A Globe-Trotter’s Guide to the Best Food in Norway

Norway is known for its natural beauty and storied Viking history, but the country’s cuisine is well worth exploring. Norway’s food is deeply connected to the natural surroundings — fjord-fresh seafood, comforting stews and soups, crispy waffles, and rich porridges.
A Taste of Norway at Sea

Enjoy a chance to taste authentic cuisine through our onboard Destination Dining™. With local ingredients sourced directly from port to plate, our Destination Dining tells the story of each region through its unique flavors.
On board Norway cruises, delight in a Scandinavian-themed feast featuring such delectable dishes as Nordic marinated mushroom, tomato, and lettuce salad; pasta and meatballs with mustard cream sauce; and beef tenderloin with goat cheese sauce.
Norwegian Cuisine: Breakfast to Dinner & Dessert

Want to experience a country’s best and most authentic local fare? Sit down at the family breakfast table! In Norway, breakfast (frokost) comprises hearty bread, slices of brunost — sweet Norwegian brown cheese — boiled eggs, and jam.
Lunch, or “post breakfast” (lunsj), is typically lighter and also comprises cold dishes. Smørbrød is a common Norwegian lunch and a must-try for visitors. It’s composed of an open-faced sandwich layered with smoked salmon, thinly sliced meat, or fresh shrimp. Smørbrød translates to “buttered bread” and is a popular dish across Scandinavia.
Dinner (middag) is the heartiest meal of the day. Dinner is called middag because it’s the main meal, served in the early evening, which is “midday” for many farmers.
Fårikål is Norway’s national dish — a comforting stew with tender lamb or mutton, cabbage, and peppercorns, typically served with boiled potatoes. Norwegians also enjoy baked cod with mustard sauce, meatballs with lingonberry jam, or game meats such as reindeer and elk.
Save room for dessert! Indulging in waffles with jam and sour cream or surprisingly sweet brunost is the best way to start or end a day spent in the great outdoors.
Want to know the best time to visit? Discover when to go and what to expect in our guide to Norwegian Fjords Cruises: Best Time to Go.
Norway’s Best Food & Culinary Traditions Ashore

Now that you know what to expect, let’s look at shore excursions and tasting tours.
Stavanger is Norway’s sophisticated gastronomic capital and a popular foodie destination. Unearth the flavors of the city on the Taste of Stavanger guided food tour. Sample canned brisling and smoked salmon, fenalår (salted, dried, and cured leg of lamb), coffee, and soft lefse flatbread. Learn about Stavanger’s history and stylish architecture as you go.
The Waterfalls & Waffle shore excursion pairs natural beauty with a sweet Norwegian treat. Stop at the Halne Mountain Lodge to taste fresh-from-the-iron waffles topped with tart berry jam and sour cream. Later, continue to a scenic viewpoint to watch the Vøringsfossen waterfall thunder into the wild Måbø Valley below.
If you’re a fan of handcrafted cider, the Spirit of the Fjord, Scenic Drive and Cider Tasting excursion takes you on a picturesque journey through one of Norway’s most fertile agricultural regions. Sip local cider and learn about the area’s juice, cider, and apple brandy production.
Plan Your Journey
Explore other immersive shore excursions that allow you to experience Norway’s best food, museums, and natural wonders. Learn more about our Northern Europe cruises and start planning your journey today.