This video tells you about the Christmas buffet 2021 in Viking Line ships. The Christmas Buffet was served for the first time this year last week on November 18 2021 on the M / S Gabriella ship, where the video was filmed. Viking Line’s Christmas menu, which relies heavily on traditional Finnish and Swedish foods, included also stunning vegetarian and vegan dishes. Check my video –
*pr-trip with Viking Line
Video duration 3:48
Viking Line 2021 Christmas Buffet
Viking Line, renowned for its impeccable service and attention to culinary detail, offers a daily route connecting Helsinki and Stockholm. In 2021, their Christmas buffet showcases an exquisite blend of traditional Finnish and Swedish Christmas delicacies, capturing the essence of the festive season from both countries. The buffet featured an array of starters including classic ham, various fish dishes, and a selection of laatikkoruoka (Finnish casserole dishes) and Janssoninkiusaus (Jansson’s Temptation, a traditional Swedish casserole).
The 2021 Christmas buffet stood out for its impressive array of vegetarian options and side dishes, thoughtfully seasoned to echo the warmth of the holiday season. In a commendable effort to minimize food waste, these delightful culinary creations were served in small, environmentally friendly portions, beautifully presented in charming wooden boats and elegant glass cups. I was especially pleased with the vegetarian dishes and the side dishes which were seasoned for Christmas.
A notable aspect of Viking Line’s 2021 Christmas buffet was its responsiveness to passenger preferences. Innovative additions like glazed tofu and dishes infused with ginger and star anise were introduced, catering to diverse palates. Adventurous diners had the opportunity to indulge in unique flavors such as rosehip-pepper herring or ginsilla – a dish enhanced with juniper berries and rosemary.
Janne Lindholm, the mastermind behind Viking Line’s Christmas buffet, highlighted the collaborative effort in curating the menu. Contributions from the ship’s chefs and the longstanding partnership with the Swedish national chef team played a pivotal role in crafting an authentic and varied Christmas table. Lindholm noted the subtle differences in Christmas food traditions between Finland and Sweden, with Swedes favoring dishes like Jansson’s Temptation, roast ribs, and meatballs, whereas Finns have a particular affinity for various casseroles.
Sustainability and local sourcing are at the heart of Viking Line’s culinary philosophy. The Christmas buffet primarily featured ingredients sourced from Finland and its neighboring regions including Sweden, Estonia, and Northern Europe. The commitment to local sourcing is evident in their choice of Swedish hams, Finnish dairy products, and salmon sourced from Sweden or Norway based on availability. Lindholm emphasized the challenge of balancing large-scale supply without compromising on quality, a testament to Viking Line’s dedication to excellence.
The presentation of the food was meticulously planned, with smaller portion sizes being a strategic move to reduce food waste. About one-fifth of the dishes were served in ready-made portions, creatively arranged in tiny wooden boats, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and hygiene standards.
The buffet also catered to younger guests with a selection of kid-friendly options like french fries, nuggets, and chicken legs from Ville Viking’s table, while the Christmas tree candy shelf offered a delightful array of loose candies, arguably overshadowing the traditional dessert offerings.
Viking Line’s Christmas buffet was a harmonious fusion of Finnish flavors with a Swedish twist, available on all Viking Line ships starting from November 18th, 2021. The buffet restaurant on board the M/S Gabriella was especially noteworthy for its enchanting ambience, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of Christmas. This culinary experience aboard Viking Line was not just a meal but a celebration of Nordic Christmas traditions, leaving passengers with lasting memories of a festive journey between two vibrant capitals.
You can read this post also in Finnish in the INDIVUE blog in Finnish!
By subscribing to my YouTube channel, you will also get to see e.g. what Silja Line’s Christmas buffet will look like this year! Follow me also in social media –
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