Being isolated in the Summerset Isles has allowed the Altmer to perfect their own cuisine without much interference from the outside races. When they do open their shores to the other races, they will embrace their culinary contributions. The Altmer have strict rules when it comes to table manners and deportment[1] with several details and rules about how to behave at the dinner table. Some of these rules include refilling the glass of the diner to your left and never refilling your own, never resting utensils on the edge of any vessel, not eating more than the most prestigious attendee at any function, always allowing the head of your table to lead the discussion, never watching another while they chew, and never using the wrong utensil as it is considered barbaric. It is better to watch and follow the example of the other guests than to make such a mistake.[2] Altmer royalty may eat with up to fourteen different forks during a meal.[3]
More of a status symbol than a typical sweet, drinking the honey of the Isgareth Bee is said to grant "limited immortality." One must continually drink this honey to maintain their supposed immortality. This reputation led to the honey commanding a high price and entire hives were destroyed to supply the demand which possibly led to the bee's extinction. However, rumors persist that Altmer royalty maintains their own private hives.[12]
Old Aldmeri Orphan Gruel
Porridge that is traditionally served during the New Life Festival. Surprisingly tasty, it's made with barley, roses, and pumpkins.[13]
Summerset Rainbow Pie
A pie with filling made from game, bananas, beets, and frost mirriam.[14]
The Altmer take special care to even such a simple drink as their coffee, clarifying it with isinglass before adding comberries for flavor.[17]
Cloudrest Golden Ale
A Golden Altmer ale produced from fermented yeast and lotus flowers. It is named after the city of Cloudrest.[18]
Crystal Tower Whiskey
A rye whiskey clarified with isinglass, named for the Crystal Tower.[19]
Fiorallian Muskwine
Fiorallian Muskwine is an alcoholic beverage described as foul spirit fermented with a mixture of fine Elven fruit and corrupting magics. It allegedly has the potential to spread plague and is favored by Ogrim and Harvesters.[20]
The meat of gryphons is said to taste like a cross between a goose and a cat.[32]
Indrik Heart
Indrik Hearts are a delicacy, sometimes eaten through ritual consumption by Summerset's nobility.[33] It is believed that eating them forestalls aging.[34]