Oslo's Oh-So-Overwhelming Cuisine

Amongst all the capitals of European nations, Oslo in Norway is one of the smallest in terms of size.  However, you can probably never find another city where everything from the great outdoors to the bustling city can be reached in 20 minutes or less, thanks to the extensive and efficient transportation for which Oslo is widely known for.  Well, of course, you can always choose to walk the length and breadth of Oslo and enjoy the many cuisines that its restaurants have to offer.  

Probably more than the cuisines of its neighboring countries, Norwegian foods are finer in form and taste although you can also expect other Scandinavian countries to claim such a culinary distinction.  Just like its Scandinavian neighbors, however, it has one dish that other nationalities will find almost inedible and for Norwegians it is the lutefisk. 

Not sure what that is?  Well, it is simply dried fish soaked in lye (yes, lye as in the product made from wood ashes and water) until it is moist once again.  Then it is rinsed thoroughly with water and then either steamed or baked before being, well, eaten.  And, yes, lutefisk is served in Oslo's restaurants and with pride, to boot! 

It is a must-try in the restaurants but to make it more delicious for the uninitiated, vegetables like boiled potatoes, mushy peas and fried onions as well as crisp dried bacon and strong mustard are served with it.  Plenty of Aquavit also helps, if you want.

Now, if you are not up for the lutefisk, well, there is always the world-famous smoked salmon.  It comes in many varieties but almost all are served with dill, scrambled eggs and mustard sauce, thus, making for a versatile dish that restaurants in Oslo take advantage of.  You can also have the choice of gravlaks and Rakfisk, both of which are fish dishes. 

Other notable traditional Norwegian dishes are made of wild game like moose and reindeer as well as fishes in their fresh and dried forms.  Indeed, for the Oslo natives, game and fish are the main focus of the menu so expect it in their restaurants, too. 

O, where does overwhelming come in?  Well, what can you expect of menu made from weird fishes and wild game?  Overwhelming, indeed. 

Now, if you find traditional Norwegian food overwhelming, then you will find that its modern cuisine is just as equally awesome.  And many of the world's gourmands agree as evidenced by the presence of five Michelin-rated restaurants in Oslo alone. 

Take note, too, that traditional Norwegian cuisine is still available in even Oslo's topnotch restaurants but modern influences have strongly influenced the fine and not-so-fine dining scenes.  Thus, you will find many restaurants serving American-style food like pastas and pizzas as well as hamburgers alongside the staples of the meatballs, the game and the fishes. 

And if you are thinking of visiting Oslo for its cuisine and other attractions, or simply for its friendly people, then you have to book your hotel room well in advance.  The best way to do so is to use the power of the Internet to avoid the rush of humanity filling the hotels of Oslo especially during the peak season.  Once you have booked your room online, all you really need to do is to show up!

For a Complete experience on this capital city you should visit an Oslo restaurant and stay in one of our Oslo Norway hotels!