Your Complete Faroe Islands Food Culture Guide

What is the Faroe Islands food culture known for? Are there any food specialties in the archipelago? How can I taste local produce in the Faroe Islands? Read on and learn everything about the exciting food in the Faroe Islands.

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Far away from the crowds in the vast North Atlantic Ocean. That is where you find the Faroe Islands, a cluster of 18 wild and rugged islands known for endless beauty and a fascinating culture.

Those up for sensational seafood and those eager to sample fermented cuisine will love it. First settled by Vikings, the island group has ever since developed an extraordinary food culture worth a visit.

Food Shows in the Faroe Islands

Some pretty amazing food shows have visited the Faroe Islands to taste the freshness of the local produce. The legendary Best Ever Food Review Show did some fantastic episodes from the island group. From tasting the best langoustine in the world to the most delicious sea urchin.

Another great show with episodes shot in the archipelago came with Hiroyuki Terada. The master sushi chef who has collaborated with famous chefs such as Gordon Ramsay came to the Faroe Islands to make world class sushi.

Faroe Island Salmon

The most well renowned food from the unspoiled archipelago is the Faroe Islands salmon. Many of the very best sushi restaurants in the world prefer salmon from the Faroe Islands.

Take a look at the Faroe Islands on a map. What you will immediately notice is that the islands are surrounded entirely by sea. The ocean around the islands is home to the Atlantic salmon, which is the ideal place for raising the salmon.

There are salmon farming pens in the fjords on most islands. These are visible as you drive in the Faroe Islands. A total of three companies produce the Faroese salmon which is served around the world. These companies are:

• Hiddenfjord
• Bakkafrost
• Mowi Faroes

You can also taste Faroese salmon while visiting the islands. The best place to taste salmon when in the Faroe Islands is at Etika in the capital, Tórshavn. The taste and quality of salmon from the Faroe Islands is exceptional.

Faroese Lamb

Faroe Islands literally means “Sheep Islands”. The lamb is world-class and is commonly served at family dinners in the islands. Luckily, you can also taste delicious lamb when visiting the Faroe Islands as a traveller.

The best place to satisfy your appetite here is to go for the juicy lamb at Restaurant Áarstova in Tórshavn. Another option is the Restaurant Ræst also located in the capital. Here you will get the chance to try fermented lamb – a local delicacy. The fermented lamb is served both warm and in its dried mutton known as skerpikjøt.

For a truly unique look into the world of sheep culture in the Faroe Islands, make sure to book this Food Tour with a Local Farmer. You get to visit a sheep farm outside of the town Klaksvík on Borðoy Island. Moreover, the tour even comes with tasting!

Fermented Food

There is a long tradition of fermenting food in the Faroe Islands. This all comes back to the fact that salt was very difficult to get when being so far away from nearby countries.

Salt had to be sailed to the island group and with only few annual ships arriving, the islanders found their own ways to preserve the food. Fermentation has therefor been and is still and important part of the food culture.

There are two main species which the locals use for fermentation. These are sheep and fish.

Restaurants in the Faroe Islands

Food in the Faroe Islands is deeply authentic. The local gastronomic scene will give you a very good window into the local food. There are some really great dining experiences. Here you have our top restaurant picks:

• Katrina Christiansen
• Húsagarður
• Hallartún
• Fiskastykkið

There are also other great restaurants in the Faroe Islands. These restaurants are all located in Tórshavn except Fiskastykkið, which sits in beautiful surroundings in Sandavágur on Vágar Island.

Alternatively, you can also try the Heimablídni concept where private people invite travellers into their homes to taste the Faroe Islands. Take a look at this Supper Club in the village Toftir on Eysturoy Island where a local couple serve Faroese produce. There are dinner options on several of the eighteen islands.

Nordic Cuisine Tradition

The Faroe Islands are part of the Nordic Cuisine tradition with a very distinct personality. Walk in small villages and even in the capital and you will see fish hanging from eaves. This is done to kickstart the fermentation process which is at the core of what traditional food in the archipelago is all about.

People in the Faroe Islands are known for drying their food and fermenting both fish and meat. The taste (and smell!) of ræst that you get will challenge most foodies. It is definitely something else.

Planning to taste skerpikjøt and other delicacies part of the Faroe Islands food culture? Start out by checking what would be the best time to visit the Faroe Islands for you.

Then browse the largest selection of tours and activities in the Faroe Islands. Many of these activities include tasting samples of food which you will find nowhere else.