A Norwegian kitchen is simple. It doesn’t have excess space and it’s probably half the size of an average American kitchen. In newer homes it’s usually part of an open floor plan. But what it lacks in space it makes up for in charm. You might find a small wood burning stove, some beautiful Norwegian porcelain, or perhaps candles to add to the “cozy” atmosphere.

In Norway they don’t say cozy or “koselig” to simply mean comfortable. It’s more a way of life, similar to what you might have read about the Danish “hygge.” Norwegians aim to make the whole home cozy. My husband believes a key way of doing this is through lighting, candles, and real plants. He worked as an electrician for over 10 years so he really knows what he’s talking about in the lighting department. In the kitchen he added under cabinet lighting, a dimmer and enough LED power to make you forget about dark winters in Norway, which is important when he’s waking up at 5:30am and it’s pitch black outside for extended hours in the fall and winter.

I’ve listed 10 clues that you tell you, you’re in a Norwegian kitchen without me having to tell you, it’s Norwegian.

1. Mocca Master Coffee Maker – I’m not sure why this coffee maker is so popular in Norway. It started out in a garage in the Netherlands according to the Mocca Master Facebook page. The coffee tastes fine and the machines boast a ten year warranty. Norwegians do love their black coffee, perhaps this combats the cold, dark winters. Even though we are more likely to use the hot water kettle or Nespresso maker, my husband cannot part with this coffee maker, which his parents also have a distinct preference towards.
2. Leverpostei – This is liver paste! You might be like me and instantly recoiling at the thought. Well it gets better! Many eat this for breakfast on dry and hard Wasa bread or knekkebrød, which I will describe in #4. It boasts lots of iron and an essential part of the Norwegian diet. For variety, it comes with bacon and cheese flavors as well. Sound tasty yet?
3. Makrell – AKA mackerel, comes in a tin or a small individual circular packet, similar in shape and size to individual cream cheese packs. This can be mixed with tomatoes and also eaten for breakfast on knekkebrød. Smells fishy if I do say so myself.
4. Knekkebrød – Is the treasured high in fiber, whole wheat and whole grain crackers. Knekkebrød is usually rectangular in shape and a thick cracker consistency, so it can bear the weight of liver paste or mackerel on top. They can last forever and are usually in the breadbox. My mother in law makes them homemade and packed with extra nutrients.
5. Cheese cutter – This was invented by a Norwegian! They are very proud of this fact! So, we definitely have a cheese cutter in our little Norwegian kitchen and buy block cheese regularly in order to use said cheese cutter. Prior to this, I think I only used a mandolin style cheese cutter at a fancy party, where they had a large charcuterie table.
6. Built in fridge and dishwasher – In the US, I’ve only seen this in custom built kitchens, but it seems to be the norm in Norway. It adds to a very clean and minimalistic aesthetic that’s classically Norwegian.
7. Mayonnaise in a tube – Now this is genius! I love putting mayo on my burger bun or sandwich and not needing to dirty a knife. It through me off, when looking to purchase mayo, but I do think the Norwegians have improved on mayo distribution. That said, you can still find it in a glass jar as well, it’s just less commonplace.
8. Tap Water No Filter – Have you ever had Voss water? Remember that time you were in the club and all they had was Voss water, it was something ridiculous like 8 euro for water, but it was the only water option available? Well, Voss water comes from Norway. So if you can have Voss water straight from the tap, then why not just drink it straight out. I don’t know anyone who has an extra water filter on their sink or a Brita filter in their fridge, because it’s just not necessary here. The water is pure mountain fresh and ready for enjoyment.
9. Kålrabi/Kohlrabi – AKA rutabaga is a common vegetable. The heartiness of the vegetable goes well in soups and alongside meaty dishes. My husband loves the instant kålrabi packs that you add hot water and butter to for an instant mashed potato consistency. Since it is considered a vegetable, they have no issue eating it alongside potatoes and meat.
10. Alcohol free beer – The only alcohol free beer I had heard of before Norway was O’Doul’s. Not known for its taste, but as a joke. Here there are several types of alcohol free beers in grocery stores and restaurants. Usually if one is driving, they abstain from alcohol, because the blood alcohol level is very low in comparison to the US. I think this law and the taxation has increased the demand for alcohol free options in Norway. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised to find a selection of alcohol free champagne (more than just Welch’s or Martinelli’s).

What do you think? Have you found yourself in a Norwegian kitchen before? Are you hoping to try some of these novelties out? Please let me know if you’ve found similar items in your kitchen.

Disclaimer: Generalizations are made in this blog post, which have been my personal observat