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.
Inside, lots of wooden paneling and candlelit chandeliers decorate the snug space.
Decor is appropriately Scandinavian: simple, but cozy.
Check out the fireplace… perfect for all of the baking that happens here ;)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Admittedly, the Lefse isn’t my favorite (though I know you diehards are out there).
It’s more than made up for, though, by my love of School Bread!
If you scan the beverage options you’ll notice a few unique additions among the usual sodas and juices.
Carlsberg Beer and shots of Linie Aquavit Glacier, a strong Norwegian spirit, round out the list.
Other options include Coffee, Iced Coffee, and even Viking Coffee made with Kamora Coffee Liqueur and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
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.
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.
But THIS one made it both to the menu AND the display case… the Traditional Kjottkake, the well-loved Norwegian Meatball dish!
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…
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.
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).
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.
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!
My first bite of School Bread, I thought “what’s the big deal?” My second bite “OH THERE IT IS!!” Totally a must do for me, each trip. I may have to have it as dessert after the great looking meatballs. Thanks…. looks so good.
Is it just me or does the open face salmon and eggs look like Mickey Mouse’s red shorts with yellow buttons? Maybe just me…
Love Kringla, stop here every trip, still a hidden gem as never a crowd here. Although something tells me when Frozen Ever After opens, life and crowds at Kringla is about to change. While I love all the above, the Rullecake is my fav!
Claire — Ha ha! Disney on the brain!
Hannah — Right?!? Agreed on School Bread!
I love this place. I’d try the meatballs; I’ve had all kinds of good food here.
regarding the choice of font on the menu board; who’d thought that the original Macintosh system font Chicago would/could ever be used on display? Also, I would have thought the meatballs would look on par of IKEA’s style… not the case! I’d love to try these on a visit!
Those meatballs look soooo delicious! I am definitely ordering some the next time I’m at Epcot. Kringla is already one of my favorite counter service places in all of WDW (mmm… school bread…). This just kicks it up another notch!
Great to see the meatball addition.
The apple and ham sandwich and the Norwegian club are the best quick serve sandwiches we have found!
They will heat them up for you, too – making them extra yummy.
Oh Maelstrom, so sad to see you go…..darn sisters!
Boy they look yummy….usually just pass through here for a Carlsberg or an Aquavit (if you haven’t tried I strongly recommend!), but may just have to give this a try!
Hannah — Isn’t it the best? Makes a great breakfast, too. 😀
Lefse – yum!!! School bread – yuck. I’m thrilled to see the meatballs – we loved them at F&W.
Ok, I’ll try them!
Love school bread. Lefse, I did not care for.
Try the aquivit? ! 😉
But then maybe not.
In between visits I crave the Norwegian Club! It is one of the best quick service meals you can get at Disney World.
Seems they discontinued our favorite Epcot Food item–the roast beef sandwich! Used to devour it at least twice per trip. Sure hope they reconsider.