While there are no foods or dishes exclusively associated with the Asatru faith, there are particular eating habits which have become a sort of custom among Asatruar. In general "Asatru food" is quite simply any cuisine that is consumed during an Asatru gathering, be it formal blot or informal social event. Different Asatru kindreds maintain different dietary norms and standards depending upon how traditional or modern they are. There are no universally accepted rules in regards to cuisine in the Asatru faith. For instance, more modern and or liberal Asatru kindreds have no standards or rules for cuisine at gatherings (formal or otherwise) whatsoever. Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food…it's all welcome at these gatherings.
Also of note are the ethnic and national differences between Germanic peoples which are reflected in the particular cuisine of these unique groups. Scandinavian cuisine is quite different from Austrian cuisine for example. There are the culinary traditions associated with the Days of Remembrance, which vary depending upon the ethnic and national origin of the person being remembered, which we shall examine in detail in the last portion of this article concerning seasonal and holiday cuisine.
Also of note is the presence of vegetarian and vegans in Asatru kindreds. A vegan or vegetarian diet should not be necessarily associated with liberal ("universalists") kindreds, as it's a fact that there are vegans and vegetarians present in the traditionalist and folkish kindreds as well The traditionalist and folkish kindreds insist upon cuisine of European origin being served at gatherings. How strict these culinary rules are depends upon the specific kindred. For instance, some traditionalist or folkish kindreds insist upon exclusively Germanic/ Nordic cuisine at all gatherings, formal or otherwise. Other traditionalist or folkish kindreds allow all European cuisine.
The food at Asatru gatherings is shared freely and equally by all attendees. There is no special food exclusively reserved for the Gothi or Gydthja. All food is shared. The standard is the " pot luck" tradition, where each family, couple or individual prepares one or more dishes at home, and then brings it to the gathering to be shared freely amongst the kindred members. The dishes are presented in a buffet table style, where members form a line and serve themselves one by one, though at some gatherings meat or other foods may be fire roasted or grilled right there at the location. To a large extent the specific food served depends upon the region where the gathering is held. For instance, each region has different culinary customs and norms. Each country and U.S. state has its own unique cuisine, and these are served at Asatru gatherings that take place in these regions.
Bjorn Stewart
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