Food at its simplest is a form of sustenance, but really, it’s a gateway to understanding the soul of a place and its people. It is a universal expression of identity, creativity and resilience; a tangible way to understand the culture, history, and people of any destination.
Today’s diners seek immersive, authentic experiences that transcend conventional dining. And that goes beyond home soil. OROKO Travel, Ireland’s leading luxury travel experts have shared the undeniable trend in holiday patterns, where holidaymakers are not only looking to incorporate culinary experiences into their itinerary but to make it an integral part of the holiday.
The OROKO team’s in-depth knowledge and firsthand expertise open the door to extraordinary culinary holidays. Among the stand-out food destinations trending this year are Norway, Finland and Sweden, countries celebrated for their rich culinary heritage and flair for innovation.

Dining with a View in Swedish Lapland
On luxury holidays to Lapland, extraordinary culinary experiences go hand in hand with the wonder of the Northern Lights. Becky shares, “Dining is a big thing in Swedish Lapland, and we ensure we introduce our guests to it in a wonderful, experiential way. For example, our wilderness dinner experience in Swedish Lapland is truly unique. You dine in a Sámi Lavvu out in the night sky and sample some really amazing fresh, local food. Dishes include local fish like Arctic char and Swedish black caviar (Kalix Löjrom), and unique delicacies like cloudberry panna cotta. They also have fantastic local bread and preserves; it’s all about celebrating organic produce made locally.”

For those eager to delve deeper into Nordic traditions, an authentic Winter Skills excursion offers the perfect blend of adventure and gastronomy. Wrapped in warm outdoor attire, embark on a guided snowshoeing expedition through the forests. Along the way, learn essential Arctic survival skills—mastering the art of snowshoeing, building a fire in the snow, and brewing tea and coffee over an open flame. As the adventure unfolds, settle onto soft reindeer pelts around a roaring fire, and be treated to a traditional Sámi meal.

Experience the heart of Norwegian cuisine
Norway’s cuisine is deeply rooted in a reliance on nature’s provisions, a necessity shaped by the region’s harsh climate and limited growing seasons. Seasonal changes also play a key role, with light, fresh flavours from the forest in summer giving way to the rich, bold tastes of preserved goods in winter. With long winters and short growing seasons, preservation techniques like curing, smoking and pickling became essential to survival, leading to iconic Nordic specialities such as smoked salmon and pickled herring.
Becky recommends OROKO partner property, Lyngen Lodge for foodies. A family-owned property on the shores of Lyngen Fjord, it offers outstanding wellness and dining experiences. The lodge’s passionate chefs use only the freshest, local ingredients, foraging for herbs and mushrooms to give guests an enhanced Arctic dining experience.
Norway’s cider farms are another way to experience the country’s natural bounty says Conor Magee, Senior Travel Specialist at OROKO. “Every May, the orchards burst into bloom and by autumn, the world-famous Norwegian apples are hand-harvested and transformed into exceptional ciders and apple juices. We can arrange guided tours of these cider farms, including a cider tasting and seasonal lunch.

Nature on your plate: Living off the land in Finnish Lakeland
In Finland, nature is so close you can taste it. On a tailored holiday to Finnish Lakeland, discover the forest as both pantry and muse, gathering bilberries, lingonberries and edible mushrooms with reverence. Learn to craft traditional rye bread, as dark as Finland’s northern soil, and savour the smokiness of alder-cured salmon—a flavour that echoes the country’s lakes and quiet hearths. For a hands-on connection to nature, take part in wild herb workshops or bespoke tea-making sessions, blending foraged ingredients into herbal teas and homemade delicacies.
In Finnish Lakeland, dining also reaches new heights at OROKO partner properties like Kuru Resort, where gourmet lakeside dinners and six-course tasting menus showcase the finest local, seasonal and sustainable produce.
Scandinavian cities at their culinary best
Scandinavian cities like Oslo and Stockholm are brimming with vibrant food markets that showcase the region’s inventive spirit. At Mathallen, Oslo’s bustling indoor market, you can sample fresh seafood, local meats and artisanal treats. These markets aren’t just places to eat—they’re cultural hubs, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culinary traditions of the region. Scandinavia’s cities have also become playgrounds for some of the world’s most innovative chefs, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques to create unforgettable Michelin-starred dining experiences.

The beauty of OROKO Travel tailoring your luxury holiday is that you don’t need to search for these culinary experiences yourself or spend countless hours researching the finest restaurants and gastronomy tours. Expertly curated recommendations are available through a personalised app, and privately guided experiences and seasonal dining moments can be tailored within your itinerary.
Talk to the OROKO team on 01 2600 240 or email info@orokotravel.ie to start planning your luxury holiday. For more inspiration, browse the OROKO Travel Holiday Brochure Collection.