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The Eating Guide to Oslo, Norway

Norway

Amidst the Norwegian natural landscapes of endless fjords, towering mountains and pristine lakes, lies the vibrant city of Oslo. The capital of Norway is a city that boasts modernity, state of the art infrastructure and chic city dwellers. Despite the fact that it’s in late May, strong winds cutting through the streets is so common that most locals sport a leather jacket. On the other hand, I fear getting swept off my feet whenever I get close to Aker Brygge, the hip area for youngsters. To get warmed up, I escaped into the restaurants to try what the city had to offer.

Look forward to: Fish and seafood

Fiskeriet

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Where: Fiskeriet Youngstorget, Youngstorget 2b, 0181 Oslo
What: Fish and chips
For: Seafood lovers

Fiskeriet needs no introduction. Locals frequent this tiny little shop that promises great seafood. Half of the shop is occupied by the fishmonger that sells fresh seafood. The other half is made up of bar counter seats and and a few tables. If you’re looking for a quick bite, swing by this place for their takeaway fish and chips. If you love seafood, all the more you should make a stop at Fiskeriet. The menu is small but is everything you can dream of if you’re a seafood lover. Choose from the classic fish and chips, bacalao or fish soup. For those who are into raw food, sashimi is also available accompanied with a generous helping of bread.

Olivia

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Where: Stranden 3, 0250 Oslo, Norway
What: Norwegian Italian food
For: CBD crowd lovers

While you’re admiring the sea views of Aker Brygge, pop into Olivia, Oslo’s version of an Italian restaurant. Despite being a large restaurant, this place was packed since 7 in the evening. A mixture of businessmen having dinner, working women meeting up after work and the sound of wine glasses clinking; the atmosphere at Olivia is a good break away from rural Norway.

The food is a great example of how Italian cuisine can be redefined to suit the Norwegian taste. Spaghetti al Profumo di Mare is a seafood spaghetti with a lemon, buttery cream taste. Another dish to try is the Carpaccio di Tonno, which is a starter of sliced raw tuna topped with sea salt, rockets and olives.

Eating in South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand

The South Island sure lives up to its magical reputation of being one of the most untouched places in the world. Farms are sprawled everywhere and the water runs clean even in the city. Everything is organic right down to that slab of butter you get next to your toasts. Oh yes, butter and toasts, the things great breakfasts are made of. There’s nothing a traveller loves more than wholesome breakfasts, and New Zealanders are certainly brilliant at making just that!

What to expect: Luxurious breakfast spreads

The Grange

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Where: 56 Armagh Street, Central City, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand
What: Pancakes and eggs benedict 
For: Bed and breakfast

One of the best breakfasts I ever had in South Island was while I was staying at The Grange. It’s like waking up to mum cooking breakfast for you. You’re talking about fluffy pancakes with cinnamon and bananas, full English breakfasts and poached eggs on English muffins with hollandaise sauce. Definitely the place to start the day!

Dimitris Greek Food

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Where: 79 Cashel St, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
What: Gyros and Souvlakia 
For: A Greek alternative

If you ever get tired of New Zealand’s grilled steaks and fish & chips, head to Dimitris Greek Food at the Re:Start Mall. Sold in a food truck, you’ll get drawn by the smell of meat and pita bread on the grill. The portions are massive! Gyros are loaded with meat, tomatoes, vegetables and awesome feta cheese that really adds a little something to this traditional Greek wrap.

The Wrinkly Rams

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Where: 24-30 Omarama-Twizel Road, Rapid 10, Omarama 9448, New Zealand
What: Wholesome food
For: A breakfast stop 

One of the perks of eating at The Wrinkly Rams is the cute little lambs you get to play with just next to the café. But of course, the hearty breakfast is another reason why you should make a stop here. The classic breakfast was humongous. Toasts came with a selection of spreads such as honey, jam and butter. The salmon scrambled eggs on toast is a great alternative to the regular eggs benedict and English breakfast.

Matheson Café

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Where: Lake Matheson Rd, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand
What: Wholesome food
For: A café stop if you’re visiting Lake Matheson

If you’re heading to Lake Matheson or even to the Fox Glacier, swing by Matheson Café for great coffee and food. Like The Wrinkly Rams, Matheson Café serves interesting breakfast options such as grilled pesto mushrooms and salmon bagel benedict.