I often emphasise the idea that vacationing in Norway does not have to be a costly endeavour (in fact, you can read all of my suggestions for travelling to Norway on a budget right here), and this holds true in regard to the cost of food.
Because even while there is a lot of food in Norway that is exorbitantly priced, there is also a lot of food that can be found in supermarkets that is surprisingly affordable — provided that you know what to look for.
I have already provided a guide on how to save money on food when travelling in Norway; but, it seemed to me that simply knowing where to locate inexpensive food would not be sufficient.
Because food plays an important role in vacations for many people, and despite the fact that Norway is not particularly well-known for its cuisine, it would be a pity to entirely ignore it while there.
As a result, I have compiled a list of numerous uniquely Norwegian breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that won’t put a strain on your wallet but will still provide you with an authentic cultural experience.
Every one of these dinners can be had for less than ten dollars (USD), and the majority of them can be had for less than five dollars (USD). In addition, the majority of these dishes can be divided among a number of people.
Because this is a recommendation for inexpensive traditional Norwegian dishes that you may taste while on vacation in Norway, it is possible that some of these dishes do not have the highest nutritional value.
These are also the least expensive components that can be purchased, so if you want to consume food that is organic, free of gluten, etc., you will, of course, have to shell out a little bit more money.
And while I have included quite a few vegetarian options, I’m afraid I don’t know a lot about vegan food, so please forgive me if I haven’t provided you with a lot of vegan alternatives to choose from!
Since Meny and Spar are two of the more costly grocery chains in Norway and I got the pricing for all of the ingredients online at both stores, you should be able to buy all of these goods for about this price or cheaper at most supermarkets.
I have also included the rough price in US dollars, which is based on the current exchange rate as of the time this article was written.
I have also provided links to all of the foods that are traditional to Norway so that you will be aware of exactly what to look for when you go grocery shopping in this country.
(And some people have stated that I made up the pricing, but you can see them for yourself in the links as they are there!)
1.Breakfasts in Norway (Norwegian)
Skolebrd is a cardamom bun that is filled with custard and topped with coconut. Even though it might not be the healthiest way to start the day, it is certainly one of the most full, authentically Norwegian, and inexpensive options available.
Just make sure you don’t do the rookie error of purchasing this item in a bakery or a café, where the price will be significantly more!
I know that the ones sold in the store are freshly baked on a daily basis since I was the one who was responsible for making them when I worked at a Norwegian grocery.
This breakfast contains three of my favourite Norwegian toppings as well as a loaf of very basic whole wheat bread (you can buy much nicer bread by spending a bit more – this one is my favourite – but the cheap one is just good). Because of this, it should last for several meals.
Nugatti is comparable to the spreadable chocolate spread known as Nutella, but it is incomparably superior.
If you think liverwurst sounds revolting, you haven’t had a good Norwegian liverwurst yet. Leverpostei is the Japanese word for liverwurst.
And one of the most popular dishes in Norway is called makrell I tomat, which is short for mackerel in tomato sauce.
If you have the option to shell out a few extra crowns for the Stabbur variation, do do; it is noticeably superior in terms of flavour.
Total: kr 58,60 ($7.25)
The use of sour cream in oatmeal is quite traditional in Norway, and whenever somebody comes to visit me there, I have them taste it. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely in the running for a spot on my list of favourites!
Cinnamon, sugar, and butter make an excellent topping for this, however it is definitely not worth purchasing sugar specifically for this one meal.
However, if the kitchen you are using does not have any sugar, you could just go to a nearby café and purchase a couple of packets there. Is that anything that can be done?
And if you really want to wow them with your knowledge of traditional cuisine, serve it with a glass of black currant juice that you produced by mixing the syrup with little water.
And when it becomes chilly at night, use the syrup you have left over to make some warming beverages!
2.Norwegian Lunches
Flatbrd, also known as Norwegian flatbread, is a type of crisp unleavened bread that has been consumed by Norwegians for hundreds of years. It is frequently served accompanying soups, and chanterelle soup is perhaps one of the soups that is the most representative of Norwegian cuisine.
If we were talking about Norwegian soups, fish soup would be an additional typical option, wouldn’t it? If you want to prepare a substantial soup without breaking the bank, all you need is some frozen fish and a few potatoes.
The flavour of this soup will improve the more ingredients you add to it, but if you are on a tight budget, this will do in a pinch.
TOTAL: kr 55,30 – 74,30 ($6.90 – $9.20)
Toasting makes this rye bread taste even better, and brelett margarine is simply the tastiest margarine available anywhere in the globe. To put it another way, I like it even more than butter, and Norwegian butter is one of the best butters in the world.
If you don’t like dill, your best bet is to get regular smoked salmon rather than gravet laks, which is salmon that has been cured with dill.
You might also try some brown cheese with the bread if you want. In point of fact, I insist that all guests sample brown cheese at least once during their stay, and it never fails to upset me when they find it to their liking, despite the fact that I claim to be half Norwegian. Such an embarrassment!
Servelat is simply a fancier and better Norwegian version of bologna, so if you’re not like fish or odd cheeses, it’s an excellent alternative.
3.Norwegian Dinners
Total: kr 52,65 ($6.50)
Fish balls are a popular snack among local children, but I get the impression that many people from other countries find them strange. They’re a little bit like gefilte fish in a creamy sauce, but they’re a lot more delicious than that description makes them seem.
This is enough for four separate dinners and can be prepared in a flash.
To prepare it, melt a few tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and toss in a handful of flour. Next, add the liquid that was left over from cooking the fish balls along with some milk and stir to create a sauce that is similar to bechamel.
Next, include the fish balls into the sauce, and go on with the cooking process until the fish balls are warm.
Okay, let me explain why I’m not a food blogger in the first place. If you want a more precise recipe, I’m sure you can find one someplace; if not, just ask a Norwegian!
If you think it would be too difficult, you could always make fish cakes instead of fish balls and save yourself the trouble of going out to get milk, flour, and butter.
Serve with warm red krout and potatoes that have been cooked.
4.Dinner 2: tacos
Total: kr 79,60 ($9.75)
I am quite aware that they are, by a significant margin, the least Norwegian components of this recipe. But I swear, you cannot get more Norwegian than tacos. Though only if you eat them on a Friday!
Taco Friday is a big event in Norway, and if you truly want some cultural immersion this is what you should be eating.
I’ve listed the most typical Norwegian taco components here, but you can basically put anything in them. This list above should prepare enough for four dinners.
5.Dinner 3: hotdogs
Total: kr 77,90 ($9.52)
Lol again, this might not sound like the most interesting dinner, but it’s what every Norwegian eats when on vacation – bonus points if you prepare this when vacationing at a cabin! And I genuinely do believe Norwegian hotdogs are exceptionally wonderful.
If the weather is favourable you may buy a one time grill and prepare them outside.
I’ve linked to the cheapest hotdog brand below, but it appears like you can nearly always find hotdogs on sale in Norway (most supermarkets have an entire freezer dedicated only to hotdogs) so keep an eye out.
And traditionally you would eat your hotdog with lomper, which is like a potato tortilla, but maybe purchase some hotdog buns as well, because lomper taste sort of odd.
And don’t forget the mushy peas! I guarantee you, Norwegian ertestuing tastes like magic. I’ve had many a foreign guest declare they don’t eat peas but they always enjoy this item.
6.Bonus dinner: reindeer
Okay, this one isn’t under $10, but I decided to add it since if you’re a meat eater you definitely should taste reindeer when in Norway, and it’s going to be far cheaper to prepare it yourself. And it’s actually incredibly easy to make!
Just go online for any reindeer stew or “finbiff” recipes and serve it over cooked potatoes with some veggies on the side (it would be extremely Norwegian of you to go for cauliflower) (it would be very Norwegian of you to go for cauliflower).
And if you happen to have some leftover brown cheese you couldn’t finish (blech, who can?), it really tastes pretty nice in sauces, so add a couple of pieces to the stew!
7.Norwegian Dessert
Total: kr 54,80 ($6.70)
You have to try this when in Norway!
And then you may enjoy the leftover vanilla sauce with berries that you discover in the wild (or at the shop) (or in the supermarket). So delicious.
I would love to know if you try any of them, or if you have any other recommendations for affordable Norwegian dinners!