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Food truck brings Norwegian street food to Stoughton

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/17 .. k-brings-norwegian-street-food-to-stoughton.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 14:49 GMT by Channel 3000
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Norwegian Street Food Comes to Stoughton: A Taste of Scandinavia on Wheels

Stoughton, a city steeped in Midwestern tradition, just got a little bit more international when a brand‑new food truck rolled into town, offering a menu that feels like a culinary passport to Norway. The truck—styled in vibrant Nordic colors and emblazoned with a whimsical Viking helmet logo—has quickly become a local sensation, drawing curious foodies and longtime residents alike to taste dishes that, until now, were largely unknown to the area.

The Birth of a Norwegian Truck

The venture began with a simple idea from 34‑year‑old entrepreneur Kari O’Connell (no relation to the famed Norwegian author), who grew up in a Norwegian immigrant family in Wisconsin. “I’ve always loved the food my grandmother made—especially the way she could turn something as humble as potatoes into something magical,” Kari said in an interview at the launch event. “I wanted to bring that spirit to Stoughton and share it with people who haven’t had a chance to experience authentic Norwegian flavors.” Her vision materialized as the “Viking Kitchen” food truck, which launched its first pop‑up at the Stoughton farmers market on April 15.

The truck’s design is a nod to Scandinavian minimalism, featuring clean lines, a bright blue and white color scheme, and a playful “Viking Helmet” graphic that draws eye‑contact from a distance. Inside, the kitchen is compact yet well‑equipped: a portable grill, a small wood‑burning stove for stews, and a refrigeration unit for cold delicacies. Despite its size, the truck can handle a substantial menu and serve up to 200 customers in a single day.

A Menu Worth Traveling For

Unlike typical fast‑food truck fare, the Viking Kitchen’s menu is built around traditional Norwegian staples that have been adapted for the American palate. The highlight is the lutefisk, a dish Kari says “tastes just like home.” Traditionally made from dried cod soaked in lye and water, the truck’s version is lightly pan‑fried and served with a homemade curry‑potato sauce that balances the fish’s mildness. The dish is a nod to the long‑standing tradition of bringing lutefisk to family gatherings during the holidays, a dish that “is like a holiday in a bowl,” Kari explained.

Other menu items include:

• Reindeer jerky: A lean, protein‑rich treat seasoned with smoked paprika and a hint of juniper berries, a nod to Norway’s indigenous Sami culture.
• Lefse: Thin, buttery flatbreads served with smoked salmon and crème fraîche, a popular Norwegian breakfast turned savory snack.
• Brunost: A caramel‑sweetened cheese made from goat’s milk, sold as a snack with a drizzle of honey or sprinkled on rye crackers.
• Kjøttkaker: Norwegian meatballs in a rich brown gravy, reminiscent of the classic dish served during family Christmas feasts.
• Sursild: Pickled herring served on rye toast with dill and onion, a tart, briny accompaniment that pairs well with the fresh seafood.

The menu also includes a variety of drinks: traditional Norwegian Aquavit infused with citrus and served on ice, a seasonal pumpkin spice latte with a hint of cardamom, and a selection of organic sodas for children.

Community Reception

Stoughton’s residents have responded enthusiastically. During its first week, the truck sold out of its 12‑person‑sized menu in under an hour on several days. Local business owners note an uptick in foot traffic to the farmers market, with many shoppers now stopping by the truck before heading to their regular grocery stores. “I’ve never seen such a strong response for a food truck in our town,” said Liam O’Connor, owner of the adjacent coffee shop. “People love the novelty, and the food itself is excellent. It’s like a cultural festival on wheels.”

The truck’s opening also sparked discussions about food diversity and cultural exchange in Stoughton. School district representatives are planning to bring students to the truck for a “Taste of Norway” educational program, where they can learn about Norwegian cuisine, history, and the importance of preserving immigrant culinary traditions.

Expanding Horizons

Kari plans to keep the truck on the road, with seasonal stops at regional festivals, the upcoming Stoughton Winter Festival, and potentially in neighboring cities like Madison and Milwaukee. “I’m excited to see how people in different parts of Wisconsin will react,” she said. “We’re not just selling food; we’re sharing a piece of Norwegian culture.” She also hinted at a future partnership with the Norwegian American Cultural Center to host a pop‑up dinner featuring a rotating menu of authentic dishes, including more seasonal offerings like Rømmegrøt (a sour cream porridge) and Kjøttkaker with root vegetables.

Beyond the Truck: A New Cultural Hotspot

The Viking Kitchen is more than just a culinary novelty; it’s become a gathering place for the diverse Stoughton community. The truck’s owner has opened a small pop‑up shop behind the vehicle where customers can purchase homemade lefse, fresh smoked salmon, and a selection of imported Norwegian cheeses. A QR code on the truck’s side leads to a website that lists upcoming locations, menu changes, and a small blog that chronicles Kari’s journey and the origins of each dish.

The truck’s success also illustrates the broader trend of food trucks becoming cultural ambassadors. Similar ventures—like the “Taco Taco” trucks featuring authentic Mexican street tacos or “Maki Maki” offering Japanese sushi rolls—have shown how mobile kitchens can introduce local populations to international flavors, broaden culinary horizons, and create economic opportunities for entrepreneurs who bring their heritage to the streets.

In a town that has historically celebrated the simple pleasures of Midwest cooking, the arrival of the Viking Kitchen is a reminder that food can be a bridge between cultures, a means of sharing stories, and an unexpected way to bring people together. Whether it’s a savory plate of kjøttkaker or a sweet spoonful of brunost, the Norwegian food truck is already carving out a new corner of Stoughton’s culinary map, and it’s clear that the locals are hungry for more.