When we travel we all like local experiences. So why not try some local delicacies (whether the term applies or not – is up to you. Sea gull eggs or sheep brain might not be for everyone)
KLIPFISK and LUTEFISK– dried and then soaked in lye and then for a week in cold water. Then cooked cod, sometimes other white fish.
BERGEN FISH SOUP – delicious creamy seafood soup with white fish, prawns, veggies
FINNISH SALMON SOUP – very easy to make creamy salmon soup. Served everywhere in Finland
BACALAO – usually available at hotel dinner buffets. Cod stew with potatoes and tomatoes. A traditional Portuguese lent dish that historically is made out of Norwegian dried cod. ‘
LEFSE - is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread. It is made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk or cream. Like a filled pancake. Other pastry that you will be seeing everywhere are cinnamon buns.
FåRIKkåL – NATIONAL dish of Norway. Essentially a cabbage and lamb stew.
BROWN CHEESE – originally goat milk cheese, nowadays mix of cow and goat milk. Brown block of cheese that looks a little like a bar of soap. Rich caramel taste. No sugar added – sugar develops in 6hrs of simmering. Other Norwegian cheeses, ie GAMMELOST – literally “old cheese” are also noteworthy.
LIQUORISH EVERYTHING – ice cream, chocolate, in Finland even sparkling water, vodka and pork marinade, coffee, chewing gum etc etc. SALMIAKKI – the salty version of it. Try candies called “TURKISH PEBBER” (Turkish pepper spelled in an innovative way).
LINGONBERRY SAUCE AND JAM – a close relative to cranberry that grows literally everywhere. No Christmas goes by without it. Wonderful with meat dishes.
HERRING – a must have staple. At least 3 different varieties of herring is served at every breakfast. Please do use rye bread for it.
AQUAVIT – comes in hundred varieties, word by word – eau de vie or water of life. 45% alcohol, it is the traditional drink in Denmark, Norway and in Sweden. Most famous one is Linie or “LINE” aquavit – each and every cask has travelled twice over the equator – to Australia and back. Best one on the market at the moment is however Bareksten in a chique black bottle.
BEER – every city and country has their own and of course there are dozens of microbreweries. Once in Bergen, try Hansa. Above the Arctic Circle and on the ship it´s Mack´s.
Due to climate – we do not produce wine… We do make some booze out of rhubarb, plums, red currants, black currants, mountain ash berries, apples and cherries and call it wine – but hey, we all know wine is made out of grapes.
NORWEGIAN APPLE JUICE- cloudy, eco and just wonderful