Bergen’s history and placement among the fjords have helped create a number of specialities, available at some of the restaurants in Bergen.
Bergen and the region are characterized by the closeness to the sea, and many of the Bergen specialities certainly have seafood as the main ingredient. Since the 13th century, the people of Bergen have been able to get their fresh seafood from the Bergen Fish Market, and the ingredients have been used for traditional Bergen fish soup, fishcakes, persetorsk, røykerumpe and other dishes. When the Hanseatic lived in Bergen, the city was also a trading centre for dried cod, and this is still visible on the menu of some of the restaurants in Bergen, like Bryggen Tracteursted.
A few favourites
The Bergen specialities tell a story, and some of them have odd names, even for Norwegian ears. Prince fish is said to have its name from when crown prince Carl of Sweden came to visit the city in 1856. The main ingredient is steamed cod filets in a white sauce with cream and crayfish or shrimps. Persetorsk, pressed cod, is traditional Christmas food in Bergen. The mid-part of the fish is cured and pressed for two days, and served with egg butter, boiled potatoes and vegetables. The tail of the fish is traditionally used for røkerumpe, which is smoked and salted, drawn in salt water and served with white nutmeg sauce, carrots and potatoes. The region around Bergen is also known for meat production, used for a number of dishes. One of these is the Bergen speciality puspas, a stew with sheep meat, cabbage and carrots.
Bergen specialities also include sweets, and the Hanseatic are said to have brought the cinnamon bun to Bergen, and the cake called White Lady (Hvit dame), which has a sugar cake and macaron bottom, filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream. The cake is covered with cream and marzipan lid, and is used for festive occasions.
Every other week there is a farmer’s market in the city, where you can get honey, meat, jam, cheese, and other local goods.
Bergen Food Festival – local food from the region
Every September Norway’s biggest food festival, Bergen Food Festival, is held on one of the oldest fortresses in Norway, Bergenhus Festning. Experience Bergen specialities, local food like apple juice and cider from Hardanger and cheeses from the region, and some of the best restaurants in Bergen. Bergen Beer Festival is held at the same time, just next door, and focuses on Norwegian beer.
Bergen is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and has an interesting food culture based on local traditions and commodities, that can be experienced in both the traditional and the modern restaurants.
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