What the heck is kummelweck? This food has a cult following on Royal Caribbean cruises
Royal Caribbean fans love the cruise line for its huge ships filled with over-the-top attractions and shows, but did you know they also rave about a humble sandwich?
It isn't new, but the Royal Kummelweck beef sandwich has become such a staple on Royal Caribbean cruises that it's a hot topic of conversation across YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. Many passengers look forward to enjoying one so much that it's one of the first things they eat on embarkation day.
Royal Caribbean introduced the sandwich in 2009 when the line's groundbreaking Oasis Class debuted with Oasis of the Seas. Fifteen years and several ships later, this freshly made finger food is now available fleetwide and continues to be a traveler favorite.
Here's all you need to know about this delicacy that's anything but delicate.
What is the Royal Kummelweck on Royal Caribbean cruises?
The Royal Kummelweck is Royal Caribbean's take on the beef on weck sandwich. Readers familiar with the Buffalo area of New York know that it stands for beef on a kummelweck roll.
"The word is a long one, and it's not an easy one," said Fritz Halbedl, a food and beverage quality assurance consultant for Royal Caribbean, in a YouTube video produced by the line to highlight the sandwich. "'Kummel' is standing for caraway, and 'weck' is the roll. It's a combination between a European and an American roll, meaning spongy inside and crusty outside."
What is the Royal Kummelweck recipe?
The Royal kummelweck recipe starts with rolls that are sprinkled on top with caraway seeds and salt. Inside are slices of thinly sliced beef, usually on the rare side, topped with jus and a choice of horseradish, mustard or both. (I went with both and didn't regret it one bit.) When the ingredients are combined, the flavor is wonderful.
Royal Caribbean specifically uses New York strip loin, which chefs rub with a signature (and secret) Royal Caribbean spice mix, as well as rosemary and thyme. Then, the beef cooks in special ovens for 12 to 14 hours at 250 degrees before appearing at carving stations.
I recently tried the sandwich for the first time when I was on board Utopia of the Seas and found myself in need of a quick lunch. I'm not generally a huge fan of red meat, but I loaded it up with all the sauces and found the experience deliciously flavorful and delightfully messy.
A chef at the ship's Park Cafe, found in the leafy Central Park area on Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, told me he estimates he serves about 100 sandwiches per day. After the experience I had, I'm surprised it's not a higher number.
How much does the Royal Kummelweck sandwich cost?
The Royal Kummelweck sandwich is free on Royal Caribbean ships — so eat up!
Where can you find the Royal Kummelweck?
This Royal Caribbean version of beef on weck is available at the Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships and at Cafe @ Two70 on Quantum Class vessels.
Find out more about Royal Caribbean:
- The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises
- Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes explained
- Royal Caribbean cruise ships by size
- Royal Caribbean cruise ships by age
- All you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites
- Royal Caribbean food
- Royal Caribbean drink packages
- Where you can cruise with Royal Caribbean
- How to find the best Royal Caribbean ship for you
- Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
- How to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise
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