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Review: Traditional Kjottkake (Norwegian Meatballs) at Epcot’s Kringla Bakeri og Kafe


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Lovers of the Traditional Kjottkake (that’s MEATBALLS!!!) from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will be very excited to see what I spotted on my last visit to Epcot’s Norway!

Granted, right now much of what I’m spotting in Norway are construction walls, as the Pavilion simultaneously preps for the summer openings of the Frozen Ever After attraction (in the former home of Maelstrom…sob!) and a new Frozen Character Meet and Greet.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping by to grab some favorite Norwegian treats like Skolebrød (School Bread) or a Troll Horn, which is exactly what I was expecting to find on my recent trip. And while I did indeed find those, I also found another old favorite… albeit in an all-new form.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is now serving a snack-sized version of the popular Norwegian Meatballs that we’ve loved for years at Akershus (the home of Princess Storybook Dining in Epcot)!

So, how does it measure up? Let’s find out!

Atmosphere

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is the little bakery packed with all sorts of Scandinavian goodies in the Norway Pavilion.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Inside, lots of wooden paneling and candlelit chandeliers decorate the snug space.

Inside Kjottkake at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Inside Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Decor is appropriately Scandinavian: simple, but cozy.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe Decor

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe Decor

Check out the fireplace… perfect for all of the baking that happens here ;)!

Fireplace For Baking

Fireplace

You’ll even see small containers for ingredients hanging on the wall. From the look of the pastry case, they sure use a lot of salt and mel (flour) here.

Salt and Mel

Salt and Mel

The space inside is small, containing just the food and registers. But a covered area with some tables and chairs is readily available once you exit with your purchase.

Outside Dining Area

Outside Dining Area

Now let’s check out what I brought to our table…

Eats

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is primarily known for the sweet stuff! Several of the most popular items are listed on the menu, and you’ll see them on display in the bakery case — along with some other treats — to help you make your decision.

Norwegian Classics Menu

Norwegian Classics Menu

The Berry Cream Puffs, Rice Cream, and Troll Horns have all earned their solid reputations for great ’round-the-World snacking fare in World Showcase.

Kringla Cream Puff (it's better than it looks!!)

Kringla Cream Puff (it’s better than it looks!!)

Rice Cream

Rice Cream

Troll Horn

Troll Horn

Admittedly, the Lefse isn’t my favorite (though I know you diehards are out there).

Lefse

Lefse

It’s more than made up for, though, by my love of School Bread!

School Bread as a Meal? Yes Please!

School Bread? Yes Please!

If you scan the beverage options you’ll notice a few unique additions among the usual sodas and juices.

Beverages Menu

Beverages Menu

Carlsberg Beer and shots of Linie Aquavit Glacier, a strong Norwegian spirit, round out the list.

Other Alcoholic Options

Other Alcoholic Options

Other options include Coffee, Iced Coffee, and even Viking Coffee made with Kamora Coffee Liqueur and Bailey’s Irish Cream.

More Beverage Options

More Beverage Options

But this last visit resulted in spotting something new to the savory meal options. They aren’t as well known as the pastries, but available sandwiches include a Norwegian Club and Ham and Apple Sandwich.

Food Menu

Food Menu

Along with some additional sweet treats, you’ll often find a few other items in the display case that didn’t make it onto the main menu, such as the open-face Salmon and Eggs.

Food Items On Display

Food Items On Display

But THIS one made it both to the menu AND the display case… the Traditional Kjottkake, the well-loved Norwegian Meatball dish!

Traditional Kjottkake

Traditional Kjottkake

Of course, it’s impossible not to think of the full-sized entree at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, especially since it’s such a fan (and DFB!) favorite. Here’s a look…

Traditional Kjottkake from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Traditional Kjottkake from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

And now back to the new Kringla version…  for the $7.49 price tag, you receive two large Norwegian meatballs on top of a good amount of mashed potatoes. It’s basically a miniature version of the entree, minus the green beans.

Meatballs and Gravy

Meatballs and Gravy

The meatballs are covered in brown gravy and topped off with sweet lingonberry sauce (which I was pumped to see since that isn’t listed on the menu description).

Gravy and Lingonberry Sauce

Gravy and Lingonberry Sauce

I’m happy to report that nothing has been lost in the translation between the entree at Akershus and the snack-size at Kringla. The texture of the meatballs is spot on, and you can easily spy the chopped onions and seasonings mixed in for lots of flavor.

Cross-Section of the Meatball

Cross-Section of the Meatball

The creamy potatoes and that signature mix of sweet and savory from the lingonberries mingling with the rich brown gravy combine to bring all the flavors of this popular dish that also totally works in a quick-service format.

Overall

Honestly, Kringla Bakeri og Kafe never disappoints whether you’re after a quick pastry during your World Showcase stroll or a heartier lunch option. But the offering of the Norwegian Meatballs really ups the game here as far as savory options go. I love that this Norwegian classic is now available outside of Akershus for folks who would like to give this dish a try, but maybe aren’t into having a full lunch or dinner with Her Royal Disney Highnesses. And with all the new activity on the way to the Pavilion, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on things in Norway for additions both large and small!

But let’s get something straight RIGHT NOW — these ain’t no Ikea meatballs, my friends! My sources tell me that Swedish meatballs and Norwegian meatballs are different things entirely. ;-D Try them and see what you think!

Until next time, Hah det from Norway!

Would you be up for trying Norwegian Meatballs at Kringla Bakeri? Please let us know with a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


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