Trigger Warning:
Pictures of whale meat & sheep legs!
Probably one of the most controversial questions that I’ve been asked about our travels is: do people in the Faroe Islands eat whale? The answer is YES!
In the Faroe Islands, there’s a long-standing tradition called “grindadráp” (aka “the grind”) where the Faroese hunt and eat pilot whales. It’s not some big commercial operation – it’s all about living off the land (or in this case, the sea) because, let’s be real, the Faroes aren’t exactly overflowing with resources. Whale meat and blubber have been staples for centuries in this remote part of the world!
If you’ve seen any pics or vids from the Faroes, you’ll know the place is pretty rugged—no trees, just shrubs and rocks as far as the eye can see. Farming? Not easy. Most locals stick to growing potatoes or raising sheep for skerpikjøt (pronounced shesh-pa-churt), which is basically lamb or mutton that’s been wind-dried. Super tasty!
Back to the whales!
Back in the day, the Faroese really depended on whale meat and blubber to get by. It gave them the protein and fat they needed in a place where farming isn’t exactly easy thanks to the brutal climate. The whale hunt isn’t just about survival though, it’s a deep-rooted part of Faroese culture. Entire villages come together for the grind, and it’s been a tradition passed down for generations.
They also do it sustainably! The grind doesn’t threaten the whale population, and the meat is a local, low-carbon alternative to the stuff that gets shipped in from overseas.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. While we were in the Faroes, there was actually a call for a grind! Even crazier? A family friend was part of the hunt, so we got to see the whole process of collecting the whale meat up close. Pretty wild, right?
Is It Ethical?
That’s a hot topic and really depends on how you see things. Personally, I think it is, and here’s why:
- The grind is all about food, not profit.
- Nothing goes to waste—every part of the whale is used.
- The number of whales hunted each year is regulated, so it’s not endangering the species.
After the hunt, the meat and blubber are shared among the participants and the local community. It’s a super fair system, too—everyone who’s involved, whether they’re in the thick of it or supporting from the side-lines, gets a share. Families and neighbours all benefit, making it a community effort through and through.
Historically, the way they distributed whale meat ensured that everyone in the village (especially the elderly and those struggling) got their fair share. That sense of community is still alive and well today.
One thing that sets the Faroese whale hunt apart is that the meat and blubber aren’t sold or traded for profit. In fact, it’s illegal to make money from whale products. Everything is shared freely among the Faroese, keeping the focus on subsistence rather than turning it into a business.
The Faroese also make sure nothing goes to waste. The blubber is eaten fresh or preserved for later, and in the past, they even used parts like the bones and organs for different purposes.
So, What Does Whale Taste Like?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but cooked whale meat looks like a black steak. Yep, it’s black. And let me tell you—it’s delicious! It’s not fishy at all, more like a rich, gamey steak. Ours was baked with onions and potatoes, and it was seriously tasty!
