Buzz
Norway has been voted one of the most livable countries in the world. The factors contributing to this achievement include excellent welfare benefits, safe living environment, stable and harmonious climate, breathtaking landscapes, and a diverse cuisine that promotes health.
When traveling to Norway, don't just admire the scenery, take plenty of time to savor the local cuisine. At first, you might be a bit hesitant due to the unfamiliar flavors, but give them a try, and you'll never forget the experience.
Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is ubiquitous worldwide, most notably in Japan. However, it's equally enticing in Norway, if not exquisite. When traveling abroad to Norway, you must indulge in it. The fresh, fragrant salmon meat, grilled to perfection, paired with a specially crafted dipping sauce, adds an irresistible charm that's hard to resist.
Grilled salmon is a must-try when visiting Norway - Image source: Unsplash
Pickled Arctic Char
Fish dishes dominate Norwegian cuisine, with grilled salmon being the star. However, pickled Arctic char is equally renowned. To achieve the deliciousness of pickled Arctic char, it undergoes a lengthy process. During winter, when the temperature freezes, locals catch the char beneath thick layers of ice, then clean and dry them. They are often pickled to reduce the fishy taste, imparting a tangy flavor to the fish and sauce. The sauce is specially prepared, simmered until thick, then poured over the fish. Pickled Arctic char has a tangy vinegar taste, spicy from chili, along with a rich sauce, creating a flavorful and impressive dish.
Pickled Arctic char is suitable for those who enjoy trying exotic dishes - Image: Internet
Rotten fish
Hold your reservations and hesitations when reading this. It's not what you think. Perhaps quite challenging for tourists, but it's a Norwegian 'delicacy.' This dish is made from fresh or salted salmon, then fermented for 2-3 months in fish brine. Finally, the rotten fish is consumed raw after being cleaned with beer and potato liquor to kill bacteria. You might be surprised by the information we're about to provide, but it's the truth. Around 500 tons of Rakfisk are consumed in Norway every year. The dish has a spicy taste and a distinctive smell, served with smoked meat, special dipping sauce, or flatbread. Traveling on a budget to Norway, you must taste it to understand why the locals love it so much.
Lamb meat Farikal
Lamb meat is also a popular dish in this land of thousand mountains. Farika is the common name for lamb meat served with cabbage and dried pepper. Although simple, it has a quite unique flavor, definitely worth a try.
Lamb meat is popular in Norway - Image: Internet
Sheep's head Smalahove
Many tourists have shaken their heads in refusal when introduced to try the sheep's head Smalahove. Not because of its terrible taste, but they are 'shocked' by the appearance of the dish. Normally, they only eat the meat or hooves of the sheep, few eat the whole head. However, the sheep's head Smalahove is very popular in Norway, considered a traditional dish often appearing on major holidays.
The process of preparing this dish is very complex, requiring great attention to detail. Sheep's head dish is often served with mashed Swedish turnips and potatoes. Enjoying a sip of wine with this dish is truly wonderful.
