When I moved to Norway 13 years ago, I immediately felt like home, but there was one thing that I found quite dreary – trips to the grocery store, that is. I always left astonished how basic and sad-looking the food selection, especially in fruit and vegetable department, is. I know I am spoiled, coming from the sunny Mediterranean, but I love cooking, and eating even more, so food represents a big part of my life.

Since then, Norway has come a long way and is doing much better in terms of variety and access to fresh local products. Still, it usually comes with a Norwegian price tag. That is why I love Grønland Frukt og Grønt – the friendly prices and definitely the best selection of fruit and vegetables in Oslo. I do my weekly shopping there, usually buying way too much to carry back home on a bike – but how can one stop, when everything looks so inviting. The place is known for its buzzing atmosphere – some would describe it as annoyingly crowded – but it reminds me of farmer markets back home and is kind of nostalgic. If you are looking for good feta cheese,  ajvar or olives, or you get easily excited by finding unfamiliar ingredients, take a swing by Grønland for your five a day.