We were so busy exploring in our arctic gear that my normal zeal for tastebud travelling was a little subdued – our itinerary is normally heavily influenced by a desire to try everything that country is famous (and infamous for) with thoroughly researched restaurants and supermarket sweeps. This time, not so much due to time restraints and a rather awesome hotel deal.

(As an aside, what is it that’s so fascinating about other countries’ Supermarkets? Everywhere we travel much to the Mister’s impatience I like to spend half an hour browsing the shelves I’ll never need, looking at food I’ll never buy…)  

We began each day with a delectable buffet in our hotel; cold salads, hot English breakfast food, continental pastries and Ryvita. I don’t quote know why, but for some bizarre reason it just tasted better closer to the North Pole. Loaded with a touch of coleslaw, salmon and beetroot or ham and pickles, it’s a perfect morning fuel accompanied with coffee and apple juice. Move along, ignore the cheeky brie, nothing to see here folks….

Norway was a touch different for a few reasons – one of them being cost. Luckily our hotel included breakfast, an afternoon snack and an evening ‘supper’ which meant that we were fairly sorted. We did dip our toe in the Norwegian food scene slightly though…

Rich and very moreish reindeer jerky…

On the run hotdogs…

Fresh made piping hot waffles drowned in strawberry jam & brown cheese, a Norwegian specialty…

Lingonberry jam…

And Northern-Light-spotting-open-fire-hotdogs. Oh, and Jaffa cakes, vegetable soup, cheese sandwiches and a tot of whiskey – all of the Aurora food group. Absolutely essential!

There was much so we didn’t get to try (though we did pop out for a pretty darn good dinner Pizza with Van) and the next day enjoyed a coffee with a rather majestic view…