Breakfast in Norway: Black Coffee, Brunost & Beyond

In Norway, breakfast is less of a feast and more of a formality. It’s quick, quiet, and often just a cup of black coffee. For newcomers, it can be a surprise.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” my mother used to say. But things are a little different here in Scandinavia.

Right now in Trondheim, it’s that time of year when international students arrive, filling the city’s streets, cafes, and supermarkets with nervous excitement and Google Translate mishaps.

I just overheard a lively conversation between a group of new American arrivals, who were lamenting the apparent lack of anywhere selling a proper breakfast. Where, they wondered, were the pancakes, omelettes, and bottomless filter coffee?

It’s a fair question. So many cultures are defined by their morning rituals. Britain has the fry-up, America has its pancakes and bacon, and France has flaky croissants and café au lait. But Norway? Well… it’s more minimalist.

What Do Norwegians Eat for Breakfast?

In short: not much. Many Norwegians start the day with nothing more than a black coffee. It's often brewed at home and perhaps taken on the go in a travel mug.

The reason? Meals in Norway are spaced differently than in many other countries. Lunch is eaten early, often around 11am, and dinner usually follows at 4 or 5 in the afternoon. A light start to the day fits this rhythm.

If a Norwegian does eat something, it’s often a simple slice of bread or crispbread topped with a sliver of cheese (yellow or brown), a slice of ham, or perhaps some jam.

This minimalist approach reflects not just the meal schedule, but also the no-fuss practicality that runs through much of Norwegian culture.

Cultural Attitudes Toward Breakfast

Norwegians tend to treat breakfast as a practical matter, not a social or indulgent event. There's little ceremony or flair. It's just fuel to start the day. The idea of lingering over a restaurant brunch on a weekday morning is still fairly foreign, even in the bigger cities.

Efficiency and routine are deeply embedded in Norwegian culture, and that’s reflected in the food. Breakfast is rarely adventurous, but it's consistent.

It’s also often prepared alongside lunch, especially for school kids and office workers who bring a packed meal with them.

School and Work Breakfast Habits

At home, many children eat a simple breakfast and then pack a matpakke to take to school.

Matpakke is simply a few open-faced sandwiches wrapped in greaseproof paper. It’s a ritual passed down for generations and one of the earliest expressions of independence in Norwegian childhood.

In some offices, particularly in Oslo or in larger companies, it's common to have a frokostordning (breakfast arrangement) where employees can grab simple items like bread, cheese, and yoghurt at work. But for the most part, people eat before arrival or bring their own food from home.

Norwegian Breakfast Foods

That said, Norwegians do eat breakfast. It's just not always in the way tourists expect. On weekends or special occasions, you're more likely to see a fuller spread, especially if guests are visiting or it’s a slow Sunday morning.

The most “indulgent” breakfast by local standards? Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, served open-faced on a slice of bread. It’s a classic that’s easy to make at home and occasionally pops up on coffee shop menus, especially in Oslo or Bergen.

Cheese is a staple on every breakfast table. Norwegians often reach for brunost (brown cheese), a sweet, caramel-like cheese that’s practically a national icon. Yellow cheese, often the nutty flavour and familiar holes of Jarlsberg, is also common.

Another traditional option, especially in certain regions, is havregrøt, a porridge made from coarse oats. It’s usually served with sugar, cinnamon, fruit, or nuts.

You’ll see it in Norwegian homes and even in SAS airport lounges, where it’s dished up to bleary-eyed travellers catching early flights.

Want to try it yourself? Havregrøt is easy to make at home with just oats, water, milk, and a pinch of salt.

Dietary Trends and Healthier Options

Norway’s breakfast habits are slowly evolving. In recent years, there's been a noticeable shift toward high-protein, health-conscious options, especially among younger people.

Skyr is a thick, Icelandic-style yoghurt rich in protein and it has become a breakfast staple across the country. You'll also find more granola, chia pudding, overnight oats, and smoothie bowls on breakfast menus in the bigger cities.

Norwegian supermarkets now stock a growing range of ready-to-go options aimed at busy, health-aware consumers: protein bars, oat drinks, hard-boiled eggs in grab packs, and even pre-made havregrøt with exotic toppings.

Still, the traditional slice of bread with cheese or liver pâté remains the most common breakfast in households across the country.

Breakfast for Tourists in Norway

Of course, just because locals prefer a lighter start doesn't mean visitors have to go without. But if you're hoping for an all-American diner experience, prepare for a quiet disappointment.

This issue came up regularly when I was researching my Moon Norway guidebook. I lost count of how many times I had to explain to my editors why I couldn’t include a “great breakfast place” in a given town. They just don’t exist in the way many travellers expect.

If you’re staying in a hotel, you’re in luck. Even mid-range hotels usually offer a Scandinavian breakfast buffet: sliced bread, cheeses, cold cuts, cereals, jams, and sometimes smoked salmon or scrambled eggs. Higher-end hotels may include hot items like bacon or pancakes.

If you’re staying in a guesthouse, AirBnB, or a cabin, your best bet is to self-cater. Head to the nearest supermarket and stock up on basics: eggs, bread, yoghurt, coffee, milk, cheese, fruit, or anything else you’re craving.

Otherwise, coffee shops will be your morning refuge. Scandinavian chains like Kaffebrenneriet and Espresso House along with independent shops usually have a small range of breakfast options: cinnamon buns, pastries, bagels, or ready-made sandwiches.

In smaller towns or at odd hours, your fallback is the local kiosk. Narvesen or 7-Eleven often stock boller (sweet rolls), yoghurt pots, bananas, and decent takeaway coffee.

A Final Tip for Newcomers

If you're new in town, it's worth adjusting your expectations. Norway doesn't do elaborate breakfasts the way some other countries do, and it's not a meal you can always grab on the go without some planning.

Stock your fridge and embrace the simplicity. If you're truly desperate, yes, McDonald's does exist here too.