We Came for Dumplings, Stayed for the Pizza: 5555 Surprises Oslo Diners
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A new restaurant in Oslo, 5555, offers a unique combination of dumplings and pizza, drawing initial skepticism but ultimately surprising diners.
- While the dumplings, particularly the soup dumplings, were praised, the beef dumplings were found to be spicy with a bland filling, and the ox dumplings were spicy with a compact, uninspired core.
- The restaurant's pizzas, however, were a standout surprise, with a pancetta and vodka sauce pizza and a stracciatella and chili crisp pizza receiving high marks, making for an unexpectedly pleasant and affordable dining experience.
Oslo's dining scene is constantly evolving, and the newly opened 5555 restaurant, located in the same building as Nieus new comedy club on Grรผnerlรธkka, presents a particularly intriguing concept: dumplings and pizza. The very idea of combining these two distinct culinary worlds initially sparked skepticism, as one might question how a kitchen could excel at such disparate offerings. Yet, as our visit revealed, 5555 manages to pull off this daring culinary feat with surprising success.
This put my taste buds temporarily in panic mode
The restaurant's name, 5555, is a playful nod to the Thai pronunciation of the number five, 'ha,' adding a touch of whimsy to the establishment. Upon entering, the ambiance is relaxed and cozy, complemented by the gentle flow of the Akerselva river just outside, offering a rare urban vista. The music, however, a rather uninspired lounge selection, did little to enhance the atmosphere, a minor point in an otherwise agreeable setting.
The soup dumplings are the evening's best in their category. Very soft pillows of dough with a liquid, salty and strong core. Piping hot soup dumplings warm both body and soul. Just be careful not to burn your tongue!
Our culinary journey began with a delightful yuzu slush, a vibrant and tangy concoction that awakened the taste buds. The dumplings themselves were a mixed bag. The pepper crab dumplings were juicy with a distinct peppery kick, while the ox dumplings, though spicy, lacked a certain zest in their filling. The true stars of the dumpling category were the soup dumplings โ tender parcels filled with a rich, savory broth that warmed both body and soul. A word of caution: they are served piping hot!
Do we need more pizzas in Oslo? Yes, I think so.
The unexpected triumph of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the pizza. We sampled two varieties: one with pancetta and vodka sauce, and another with stracciatella and chili crisp. Both were exceptional, defying our initial doubts about the restaurant's dual focus. The pizzas, coupled with the surprisingly affordable prices, made for a highly satisfying and enjoyable meal. While 5555 may not offer groundbreaking culinary experiences, it certainly delivers a pleasant evening out, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations yield the most delightful results.
Incredible, but true
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.