Hoel Gård: A Tranquil Escape to Norway’s Historic Lakeside Farm

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Hoel Gård is a large historic farm estate idyllically situated on Nes Island along the shoreline of Mjøsa—Norway’s largest lake.

Hoel Gård is a little over an hour from Oslo Airport and about one hour and 40 minutes from Oslo city center by train to the closest station, Brumunddal, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride. I recommend asking the hotel to assist with booking a taxi.

The farm focuses on using local produce in its kitchen, with many of the ingredients sourced directly from its gardens.

Its bucolic charm, along with the serene surroundings, makes it a perfect getaway.

Dinner was a set course served on the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Mjøsa, which provided a stunning view of the sunset. The meal was communal, with all guests seated at a single table, creating a warm and interactive dining experience. The waitress thoughtfully introduced each dish, adding a welcoming touch to the evening.

I had trout mousse for the starter, accompanied by pickled carrots and cucumber, fresh dill, and toasted pumpkin seeds. The mousse was creamy and fresh, with the pickled elements adding a nice tang. It was a simple yet refined dish—a great way to begin the meal.

The main course featured sous vide steak served with hollandaise sauce, grilled carrots and onions, and baked baby potatoes. The grilled vegetables were naturally sweet, while the baked potatoes had a satisfying balance of sweetness and starchiness. However, as someone who prefers their meat well done, I felt the steak was undercooked to my liking. I did not enjoy the soft, raw texture, but I could tell it was a high-quality dish that others might appreciate.

The meal concluded with a delightful chocolate brownie paired with sorbet. The brownie was soft, chewy, and rich in chocolaty flavor, while the sorbet provided a sweet and sour contrast that perfectly balanced the dessert’s sweetness. It was a satisfying end to the evening.

Tingnesvegen 581, 2350 Nes På Hedmark, Norway

Rustic Elegance and Fine Dining at Sjøbua

Sjøbua is a rustic yet sophisticated restaurant, embodying a charming, classy ambiance with its wooden beams, sturdy pillars, and exposed brick walls. Nestled by the marina, it offers a cozy setting that feels both welcoming and refined.

The staff is warm and attentive, ensuring a memorable dining experience from start to finish. The meal begins with a serving of locally sourced milk bread from a nearby bakery, paired with brown butter dusted with smoked sea salt. The bread itself is soft, pillowy, and brioche-like, with a rich buttery flavor that invites you to tear off each piece and savor it with the flavorful, smoky butter.

I ordered a lobster bisque and grilled Sirloin from Røros (aged for 32 days).

The lobster bisque was served in a luscious blend of cream and butter, garnished with fresh chives that added a subtle hint of freshness. The bisque itself had a delicate, light consistency with a beautifully balanced smokiness that lingered pleasantly on the palate. Accompanying the bisque was a perfectly grilled lobster tail, cooked to tender perfection with a soft yet satisfyingly chewy texture that complemented the richness of the bisque.

The beef is soft, with a deeply satisfying smoky undertone and a touch of salt that enhances its rich flavor profile. It pairs wonderfully with baby potatoes, which are sweet and waxy, carrying just a hint of black pepper for a subtle kick. The seasonal vegetables are simply seasoned, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through and providing a refreshing balance to the heartier elements of the dish.

Brunholmgata 1, 6004 Ålesund, Norway

A Cozy Bite at Koie

Koie Ramen is a straightforward, no-frills ramen shop that offers friendly service and solid comfort food. The menu features eight different types of ramen and four sides. I decided to try the Shoyu ramen (soy sauce ramen).

I prefer my ramen noodles softer than al dente, and Koie Ramen is the only restaurant that has met this preference. The attentive waitress even asked how many extra minutes I wanted my noodles cooked, and they came out with the perfect texture.

The broth was light yet flavorful, balancing sweet and salty notes, while the chashu pork was tender and satisfying.

Koie Ramen is a great spot for a quick and simple meal.

Koie Ramen

Website: https://koieramen.no/
Opening hours: 

Monday to Friday – 11:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday – 12:00 p.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Osterhaus’ gate 13, 0183 Oslo, Norway

Masala Politics

Masala Politics isn’t your typical Indian restaurant that centers on a single regional cuisine. Instead, it offers dishes from various parts of India, bringing diverse flavors to the menu.

As soon as you enter the restaurant, you’re welcomed by the fragrant aroma of Indian spices.

The open kitchen faces the entrance, and you can see the entire staff and cooks, all of whom are Indian.

One notable detail is that the waiter asks about any food allergies before taking your order.

They also offer gluten-free naan, which I’d never encountered at an Indian restaurant.

The owner makes rounds, personally checking in with each table to ensure everything is satisfactory.

While waiting for my food, I was served a light snack: papadum accompanied by mango, mint, and coconut chutneys.

I opted for a mango lassi, which was pleasant but slightly too thick and sweet, overshadowing the yogurt’s flavor.

I ordered two dishes:

  • Samosa Chaat: Punjabi-spiced potatoes, green peas, honey yogurt, tamarind, mint, and chickpeas.
  • Dosa: Crispy fermented rice pancake served with sambar, coconut, and tomato chutney.

The Dosa had a perfectly crispy outer layer with a soft interior, but it lacked the tanginess of a fermented batter. There was also an excessive amount of ghee. The sambar was pleasant but could have used more depth of flavor, and the chutney was a bit too salty for my liking.

The Samosa Chaat was flavorful, but it had too much sauce and was a bit too sweet for my palate.

Overall, the food was good, though a bit too sweet for my taste, as I’m more accustomed to savory flavors. Still, it’s a worthwhile spot if you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine.

 

Masala Politics

Website: https://www.masalapolitics.no/meny
Telephone: +47 96737320
Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday 15:00 p.m. – 23: 00 p.m.
Sunday 15:00 p.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Karl Johans gt. 13, 0154 Oslo, Norway

 

Cozy Japanese-Inspired Café

Hakone Coffee is a minimalist coffee shop with a Japanese-inspired design reminiscent of cozy cafés in Japan. Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, it’s the perfect spot for an early morning start, opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays.

The café offers a range of coffee drinks and traditional Japanese teas like Hojicha and Matcha. You’ll also find a selection of pastries for a light breakfast or salads and sandwiches for a simple lunch. The staff are welcoming and friendly, adding to the pleasant atmosphere.

I ordered a flat white and a pistachio croissant. The flat white was rich and bold, with a smooth, creamy top and a slight bitterness. The croissant was beautifully flaky, topped with a nutty pistachio coating, and filled with a sweet, creamy pistachio filling—a delightful pairing with the coffee.

 

Hakone Coffee

Website: https://www.hakone.no/ 
Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 18:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.

Address: Storgata 23c, 0184 Oslo, Norway

Chocolate break at Fjåk

Fjåk is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Norway, and their coffee shop is located in Bergen Old Town. You can sit in front of the store, indoors, or in the charming backyard. The shop serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, cookies, and popsicles.

You can also purchase their unique chocolate bars. In addition to selling regular dark chocolate, they offer a Nordic twist with unique local ingredients such as brown cheese and reindeer moss, bringing a taste of Norwegian tradition into their creations.

I visited a little after opening, and there were just a few customers, which added to the relaxed vibe. The service was absolutely phenomenal. The guy behind the counter was courteous and patient, explaining everything in detail and even making thoughtful recommendations.

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I got the Haiti 60% chocolate with whipped cream.

It had a unique aftertaste—smooth yet not overly sweet, with a lighter consistency than most hot chocolates.

It’s not your typical sugary hot chocolate but more of an artisanal experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fjåk chocolate shop & café

Website: http://www.fjaak.no/
Telephone: +4740851893
Opening hours: 

Monday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Tuesday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Wednesday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Thursday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Friday
  • 8 am–7 pm
Saturday
  • 10 am–7 pm
Sunday
  • 10 am–7 pm

Address: Skostredet 5, 5017 Bergen, Norway

 

Fjellskål: Where Bergen’s Seafood Tradition Meets Modern Flavor

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Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant is located in a fish market next to the Bergen port. Founded in 1976 by brothers Øystein and Ragnar at Bergen’s Fisketorget, Fjellskål has grown from a small fish stall into a seafood destination. For over 40 years, they shared their passion for seafood, making Fjellskål a part of Bergen’s cultural history. In 2012, the family formed Fjellskål Fisketorget AS, expanding their legacy.

At Fjellskål, you can choose to buy fresh seafood to take home or enjoy a meal on-site. The market offers an enticing selection of the region’s finest seafood, including king crab, salmon, cod, shellfish, langoustines, and more. The restaurant features three outdoor seating areas overlooking the wharf, though it can get busy and noisy when cruise ships dock.

The menu includes both à la carte options and set menus, offering a variety of seafood and meat dishes.

Bergen is famous for its fish soup, so I had to try it. The soup featured a mix of white and red fish combined with carrot and leek and finished with parsley and chervil oil. It was creamy and, to my surprise, not overly fishy. The flavor was mild and comforting.

Since I’m not a fan of cod, I opted for the fish and chips of the day, which was Wolffish. The fish had a golden-brown crust with a satisfying crunch, while the inside revealed the juiciest, freshest fish I’ve had. Its texture was firm, with a neutral flavor. This was some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever enjoyed. The fries were perfect, too—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I ended my meal with a rich and creamy creme brulee with a sweet custardy flavor—the perfect end to an amazing meal.

 

Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant

Website: https://www.fjellskaal.no/
Telephone: +4798905898
Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Address: Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen, Norway