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September 1, 2016 By Hailey

Eating Whale in Oslo

Hip and trendy Oslo has some serious Scandinavian swag. The Norwegian capital city contains a seamless blend of historic settings, cosmopolitan shine, urban reinvention, and a twinge of grunge on the side.

Admittedly, I can’t say I “did” much during my brief visit to Oslo earlier this summer. I didn’t face off with The Scream nor stand next to the prow of the legendary schooner Fram. But I did do one thing to write home about…

I ate whale.

IMG_6949

Now, all you animal rights activists, here me out.

I was not planning on getting a bite of the beloved sea mammal before I stepped into the Mathallen, Oslo’s modern food market that opened in 2012. Nonetheless, I was on a simple culinary mission: find something incredible and unique to eat for lunch.

IMG_7011

I began with a precursory scouting round of Mathallen, which has a modest number of vendors selling specialty food items you’d expect in many upscale markets: heaps of cheese, local beers, Fair Trade goods, fresh-baked breads, imported Italian commodities, and tempting sweet treats. I thought the petite ice cream cones at the gelateria were particularly enchanting; they were just so cute! However, they couldn’t hold my attention long once I caught a whiff of the savory smells emanating from the Vulkanfisk Seafood Bar.

With a quick glance at the table of other diners, I was more than ready to splurge for seafood. Justin ordered the Fish Soup while I went for the Pepper Fried King Crab.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Vulkanfisk Seafood Bar

You guys! It was ah-mazing! I would go back to Oslo today just to have this meal again. Those delectable, saucy crab legs will certainly end up on my list of Best Eats of 2016! Maybe of all time!

But I know that’s not the culinary story you wanted to hear about… So, moving on!

After woofing down our delectable Norwegian chow, Justin sauntered over to the Vulkanfisk Shop counter to inquire about the Smoked Whale on display. This is when we met Simon Kvivik, a young chef who is passionate about great food and fine flavors. Simon proceeded to educate us on all-things-North-Sea, including giving insight into Norway’s whaling industry and the secrets to Norwegian salmon. Then, he offered us a taste of whale.

Vulkanfisk Seafood

First, Simon gave us a piece of the smoked whale. In comparison to a slice of Ahi tuna, the smoked meat was darker and a more sturdy and it had a slight gaminess in flavor. Next, Simon sliced off a chunk of raw whale, which had an even more subtle flavor and a softer texture, something like Beef Carpaccio with a hint of fishiness. Overall, I wouldn’t say that I looooved whale meat. But I enjoyed it, and I wouldn’t shy away from it if given an opportunity to have it again.

Smoked Whale
Raw Whale Norway

Norway and Iceland are the only two countries allowed to hunt whale commercially, and Japan has a special “scientific” permit. Undeniably, whaling is a controversial issue, and this little story is not meant to stand on either side of the argument. I am simply grateful for Simon’s generosity of time and resources to share with us a very special taste of Norway.

Mission accomplished.


Hallo everyone! Do you consider yourself an adventurous eater? Would you try whale if given the chance? 

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  1. Nurith says

    November 26, 2018 at 10:09 pm

    Silly unthinking Tourists like you are keeping up the whaling industry. And you spreading the word make it even worse. Unbelievable, naiv and nasty… Yes just go and have fun, politics is so boring and what the hell it tasted nice.

    Reply
    • Sigurd says

      November 27, 2018 at 10:46 pm

      I ate whale meat in Oslo as well and I liked it. Had whale at some friends places here in Sweden also (I am Swedish), who bought it over in Norway. How is the whaling industry worse than other meat industries?

      Reply
      • Hailey says

        December 19, 2018 at 4:18 am

        Hi Sigurd – thanks for sharing your experience! From the (free) samples of whale I was offered at the fish counter, I discovered that I liked the taste well enough. But I would never choose to buy whale over the freshly caught wild salmon… THAT was truly incredible! Also, I’d go back to Oslo for my king crab lunch… it was insanely good! :)

        Reply
    • Hailey says

      December 19, 2018 at 4:14 am

      Hi Nurith – Thanks for your comment and sharing your opinion. As I state at the end of my article, I recognize this is a controversial issue and this post is not meant to be a part of the debate. It was a re-telling of an experience, where a local shared a part of his culture with me.
      I wish you the best.

      Reply

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Hailey Domeck is a Southern girl with a Spanish heart and Swiss soul.

As a wife, mom, and travel addict, her love for mountains, fairy-tales, and great food keep her mind and heart always on the lookout for the next great adventure.

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💫 2020 - not about travel; all about family. 💫

#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow
For me, this year was all about #motherhood - the For me, this year was all about #motherhood - the beauty of growing a child in the womb and then nurturing a precious newborn around the clock; the wild roller coaster of shepherding a toddler, whose contagious joy and  stubborn defiance make each day a challenge and a gift; the mundane tasks that help make a home feel warm and welcoming; and a bunch of other things. 

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📷: @whitneykeilman
Merry Christmas, y’all! 🤍 No matter your circ Merry Christmas, y’all! 🤍 No matter your circumstances, may you experience JOY in this holiday season and have HOPE  for a brighter year ahead. 

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#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow 

📷: @whitneykeilman
• T H A N K F U L • We are saying thanks for • T H A N K F U L • 

We are saying thanks for all things in life this week. It’s so easy to get stuck on either the big picture or the tiny details, but I believe it’s important to take it all in - like I did on this ridge overlooking #Manang Village last year while trekking the #AnnapurnaCircuit in #Nepal. 

Creating a culture of gratitude takes intentionality and discipline... and it’s especially not easy when babies and toddlers demand so much of you at all hours of the day and night. Yet, here we are at the start of the holiday season, and I’m choosing to be grateful for the whole lot. 

What are you thankful for this year?
Hooray, it’s the weekend! 🥳 I don’t have a Hooray, it’s the weekend! 🥳

I don’t have any big plans today (#newbornlife), but I’m recalling the joy of “Heidi Hailey” in the Himalayas last November. ☺️ Shout out to @thatdutchieguy for bringing his Polaroid camera on our #CreateConnectNepal journey... what a fun way to capture special moments, - like my favorite stretch of the #AnnapurnaCircuit in the #Manang District ❣️

What are you up to this weekend?
As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, it’s j As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, it’s just wild to me that on this date exactly one year ago, I was walking among giants and completed the most difficult hike of my life. 

On November 11, 2019, the #CreateConnectNepal team and I went up and over the Thorong La Pass. At 17,769 feet (5416m), this is the pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit and one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The day began in the dark with a grueling 4+ hour ascent through snow-kissed trails and then required a fierce descent down a bone dry valley. It demanded everything of me. 

Yet, that day up and over Thorong La was just one part of my epic adventure in #Nepal last November. I am eternally grateful for that experience and cherish those memories dearly. I also miss those people a lot. ❣️
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