Silja Line’s Baltic Christmas buffet was served for the first time, after a two-year corona break, at Silja Serenade’s Grande Buffet restaurant on 18th of November 2021. I had the pleasure of being involved in the filming of the event, and my video below will tell you more about Silja’s Christmas treats this year!
*pr-trip blog collaboration with Silja Line
Video Duration 3:15
Silja Line’s Baltic Christmas buffet 2021
Silja Line, a renowned Nordic cruise operator, has once again outdone itself with its 2021 Baltic Christmas buffet, a culinary celebration that epitomizes the essence of the festive season in the region. Anti Lepik, the head chef of Silja Line, has been instrumental in curating a menu that brings together a diverse range of Christmas delicacies, catering to an array of dietary preferences and cultural tastes. This year’s buffet is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to Silja Line’s commitment to local sourcing and sustainability.
The buffet proudly features an assortment of dishes that represent the rich culinary traditions of Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and the broader Baltic region. One of the highlights is the inclusion of responsibly sourced local produce, such as the herring from Finnish fisherman Vento Aalto and pike from Estonia’s Lake Peipsi. These selections not only underscore Silja Line’s dedication to supporting local communities but also offer guests a taste of authentic Baltic flavors.
In keeping with traditional Swedish Christmas fare, the buffet includes classic dishes such as the Swedish Christmas sausage and the much-loved Swedish Christmas ham. These items are a nod to Sweden’s rich festive culinary heritage and are sure to delight guests looking for a taste of traditional Swedish Yuletide.
I can not comment on the sausage or the ham from Silja’s buffet myself, because they are not part of my diet, and I haven’t learned to eat herring either, but for those who avoid read and white meat like me, there was also something to eat at Siljan Line’s Christmas buffet. Even completely vegan alternatives were found, such as Porkkala and vegan Christmas sausage, creamy coconut turmeric soup, Waldorf salad and chocolate raw cake.
Finnish Christmas traditions are also well-represented in the buffet. The Finnish Christmas ham, a staple in any Finnish Joulu celebration, takes center stage alongside other Finnish favorites like marinated herring, sweet potato box, and the unique conecake, a delicacy that many Finns are said to cherish as part of their Christmas festivities. My personal experience with the conecake at Silja Line’s buffet was a delightful revelation, marking my first encounter with this traditional Finnish treat and making this Christmas meal truly memorable.
The buffet also caters to those with specific dietary requirements, including vegans and individuals who avoid red and white meat. Vegan options such as Porkkala, a plant-based alternative to traditional Finnish fish dishes, vegan Christmas sausage, creamy coconut turmeric soup, Waldorf salad, and a delectable chocolate raw cake, ensure that all guests can enjoy the festive spirit regardless of their dietary preferences.
Further broadening the culinary horizons, the buffet includes Estonian Christmas specialties like pork aladob, blood sausage, classic sauerkraut, and a cinnamon dessert with vanilla sauce. Russian Christmas dishes are also featured, offering an array of choices like salmon schoolbiac, shuba, wild mushroom salad, and Russian cucumbers.
Silja Line’s Baltic Christmas buffet is not just a dining experience; it’s a cultural journey that brings together the best of the Baltic region’s Christmas traditions. Available until Christmas Day, 25th December 2021, on the Helsinki-Stockholm route aboard the Silja Serenade, the buffet is priced at €42/€45, depending on whether the meal is paid for in advance or on the spot. On other Silja routes, the Christmas buffet is offered at a slightly lower price, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Silja Line’s Baltic Christmas buffet is a remarkable culinary venture that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the season, offering a diverse and inclusive range of dishes that celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage of the Baltic Sea region.
Check also my other stories of Silja restaurants like Bon Vivant and Sushi & Co!
See my video of the DeLuxe cabin in Silja Serenade.
You can read this post originally in Finnish here.
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