What Norway Really Eats: The Most Popular Traditional Dishes According to TasteAtlas

Norwegian cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and steeped in tradition. But which dishes do locals actually love most? According to TasteAtlas—a global food atlas that ranks dishes based on thousands of verified reviews—these are the top-rated traditional foods in Norway. From rustic stews to festive meats and iconic cheeses, here’s what Norwegians crave.

🥇 Fårikål – Mutton & Cabbage Stew

Often called Norway’s national dish, fårikål is a slow-cooked stew of mutton, cabbage, and peppercorns. It’s traditionally served in autumn and has its own national day in late September. TasteAtlas rating: 4.5/5.

🍣 Salmon Sushi

Yes, it’s Norwegian! Norway introduced raw salmon to Japan in the 1980s, revolutionizing sushi worldwide. Today, salmon sushi is one of the most popular sushi toppings globally. TasteAtlas rating: 4.4/5.

🐟 Sild og Poteter – Pickled Herring with Potatoes

A classic summer dish made with herring fillets, beets, onions, sour cream, and dill—served with buttered potatoes. TasteAtlas rating: 4.2/5.

🦌 Finnbiff – Sautéed Reindeer

A Northern Norwegian specialty made with thin slices of reindeer meat, simmered in butter and beer or stock. Served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. TasteAtlas rating: 4.1/5.

🧀 Kraftkar – Blue Cheese

Produced by Tingvollost, Kraftkar won “World’s Best Cheese” in 2016. Made from cow’s milk and aged to perfection. TasteAtlas rating: 4.1/5.

🥖 Lefse – Potato Flatbread

Soft, round flatbread made with potatoes, flour, and cream. Served sweet with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, or savory with meats and cheeses. TasteAtlas rating: 4.0/5.

🍥 Skillingsboller – Bergen Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy, buttery cinnamon rolls brushed with sugar and often served with coffee. A Bergen classic. TasteAtlas rating: 4.0/5.

🍖 Pinnekjøtt – Steamed Lamb Ribs

A Christmas staple in Western Norway. Salted and dried lamb ribs steamed over birch sticks. Served with rutabaga mash and potatoes. TasteAtlas rating: 4.0/5.

🥬 Surkål – Sweet & Sour Cabbage

Norway’s version of sauerkraut, often served with meatballs or Christmas roasts. Made with cabbage, vinegar, sugar, and spices. TasteAtlas rating: 4.0/5.

🧀 Jarlsberg Cheese

Invented in Vestfold, Jarlsberg is a mild, nutty cow’s milk cheese with signature holes. Great for melting and sandwiches. TasteAtlas rating: 3.9/5.

🥩 Kjøttkaker – Norwegian Meat Cakes

Coarse beef or lamb patties served with brown gravy, potatoes, and lingonberry jam. A weekday favorite across the country. TasteAtlas rating: 3.9/5.

Final Word

Norwegian food is more than just fish and potatoes—it’s a tapestry of regional flavors, seasonal traditions, and culinary innovation. Whether you’re craving reindeer stew or cinnamon rolls, these dishes reflect the soul of Norway. For full rankings and authentic recipes, visit TasteAtlas’s Norway page.