Aji spiseri

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Pilspostens rating

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Aji Spiseri is a small South American restaurant and neighbourhood café that has been part of Oslo's Nydalen district since 2005. Located at Gjerdrums vei 12a, just a short walk from the Akerselva river and the popular trail that runs alongside it, the place has earned a loyal following among local residents, office workers, and visitors who have stumbled upon it and ended up staying longer than planned. The name itself gives an immediate clue about the kitchen: 'aji' is the chili pepper central to Latin American cooking, and the food here carries that same kind of bold, honest character. The menu draws on multiple South American and Iberian traditions. Peruvian food takes a central role, visible in dishes like ceviche prepared with leche de tigre (a sharp, citrus-based marinade), tiraditos, and fried yuca. Nikkei cuisine – the celebrated fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary techniques – informs some of the more inventive offerings and adds an unexpected dimension for those who know what to look for. The tapas selection covers Spanish-inspired classics such as albóndigas in housemade tomato sauce, pimientos de padrón pan-fried with Maldon salt, and patatas bravas with aji amarillo. Street food staples like bao buns and empanadas also make regular appearances. Bread, including sourdough and focaccia, is baked in-house – a detail that reflects the kitchen's hands-on approach. From the bar, guests can order wine, beer, cocktails, and a pisco sour that the team enthusiastically recommends. Beyond the restaurant itself, Aji Spiseri provides catering and event services throughout Oslo and the surrounding region. Their offer covers a wide range of occasions: a South American grill party (parrillada) with entrecôte and chimichurri, traditional paella cooked on-site with Arroz Bomba rice and saffron, a three-course dinner menu suited to more formal gatherings, tapas buffets, and taco nights built around gluten-free corn tortillas with slow-braised chipotle chicken or birria beef. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available on request, and the team has experience handling groups from small gatherings to events of 150 or more. Guest reviews consistently highlight the warmth and personal engagement of the staff and the authenticity of what comes out of the kitchen. A Google rating approaching 4.8 and a TripAdvisor score of 4.9 from independent reviewers reinforce what repeat visitors already know. The venue is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly, and accommodating of a range of dietary preferences, making it a comfortable choice for mixed groups. Whether you are planning a meal in Nydalen, sourcing catering for an event, or simply looking to try genuine South American cooking in Oslo, Aji Spiseri is worth the trip. Further details are available at ajispiseri.no and via Instagram at @aji_spiseri.