in a historical setting. Try lutefisk, persetorsk, grilled reindeer or whale steak at this 125-year-old establishment at Bryggen.
295-558 kroner
Bryggen Tracteursted – The stockfish-obsessed restaurant functioning out of a former Hanseatic assembly room that goes all the way back to 1708.
395-575 kroner
Bien Basar – Taste of western Norway, Continental setting, historical location
195-480 kroner
Pingvinen – A gastropub immersed in Norwegian traditions. On Thursdays, they serve raspeballer (potato dumplings).
279-499 kroner
Søstrene Hagelin – for an ultra-local Bergen experience. Enjoy Bergen fish soup and fish cakes (which is no cake). The fast casual eatery in central Bergen has been a part of the cityscape since 1929.
Trekroneren – One of the most visited stalls in Bergen, on the way to the funicular station at the foot of Mt Fløyen. The wayside booth boasts of Europe’s largest hot dog collection – reindeer, Jaktvurst, bacon and cheese.
Dirty Vegan for vegans who don’t want to compromise on taste. High-end Moon as well as casual dining Daily Pot and Egon have vegan options. So do Italian restaurants such as Villani and Olivia, Indian such as Namastey Bergen and India Gate, and Chinese Soya.
Mexican
Cafes
Fjåk (chocolate brand)
Bergen’s old bakery chains Godt brød, Bakers brunn.
Hallaisen
Bars
No Stress – Try their famous cocktails including ‘Chilli Martini’.
Magic Ice – Even your glasses are made of ice.
Lampemannen – Quirky bar with unusual lamps.
Are you a whisky fan – Try the huge whisky (and whiskey) selection at the bar in Hotel Grand Terminus.
Apollon Bar – How about some drinks in a record store?
(PLEASE NOTE: Price ranges are indicative and subject to change. Check online menus of respective establishments for current prices.)