cherries from aftenbladet 560x324 A local chefs view on how expats can support our local producers

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Rogaland’s ‘Taste of Norway’ competition, an annual competition which sees producers from a variety of food categories – land, sea, finished product – be judged first in their counties, then the country.  Rogaland is one of Norway’s most important agricultural areas, so we’re really lucky to have lots of great produce on our doorstep.  I was fortunate enough to taste the entries which ranged from sprouting broccoli, tomatoes and smoked salmon to coriander, pork chops and turnip chutney…and my personal favourite, a delicious tomato sauce from Finnøy. I hope it wins!  Whilst I was there, I interviewed Hans Dahl Ørstavik, chef and organiser of the competition in Rogaland, and judge Arne Hatløy, a chef who also runs Matsafari tours, and I was able to ask them about their view on how expats can support our local producers and have less of an impact on our local environment.  Here are some of their thoughts:

Support your local stores
stavanger meatmarket from aftenbladet 250x164 A local chefs view on how expats can support our local producers
It’s great that we can all buy many products from our home countries in the supermarkets in Norway (I would certainly be lost without Marmite) but one way to get more involved with the local community and get to know your way around town is by shopping in the local, independent stores.  Here you can really find the best that Stavanger has to offer.  Arne recommends trying A. Idsøe, the butcher situated on Verksgaten 3 – 5.  Don’t be intimidated when you go in – they speak great English and are very willing to help you choose what you need.  If you are able to go at a quieter time, have a conversation with the butcher and make the most of their knowledge, they are Stavanger’s oldest company with 6 generations in the business, so will be sure to advise you well!

Buy local products

Supermarkets in Norway do stock local produce when it’s in season, so if you spot something locally produced like tomatoes and cucumbers in your store make the most of it. But you could also try buying your veg from roadside farm stalls which operate an ‘honesty box’ system.  Buying directly from the farmer means you’ll be getting something fresh and in season, which is great for taste and for reducing our impact on the environment.  If you know of a local stall or market, do leave a comment below to let everyone know about it too.

Something like cured ham has a lot of international competition from well known varieties like Parma and Serrano, but the Norwegian versions are just as delicious so don’t be afraid to try it if you see it.  

Try the salmon!
salmon from aftenbladet 250x164 A local chefs view on how expats can support our local producers
Norway has its own famous international export – Norwegian salmon is renowned worldwide.  Pop into the fish market in the town centre to try some fresh salmon, or look out for Einar smoked salmon from Michal Salmon in shops.  I asked Arne and Hans about the sustainability of farmed salmon – both agreed that whilst the system is not yet perfect, it is important to support it in order for progress to be made.  Arne also mentioned that it is important to eat salmon for our health, and that as fish farming is so valuable to the economy here, it’s another great way for us to support our local area.

Eating out
grandiosa fra aftenbladet A local chefs view on how expats can support our local producers
Hans and Arne appreciate that it’s costly for us expats to eat out here in Stavanger! I was surprised to hear that they only eat out in the evening a couple of times a year.  However, Sunday lunch is a more popular and cost effective time to go out to eat, and they suggested small local places outside of the town centre which serve simple, local food.  If you can recommend anywhere – please comment below!  

One last fact for you – Hans told me that Norwegians break two records when it comes to food.  Firstly, Norwegians are the biggest frozen pizza eaters in the world, with Pizza Grandiosa often referred to as the national dish selling over 25 million pizzas a year!  Secondly, Norwegians are the biggest consumers of coffee in the world…perhaps to keep awake through the dark winters.  So we can help reverse the trend and make the most of the local produce that Rogaland has to offer!

sadie A local chefs view on how expats can support our local producers

About Sadie Ramm

Sadie is English and moved to Stavanger in May 2010 with her boyfriend who works in the oil industry. After leaving her career in marketing to relocate to Norway, she's currently freelancing as a marketing consultant, specialising in helping small businesses with strategy and planning, website design and copywriting. She is making the most of the great outdoors that Norway has to offer, and has taken up cycling since moving here. She loves making stuff - knitting, sewing and cooking in particular. She's most often found out walking with her Manchester Terrier puppy, Nero.