Viking Cruises has built a reputation as one of the most sophisticated cruise experiences in the world — quiet ships, no casinos, no children under 18, and a culinary philosophy that centers on regional, destination-inspired cuisine. On Viking’s ocean ships and river vessels, you’ll find dishes drawn from the ports you’re visiting: Scandinavian salmon prepared Nordic-style, Moroccan tagine served the night before you arrive in Casablanca, homemade gravlax at breakfast in the Baltic. The World Café, Viking’s signature buffet restaurant, is widely regarded as one of the best buffet programs at sea.
Viking has shared several of their beloved recipes publicly, and we’re delighted to feature some of their finest here.
Viking Cruises Scandinavian Gravlax (Cured Salmon)
Gravlax appears every morning at Viking’s breakfast buffet and has become one of the most talked-about elements of the Viking dining experience. This Scandinavian classic — salmon cured in salt, sugar, and dill — is surprisingly simple to make at home and transforms a good piece of salmon into something extraordinary.
Viking Cruises Scandinavian Gravlax (Cured Salmon)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh skin-on salmon fillet, pin bones removed, cut in half crosswise 900g
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white peppercorns, coarsely cracked
- 1 large bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped (stems and all)
- 2 tablespoons aquavit or vodka optional
Instructions
- Combine salt, sugar, and cracked peppercorns in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Place one salmon piece skin-side down in a glass or ceramic dish. Splash with the aquavit if using.
- Coat the flesh side generously with the salt-sugar mixture. Cover thickly with fresh dill.
- Place the second salmon piece on top, flesh-side down. Coat the top with remaining cure.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place a weighted flat object over the salmon.
- Refrigerate for 48–72 hours, turning the salmon every 12 hours and basting with accumulated liquid.
- When cured, rinse the salmon briefly, pat dry, and slice very thinly on a diagonal. Serve on dark rye bread with mustard-dill sauce and capers.
Notes
Viking World Café Norwegian Fish Cakes (Fiskekaker)
These traditional Norwegian fish cakes — crispy on the outside, tender and lightly seasoned inside — are a staple of Viking’s World Café Scandinavian section. They make an excellent light dinner or lunch served with a simple salad and sour cream.
Viking World Café Norwegian Fish Cakes (Fiskekaker)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh cod or haddock fillet, skin removed, roughly chopped 450g
- 1 egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter for frying
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the fish in a food processor and pulse until roughly minced — not a smooth paste; some texture is good.
- Add egg, milk, cornstarch, onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and herbs. Pulse a few more times until combined but still slightly textured.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes — it will firm up and be easier to shape.
- With wet hands, shape into oval patties about ¾ inch thick.
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook fish cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with sour cream or crème fraîche, cucumber salad, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Viking Aquavit Cocktail
Aquavit — the Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway or dill — is central to Viking’s bar program and a wonderful way to introduce guests to Nordic culture. This cocktail is inspired by the welcome drinks served aboard Viking ships as passengers board.
The Viking Welcome Aquavit Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz aquavit Linie or Krogstad recommended
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur St-Germain
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz sparkling water or prosecco
- 1 sprig of fresh dill for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Combine aquavit, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly (about 10 seconds).
- Strain over fresh ice in a stemless wine glass.
- Top with sparkling water or prosecco.
- Garnish with a dill sprig. Skål!
Notes
Experience Viking Cruises
Viking is consistently rated among the top cruise lines in the world by travelers who prioritize enrichment, destination immersion, and exceptional food over entertainment and casinos. Whether you’re considering a Viking ocean cruise through the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, a river cruise along the Rhine or Danube, or an expedition voyage to Iceland and Greenland, Viking delivers an experience that rewards the curious traveler.
Atlas Travel’s specialists have sailed on Viking and can guide you to the right itinerary for your travel style. Explore Viking cruise options or contact us to start planning your voyage.
