Read
Vol 26 Now
Where To Stay
View All Issues
Life & Arts
Food & Drink
Experiences
Inspiration
Middle East & Africa
Central & South America
Caribbean
Asia & Pacific
Europe
North America
Top Destinations
Destinations
Where To Stay
View All Issues
Life & Arts
Food & Drink
Experiences
Inspiration
Central & South America
Caribbean
Asia & Pacific
Europe
North America
Top Destinations
Destinations
More Inspiration
A collection of tinned fish from around Europe with vintage packaging. Image credit: Alvaro German Vilela/Shutterstock
Similarly to their Portuguese neighbors, the Spanish also have a deep respect for tinned fish. However, while Portugal prefers their tinned fish in simpler forms, Spain favors spicier flavors and sauces, like tomato purees or escabeche, a spiced, vinegar marinade. You may also find a larger variety of popular canned seafood in Spain, including octopus, squid, and mussels.
Quimet & Quimet in Barcelona serves up delicious tapas specializing in preserves. Here, you can find a wide variety of conservas and delicious wines to match. At Entre Latas, also in Barcelona, you can participate in a specially curated tinned fish tasting. In Madrid, La Buena Conserva is an exceptional place to explore Spain’s tinned fish selection. For a more immersive experience, travel to the Basque region, where you will discover the Cantabrian Sea’s role in the industry. If you’re traveling in July, you may even be there to celebrate Día de la Sardina (Sardine Day) in Santurtzi.
Spain
The East Coast of the United States is a more recent champion of the tinned fish industry. However, nurtured by the sprawling Atlantic coast and receptive local seafood lovers, it gained esteem rapidly. Historically, the area was a hotspot for sardine canneries, but most large-scale endeavors have since been shut down. Today, the trade is being revived by small companies with big ideas: Island Creek and Gulf of Maine Conservas, for example. While many brands source and can their own products, several also partner with international canneries, bringing a touch of traditional flair to North America.
Restaurants such as Saltie Girl and Haley Henry in Boston, Massachusetts and The Shop by Island Creek Oysters in Portland, Maine have helped further spearhead the obsession in North America. Here, you can customize your own tinned fish board and enjoy with a bottle of crisp white wine: it’s basically the new charcuterie.
East Coast, United States
A small fishing village on the coast of Sweden. Image credit: Mariusz Hynek/Shutterstock
If you are looking to put your tinned fish obsession to the test, book a trip to Sweden. This Scandinavian country is the birthplace of surströmming, canned fermented Baltic sea herring and one of the worst smelling foods in the world. The best place to try this fare is along the High Coast, in small fishing villages such as Skeppsmalen, but select restaurants in big cities like Stockholm may offer it depending on the season. Due to the specific procedure in which the can needs to be opened, it’s best to have this delicacy served to you.
Despite the questionable smell, those who love surströmming are incredibly passionate about it, hosting surströmmingsskivas, dinner parties that are held specifically to feast on surströmming with friends and family. There is even an annual festival in Alfta that celebrates the dish.
For a less daunting tinned fish excursion, several other countries also boast a thriving industry. Nordic food culture has a strong appreciation for nature and sustainability, which is reflected in companies like Fangst, based in Copenhagen. Incorporating local flavors and ingredients, such as smoking fish in chamomile, juniper, or thyme, Fangst emphasizes their traditional roots through delicious cuisine. Try Nordic-style tapas, which pair various tinned seafood with gourmet mayonnaises and mustards, pickled onions, and rye crispbread.
Nordic Region
Japan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tinned fish. But considering Japanese culture is known for its meticulous care and quality, it really is no surprise that they hold a spot in the vanguard of an industry that values both those things. Japanese tinned fish combines traditional practices with authentic flavors. Imagine: Miso mackerel, soy sauce saury, and teriyaki yellowtail.
Beyond the wide selection of umami flavors, you will also find a huge variety of seafood. Other than your basic sardines, tuna, and salmon, the Japanese tinned fish scene also produces delicacies like canned unagi (eel), uni (sea urchin), and even luxury king crab meat (for the price of $82 per can). While Japan doesn’t have the same specialized stores that Spain or Portugal has, you can find brands like Takagi Shoten at most Japanese markets.
Japan
The beautiful interior of a tinned fish store in Lisbon, Portugal. Image credit: Radiokafka/Shutterstock
Portugal is a top destination for any seafood lover, but especially those who appreciate the simplicity of high-quality tinned fish. While you can find several variations in flavors and ingredients, the Portuguese tend to favor the rudimentary: the freshest of fish doused in the purest of olive oils. Uncomplicated, yet delicious and often enjoyed straight from the can.
At restaurants in Lisbon such as Can the Can, Sol e Pesca, and Miss Can, you can experience this firsthand. Savor local tinned fish, thoughtfully served to showcase its quality and complemented with carefully selected wines. For even greater selections, visit Conserveira de Lisboa or Loja de Conservas (located in both Lisbon and Porto), where you will find rows of eye-catching labels and artisanal brands.
portugal
Explore five destinations that don't just produce exceptional tinned fish, but celebrate it
A new food trend has been gracing the internet, and it may come as a surprise to you: Tinned fish. This unassuming food product recently gained a new, young fanbase, and, in an interesting turn of events, has officially reached the status of “trendy.” From back-of-the-pantry staple to modern-day delicacy, the younger demographic’s eyes have been opened to the wide range of possibilities the tinned fish world can offer beyond tuna.
Boutique brands such as woman-owned Fish Wife and Portuguese favorite Jose Gourmet have fused high quality seafood with elevated flavors and aesthetic packaging to help reimagine an industry that was once seen as a modest trade. An emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices and health benefits has also helped in snaring the attention of young connoisseurs. Today, you can even find restaurants that serve preserved fish straight from the tin alongside gourmet accoutrements such as salts, jams, breads, and pickled vegetables.
What many of these newly anointed fish fanatics don’t know is that several cultures have been on the forefront of the tinned fish industry for centuries. From conservas in Spain and Portugal to surströmming in Sweden, there is a surprisingly rich, and delicious, history behind this unexpected delicacy. If you too have fallen headfirst into the world of tinned fish, these destinations will surely solidify your obsession. And if you haven’t, maybe a visit is just what you need to be convinced.
Rows of colorfully packaged tinned fish in Portugal. Image credit: Elinena/Shutterstock
October 2025
By Lyla Madison
All the Cool Kids Are Eating Tinned Fish
Food & Drink
Travelers
Best Rate Guarantee
About Us
Philanthropy
Careers
Global Directory
American Destinations
International Destinations
Destinations
Partners & Press
Preferred Meetings & Events
Press Center
Travel Partners
Travel Professionals
Become a Member Hotel
Become an Alliance Partner
PreferredNet
Offers
Discover Offers
I Prefer Gift Cards
* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.
Copyright © 2025 Preferred Travel Group
SM
Download the App
#ThePreferredLife
Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation
1 (866) 990-9491
International Phone Lines
It is no surprise that the tinned fish industry is filled with such passion and creativity. With deep cultural roots, impressive versatility, and a focus on sustainability and nutrition, the opportunities are endless for this pantry staple. Clearly, there’s a reason why this product is so celebrated in certain places; it only makes sense that it’s gaining the global recognition it deserves today.
A tinned fish platter with various accoutrements. Image credit: Stucchiot/Shutterstock
Read More
The Passion Behind Paella
Here’s why you should book a Paella cooking class in Spain
Food & Drink
Discover the delicious and diverse tastes of India
Curried Flavor
Food & Drink
Read More
Book a gourmet getaway to the Danish capital
Where to Eat in Copenhagen
Food & Drink
Read More
A Day Trip to Nazaré
Take a day trip to this idyllic town on the coast of Portugal
Destination: Portugal
Read More