Lutefisk
Nordic cod turned to jelly with lye
Think of it as: Like a mild, wobbly fish jelly that somehow became a holiday tradition
Somehow, the fish turned into jelly.
What does it taste like?
Wobbly, jelly-like fish. Mild in flavor, but with a distinctive smell and texture.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureWobbly and silky
What is it?
Dried cod soaked in lye (an alkaline solution) until it turns jelly-like. It's eaten around Christmas with bacon and pea purée.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
Eaten around Christmas with potatoes, pea purée, and bacon or melted butter.
Watch it
EnglishTap to play (YouTube)Where is it from?
🇳🇴Norway
CapitalOslo
Populationabout 5.65 millionUN estimate for 2026
IndustriesOil and natural gas, Fishing and salmon farming, Shipping
Common surnamesHansen, Johansen, OlsenFrom national statistics and surname surveys; rankings vary by source
Famous peopleEdvard MunchThe painter of The Scream
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And JapanMuch of the salmon eaten in Japan comes from Norway
Fun factThe Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the capital, Oslo
The flag🇳🇴 A Nordic cross in red, white and blue, colors seen as symbols of freedom.
From Tokyoabout 8,410 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Oslo
Getting thereabout 16 hours from Tokyo (with transfers)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeJune to August for the fjords, October to March for the northern lights. Also trySalmon dishesFårikålBrown cheese More from here🐏 Smalahove🧀 Brunost
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeJune to August for the fjords, October to March for the northern lights. Also trySalmon dishesFårikålBrown cheese More from here🐏 Smalahove🧀 Brunost
🇳🇴 Sounds & life in Norway
HeiHello（Hei）
Latin alphabet
Latin alphabet
Right now…
Anthem"Yes, We Love This Country" (Ja, vi elsker dette landet)
MusicSynth-pop '80s pop sparkling with synthesizers
SportSoccer (cross-country skiing in winter)
Erling Haaland (soccer; a striker who scores goal after goal) World HeritageWest Norwegian Fjords and more FestivalConstitution Day (May 17, with children's parades)
MusicSynth-pop '80s pop sparkling with synthesizers
SportSoccer (cross-country skiing in winter)
Erling Haaland (soccer; a striker who scores goal after goal) World HeritageWest Norwegian Fjords and more FestivalConstitution Day (May 17, with children's parades)
Ingredients
- Dried cod (stockfish)
- Lye (requires special handling)
- Bacon
- Pea purée
- Butter
Can't find it? You can use fresh cod instead of dried, but the texture will be completely different.
How to make it (one way)
- Soak the dried cod in water for 5–6 days to rehydrate
- Soak it in lye for about 2 days, until it swells and turns jelly-like
- Soak it in fresh water for several more days to rinse out the alkali
- Cut into portions, salt, and gently steam or bake
- Top with melted butter and bacon
⚠️ Lye is a strong alkali that damages skin. Don't make this at home; have it locally or buy it from a specialty shop.