The new single from Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$, “Norwegian Breakfast,” got us thinking: What do Norwegians actually eat for breakfast? (It also made us wonder we he chose to compare his genitals to “black licorice,” but that’s a discussion for another time.) Although the song has absolutely no direct reference to Norwegian food, Complex confirms that Joey had written the verses during his trip to the Scandinavian country. And according to this disapproving Instavideo shot in Nordland, Joey didn’t much like Norwegian breakfast (to be fair though, the remains of the meal don’t look particularly Norwegian—more like a generic hotel’s steam-table fare).
But we think Norway’s breakfast foods look mighty delicious, so we’ve provided you with a guide to the Nordic country’s favorite breakfast fare, just in case you wanted to nosh on a Brunost (brown cheese) sandwich while listening to Bada$$’s rhymes, which we would strongly advise that you do. #ThemedMornings
According to a guide by Noray-hei.com, Norwegians can’t get enough fish for breakfast, and you won’t find them eating fried bacon and potatoes in the early hours of the day—only at dinnertime. Waffles (Norske vaffler) are strictly for dessert, but all types of cheeses are breakfast-appropriate.
If you aren’t Norwegian, the countries’ breakfast traditions can be somewhat mind-boggling, so take a look below for popular dishes and their correct pronunciations.
Ansjos (AN-SHOHSE): Whole brisling (similar to anchovies or sardines) in wine and herb sauce
Photo: igourmet
Sursild (SU-SHID): Pickled herring
Photo: Glad i mat
Røkt Laks Smørrebrød (RHAKAY-LAKS-SMUHR-BRUTH): Open face smoked salmon sandwich
Photo: Bon Appetit
Gjetost (YEH-TUSST): Rich and salty caramelized cheese, containing 10 percent goat’s milk whey
Photo: igourmet
Jarlsberg Cheese (YARLSBERG): This mild cow’s-milk cheese is similar to Swiss cheese
Photo: Bite of the Best
Brunost (BROON-HOST): A generic name for brown cheeses, some of which are sweet
Photo: Fisken Fjorder
Kremost med Urter (Pronunciation Unknown): Cream cheese with herbs
Photo: Flickr
Fårepølse (Pronunciation Unknown): Dried sausage made from lamb
Photo: nordfjordkjott.no
Norsk skinke (NORSHK-SHEENKAY): Thinly sliced Norwegian ham
Photo: Norway-hei
[via Noray-hei.com, Complex Music]