Norway's Coastal Kitchen: A trip through the world’s finest pantry

The awestruck chef

Someone who hears first-hand stories about the places we visit is chef Eirik Larsen. Ten years ago, he left Oslo´s city life and restaurants to become a chef for Hurtigruten. Today, he prepares more than 1,500 meals a day. He is continually impressed by the passion local suppliers have for their products. 

‘The story behind the food is part of the culinary experience,’ he says. ‘Imagine sitting in the restaurant eating lamb while we sail past the meadows where the sheep once grazed. During autumn, we serve cloudberries out on deck. A lady in Finnmark handpicks these berries and delivers them to our ships. Experiences don’t get more real than this. To meet the suppliers, hear their stories and to know that all of their produce are of the highest quality fills me with pride and respect.’

There’s more than just lamb and fresh berries on the menu. Calling at 34 ports daily creates opportunities to have fresh ingredients delivered to the boats every day.

At 15 of the ports, fresh seafood, eggs, poultry, dairy products, mustard, syrup, salt, mushrooms, berries, fruits and vegetables are brought directly on board. Local deliveries reduce food miles and optimise the use of port facilities. It’s good for the environment, it inspires the chefs, and it’s good for you.

Never fresher

On board our ships you can choose between three-course dinners or bountiful buffets - all based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While you’re relaxing on board or enjoying excursions, local fishermen are out securing the day’s catch, such as Arctic char from the deep, cold waters of Sigerfjord in Vesterålen. 

Chef Eirik is confident that the fresh local ingredients they serve enhances the experience of sailing Norway´s coastline:

‘Procuring, preparing and serving fresh, locally produced food is vital to the coastal experience. Our local interaction also generates positive ripple effects and good stories from the communities we visit. Our passengers experience an authenticity few others can offer. They can even buy some of the local products on board the ship. That way they get to savour their Norwegian coastal experience a little longer,’ chef Larsen says smiling.

Restaurants on board

Kysten/Á la Carte Restaurant

Choose from a wide selection of innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce that each have a story to tell. Enjoy everything from ultra-fresh seafood to sustainably cultivated root vegetables and free-range reindeer meat, along with excellent cheeses from selected small-scale producers. We recommend topping off your meal with tempting Scandinavian desserts, inspired by the two extremities of Arctic light - the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.

Torget/Main Restaurant

Breakfast
An extensive breakfast buffet including hot dishes, cold cuts, fish, homemade smoothies, energy shots, yoghurt, granolas and fruit jams. Fresh bread, fruit, local cheeses and chef stations such as pancakes or salmon carving.  Coffee/tea/juice/water included. 

Lunch
Traditional husmannskost (traditional rustic dishes) from the region. Every day, a choice of one meat, one fish and one vegetarian main dish is served along with fresh bread and local cheese, and a wide selection of salads, vegetables, cold cuts, salmon, herring and other seafood. Homemade desserts and cakes are also available. Coffee/tea/water included. 

Dinner
Enjoy the best of Norwegian farm-to-table dining with three-course dinners or buffets. The menu varies over an 11-day cycle, with a selection meat, fish or vegan dishes. Water included. Wine packages, local beverages and alcohol-free alternatives available.   

Multe (on refurbished vessels only)

Indulge yourself with freshly baked cakes and pastries, smørbrød (open sandwiches with generous amounts of topping), smoothies, yoghurt with granola, a large assortment of local ice cream with homemade toppings, premium coffee (espresso, latte, macchiato, americano), hot chocolate, organic herbal tea and regular tea, soft drinks and premium juice.