Eating the World's Best King Crab in Kirkenes, Norway

King Crab Safari in Kirkenes

• 🦀 Norwegian king crab, sourced directly from the Barents Sea, is presented as potentially the best crab in the world.
• 🎣 The experience begins with a thrilling boat ride on the Barents Sea, where the host and guide, Dirk, attempt to catch fish.
• 🎣 A codfish is successfully caught, destined for a later meal.
• 🌊 The main event is the King Crab Safari, where crabs are pulled directly from the sea using pots.
• 📏 Dirk explains how to identify a male king crab by its size (over 13 cm from back to front) and a triangular shape underneath, while females with semicircles are released.
• 🩸 The name "king crab" originates from their blue blood, which turns blue when it hits ice or snow, a characteristic associated with royalty.
• 🌍 Originally from Russia, these crabs are also known as "Kamchatka crab" in Russia and "Alaska king crab" in Alaska.
• 🔪 The chef demonstrates how to prepare the crab by removing the gills and focusing on the edible parts: the shoulder, legs, and claws.

Tasting the Fresh King Crab

• ♨️ The crabs are boiled in a shallow pot with fresh water and sea salt, a process that takes approximately 17 minutes.
• 🍽️ The tasting takes place in a cozy, old fishing cabin, highlighting the rustic and authentic setting.
• 🦀 The host meticulously demonstrates how to open the crab legs and claws using scissors and a special tool, emphasizing how to avoid the "chewing gum" strings.
• 🌟 The first taste of the king crab leg is described as unbelievably good, with remarkable sweetness, texture, silkiness, and stringiness.
• 🤯 The host expresses disbelief at the quality, calling it "crab paradise" and a "life-changing crab experience."
• 🥢 A special Norwegian way of eating crab is showcased: a piece of white bread with butter, crab meat, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of lemon, creating a "Norwegian crab roll."
• 💯 The combination is found to be delicious, enhancing the crab's natural flavor without overpowering it.

Fresh Cod Meal at Snowhotel Kirkenes

• 🏨 After the crab experience, the group returns to Snowhotel Kirkenes for a meal featuring the cod caught earlier.
• 🐟 The first dish is a codfish ceviche, described as refreshing with a touch of acidity and fresh vegetables.
• 🍲 The main course is pan-seared codfish, served with carrots, bacon, and vegetables, representing local Norwegian cuisine.
• 😋 The cod is praised for its firm, spongy, and stringy texture, described as hearty and meaty, melting in the mouth.
• 🥕 The carrot puree is noted as a perfect accompaniment, adding flavor, contrast, texture, and harmony to the dish.
• 👍 The meal is concluded with a sense of satisfaction, highlighting the incredibly fresh and local ingredients.