Spice level warning — Smørbrød is not what I expected

I underestimated Smørbrød. The subtly smoky description didn't prepare me for the reality. dried stockfish brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Norwegian coastal geography shaped a cuisine centred on preserved and fresh fish. The a seafood restaurant on the fjord setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. aquavit cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.