On the French Taco

When in Oslo, try the French taco. Those may not be words Visit Norway would lead with, but as the French street food sensation has made its way to Scandinavia, it’s as good a place as any to sample it—as we did during a recent Norway excursion.

To set realistic expectations: “French taco” is essentially a misnomer, at least as far as flavors go. The wrap may have originated in France, but the flavor profile is more akin to Middle Eastern-style street food. Algerian sauce, fries, caramelized onions, and sometimes shakshouka—the stuffing doesn’t scream “French.”

Tortilla aside, the traditional definition of “taco” doesn’t come far into play, either. If anything, the wrap is closer to a pressed döner kebab. It’s not overly surprising that some Mexicans are throwing down the “cultural appropriation” card at this point.

(With all of that said, I wouldn't be surprised if Taco Bell debuted its own version of the French taco sooner rather than later.)

The name may be misleading, but the wrap is quite tasty, at least going by our meal from Oslo’s French Tacos and Burgers Avenue. Dominating the palate was the cheesy Algerian sauce and a generous heaping of fries, flanked by a cordon bleu protein extravaganza. “Flavorful” is an understatement, with caramelized mushrooms(!) pushing it over the top. But: What a top to be pushed over. Sure, the French taco is food maximalism, but isn’t that the soul of street food? Big flavors? This was a tasty handheld meal.

As for French tacos in Norway goes, it sort of makes sense. After all, they’re not a mile from the Norwegian variety.

Sources

French tacos (2024, August 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_tacos

‘French Tacos,’ Which Are Not Tacos, Have Suddenly Appeared in Seattle (2023, September 22). Eater Seattle. https://seattle.eater.com/2023/9/22/23885761/french-tacos-brick-n-cheese-first-us-location-seattle