Roskilde, Denmark
What did Vikings eat? It seems odd to ask that question, but the Vikings were much more well-traveled than other civilizations of 1000 years ago. We know the Vikings were probably the first Europeans to reach the Americas, arriving hundreds of years before the Spanish and Portuguese. We also know that the Vikings went pretty far east, as they had trade routes deep into present-day Russia and Turkey. The good thing is, the Café Knarr at the Viking Ship Museum gives you the opportunity to experience those tastes yourself.
For 199 Danish Krone, I was able to order the Vikingeplanke or Viking Plank. The Viking Plank included familiar Viking flavors with a modern twist. My menu included smoked halibut, Nordic hummus (made with green peas), braised pork, ham, cabbage salad, Nordic cheese, berry compote, homemade bread, and butter. No ingredients came from the New World, Africa, or Eastern Asia.
The meal was great, and I enjoyed it thoroughly with a glass of mead, as honey wine was a favorite of the Vikings. The meal is also very memorable, as I felt a deeper connection to the tastes of long ago.
Splurge when you are traveling to eat a memorable meal. I could have just gotten a sandwich and some chips. How many times in your life can you say, “I ate a meal fit for a Viking?” Take advantage of all of your senses when you are traveling and for this stop, I was glad that I could indulge in my tastes.