What's The Deal With Norway's Love Of Hot Dogs?
NEWS
BY CARLY GARBER
In general, hot dogs are synonymous with American culture. Surprisingly, though, Norway has its own, mega-popular hot dog that's an integral part of its food culture.
Known as pølse, or pølse med brød ("sausage with bread,") this Norwegian take on American-style hot dogs comes in two popular varieties: wienerpølse and grillpølse.
Both are red, thin franks in a sausage casing, but wienerpølse are made from pork and have a very mild flavor while grillpølse are a bit larger with more flavor from pork and beef.
Typically, pølse is seasoned with sweet spices and served on potato-based flatbread. Toppings include onions, relish, bacon, grated cheese, mashed potatoes, and even shrimp salad.
Pølse became a staple in the 1950s, as America began to heavily influence the culture after World War II. Today, more than half of all Norwegians eat pølse at least once a month.
