The Land of the Midnight Sun is filled with intriguing and delicious food. Norway’s food and drink prices are known for hitting hard the list of most expensive places to eat on earth. But what it lacks in saving you a good amount of money pays in quality and uniqueness. So, bear with us if you fancy a fiskekaker with a pint of beer. We promise to present you with the best flavours while saving your Kroner. And there is nothing better than a living example to talk about this. So, here’s Delilah’s, our Loiner experience, to give you a taste of the subject.
An Explosion of Flavours and Traditions
“Kos!” is a concept I have genuinely embraced since moving to Norway. It talks more about creating a warm atmosphere, enjoying the good things in life, and spending quality time with people you care about. It’s about comfort, contentment, and a sense of well-being. Its closest English equivalent might be “cosiness.” However, it encompasses so much more than that. It’s a feeling, an experience, and a state of mind. “Kos” can be experienced in many different ways and settings. My favourite one is enjoying food and drinks with friends and family. And I embarked on with curiosity and an appetite for adventure.
Seafood is the soul of Norwegian cuisine, with salmon, cod, and herring starring, which made me glad because fish was one of my favourite dishes back home.
But wait, there’s more! Have you ever heard of Brunost? This Norwegian brown cheese sounded weird initially, but its sweet and caramel-like taste won my palate. Just like me, their love for everything dairy made me a very accomplished newcomer food-wise. For sweets, let’s say the “Kvikk Lunsj.” It’s more than just a chocolate bar. It’s much more chocolaty and creamier than its concurrent version. Combined with our tea, it became a good companion for hiking with my family!
The Real Deal: Cost of Eating in Norway
Oslo was where I chose to live, and I must tell you, nothing is missing. It’s a fantastic capital. I find it hard to list cons other than the stereotypical (high costs, tiny, lousy weather, etc..), but there are some valid pros that I think are more rarely taken into account, some of which have downsides as well:
- Here, we have a good selection of supermarkets, food trucks, cafés and restaurants.
- Many restaurants offer ‘dagens rett’ – a daily special at a reduced price. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a meal without the price tag. You can get a prepared chicken in some supermarkets for 4,70£.
- The old and gold sandwich plus salad can be nutritious, quick, and cheaper if you’re willing to make exceptions for a few days a week, especially if you’re a student like me.
- And if you decide to eat out, you can bet on a kebab for 7.35£. For example, it’s filling and delicious.
- Tap Water is Your Friend: The water here is pristine and drinkable. I ditched bottled water early on, saving money and the environment in one go.
- Look for discounts, especially for us students. Many places offer considerable meal concessions, which can help stretch our budget further.
- Lastly, local markets are goldmines for fresh, affordable produce. Picking up ingredients and cooking my meals allowed me to save tons and still taste the essence of Norwegian cuisine. So, roll up your sleeves, find the best prices for ingredients and chop some onions!
To sum up, I usually spend 73.5£ a week.
Beverage Basics: Price of a Beer and Coffee in Norway
Now, onto the drinks! The price of a beer in Norway surprised me —typically ranging from 80 (£6.01) to 100 (7.34£ ) kroner for a pint. As for us coffee lovers, a good cup of coffee can cost 30 (2.20£) and 50 (3.67£) kroner. While these prices are higher than in many other countries, sipping a beer under the midnight sun (for example, if you ever decide to visit Svalbard, which I strongly recommend) or enjoying a hot coffee after a day of exploring can make it all worthwhile. Or you could become an investigator, discovering which bars offer happy hour deals. It’s a great way to enjoy the local beer or a glass of wine, soaking in the ambience without spending more than you’d like to.
Feeding the Family: Norway’s Food and Drink Prices per Person
If you plan to eat out with your family, understanding Norway’s food and drink prices per person can help you budget effectively. Know that the average we spend when my parents come to visit goes around 800 (58.8) to 1,200(88.2) kroner per meal if dining out. But remember, more affordable options are always available, especially if you want to explore local places or street food.
What is The Verdict?
Living in Norway has taught me to appreciate the rhythm of nature, the value of simplicity, and the joy of a shared meal. The food and drink culture here is a testament to the Norwegian spirit – resilient, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the earth. While it’s true that this experience comes with its price tag, I’ve learned that with some creativity and local savvy, you can indulge without going crazy on your savings. So, I live my Norwegian life, one cost-effective bite and sip at a time. And if I can do it, so can you!
Share Your Norway Dining Experiences
Finally, after Delilah’s walkthrough, are you equipped with all the information on Norway’s food and drink prices? We want to hear from you! Have you visited, or are you planning to move to Norway? If yes, let us know about your experiences with its culinary delights and share your stories and tips via email for fellow travellers or newcomers exploring wondering about Norway on a budget. We can enlighten our readers by telling your tales in the following articles. Know that from giving you tips to taking care of customs clearance here at VanOne International Movers. We’ll relocate your belongings safely and at an affordable price. God tur og ha det!
Published By VanOne
Last updated on 27th March 2024
