Top 10 Norwegian Seafood Dishes
Norway is home to a wide variety of seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic dishes like Sild og Poteter and Bergensk Fiskesuppe, to more daring fare such as Lutefisk, Norway offers something for everyone when it comes to seafood. And don’t forget about Rakfisk — this unique fermented fish dish is a must-try in Norway!
Whether you like your seafood baked, fried, stewed, or pickled, there are plenty of ways to explore the delicious seafood dishes that Norway has to offer. So come along and discover all the amazing flavors that Norwegian seafood has to offer!
1. Fiskeboller
I absolutely love trying out new dishes from around the world, and one of my latest discoveries has been the Norwegian delicacy of Fiskeboller!
These seafood delights are basically fish balls made from minced white fish (typically cod, haddock, or pollock) mixed with flour, eggs, and milk that are simmered in a creamy béchamel sauce until they’re soft and tender. Fiskeboller is a very popular dish in Norway especially during the colder months when it is enjoyed as a hearty, comfort food to warm the body and soul.
They sorta resemble dumplings and when eaten on their own, they are quite mild in flavor, but there’s a version that’s super tasty! It involves adding curry powder and shrimp to the plain béchamel sauce for a delicious, exotic twist. Give it a try — you just might like it!
2. Norwegian Fish and Chips
Oh, my… have you ever had Norwegian Fish and Chips before? It’s seriously one of my all-time favorite dishes. The way the crispy beer batter coating the fish contrasts with the soft flaky flesh inside is just magical.
And what’s the distinctly Norwegian twist? It’s usually made with haddock, which is a seafood staple in Norway. You can really tell the difference in quality, too — it’s sooo much fresher than the fish you usually get at fast food joints in other locations. And the bonus? It’s served with creamy remoulade sauce, which is tangy and tart and brings out all the flavors of the fish.
Trust me, once you try Norwegian Fish and Chips, you’ll never want to go back to the regular stuff again!
3. Norwegian Fish Cakes
These delicious Norwegian Fish Cakes are made with fresh white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), milk, mashed potatoes, and a blend of tasty spices (nutmeg, salt, and pepper). They’re shallow fried until they are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these Norwegian Fish Cakes are a perfect meal option. They’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on their own with remoulade sauce for dipping or paired with other sides like salad or roasted vegetables.
If you’re looking to explore Norwegian cuisine or just love seafood, you definitely need to give these Fish Cakes a try!
4. Tørrfisk fra Lofoten
As a lover of seafood, Norwegian cuisine has always been of great interest to me. And let me tell you, one dish that has truly stolen my heart is Tørrfisk fra Lofoten.
The incredibly delicious and high-quality mature cod, found near the stunning Lofoten Islands, is exclusive to this region. The Gulf Stream bestows mild winters here, which creates the perfect conditions to dry fish outside without decomposing or freezing them. The technique involves cod being preserved and matured naturally on flat lofts or drying racks, and as the water content reduces, the fish develops more flavor.
For a meal, Tørrfisk fra Lofoten is rehydrated and served alongside boiled potatoes and golden brown butter, making it the perfect comfort food for any fan of Norwegian cuisine — or anyone looking to try something new and delicious.
5. Plukkfisk
Have you heard of Plukkfisk? Well, it’s a Norwegian dish that I recently tried and I can’t stop thinking about it!
Plukkfisk is a creamy seafood stew made with cod, mashed potatoes, onions, leeks, chives, butter, and herbs cooked in a béchamel sauce (made from four, milk, nutmeg, and butter). What I love about it is that it’s not too heavy, but still has a comforting warmth to it. Plukkfisk is typically topped with crispy bits of bacon and served with a side of Norwegian lefse (potato flatbread).
If you’re ever in Norway, I highly recommend giving Plukkfisk a try. It’s not just any old run of the mill fish stew – it’s a taste of Norwegian culture!
6. Sild og Poteter
Norwegian cuisine may not be as well-known as some other European cuisines, but it is definitely worth exploring. And let me tell you, one of the most delicious dishes that Norway has to offer is Sild og Poteter, also known as herring and potatoes.
This dish is a staple in many Norwegian households, and it is not hard to see why. The herring is lightly cured and served with boiled potatoes, crisp red onion slices, and a creamy sauce made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and mustard. The result is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. And if you are a seafood lover, you simply can’t visit Norway without trying Sild og Poteter — it’s a must!
7. Bergensk Fiskesuppe
As a lover of all things seafood, it should come as no surprise that I have a special place in my heart (and stomach) for Bergensk Fiskesuppe, the traditional fish soup from Norway.
This creamy delicacy is packed with fresh fish like cod, halibut, and/or haddock; vegetables including carrots, parsnips, celery, onions, and potatoes; and plenty of herbs and spices all simmered in a savory broth. And while it may be a Norwegian specialty, its appeal extends far beyond its borders — I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying Bergensk Fiskesuppe while traveling through Scandinavia, and it always manages to transport me back to the majestic fjords and rugged coastline that make Norway so unique.
So whether you’re a seasoned seafood veteran or just a curious foodie looking to expand your palate, I highly recommend giving this delicious dish a try.
8. Stekt Fisk
I don’t know about you, but when I think of Norway, I automatically think of Stekt Fisk. This Norwegian dish is all about fresh seafood, which is plentiful in the country’s rivers and oceans. Stekt Fisk is Norwegian for “fried fish,” and it’s a pretty simple concept that anyone can get on board with.
The dish usually consists of cod or haddock, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then fried in a pan. It’s typically served with boiled or mashed potatoes, carrots, and peas. It’s a homely dish that’s comforting and satisfying.
If you ever find yourself in Norway, I urge you to indulge in the country’s delicious seafood, and Stekt Fisk is a great place to start.
9. Lutefisk
I’ll be honest — the first time I heard of Lutefisk, I was hesitant to try it. But being in Norway, I knew I had to give it a go. And let me tell you, it was quite an experience!
Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish made from cod that has been soaked in lye. Yes… you heard right! But trust me, it’s worth a try. The texture is unique, with a gelatinous consistency that melts in your mouth. Despite being an avid seafood lover, I wasn’t sure what to expect (and I mean I was pretty hesitant when I took the first bite!), but I was pleasantly surprised.
Lutefisk is typically enjoyed during the holiday season with plenty of butter, potatoes, and peas. It’s a dish that brings families together and creates memories that last a lifetime. If you get the chance, don’t be afraid to try this classic Norwegian dish — it might just surprise you just like it did me!
10. Rakfisk
This traditional Norwegian dish is made by fermenting freshwater fish, typically trout or arctic char, for several months all the way up to one year with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. The result is a pungent (think stinky cheese or old socks pungent — really, I am not kidding!) and slightly sour delicacy that pairs perfectly with rye bread and potatoes.
I have to admit, the smell can be overwhelming at first, but once you take a bite (which took a fair amount of coxing from my friends), you’ll understand why Rakfisk is so beloved in Norway. It’s a unique and satisfying flavor that truly showcases the culinary traditions of the country. So if you’re ever lucky enough to visit Norway, be sure to seek out Rakfisk and give it a try!
Wrapping It Up
From the creamy Bergensk Fiskesuppe to the fermented Rakfisk, Norwegian seafood dishes offer a unique and inviting culinary experience that can be enjoyed around the world.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional fish soup or are brave enough to try something a little more daring like Lutefisk or Rakfisk, Norway’s vast coastline ensures there’s a seafood dish for everyone.
So the next time you’re in Norway, don’t forget to explore its delicious seafood offerings — you won’t be disappointed!
Velbekomme!
Check out our reviews of other seafood dishes from around the world.
