Scandinavian countries such as Sweden are very popular with their gastronomic offerings, especially those that have fish as the main ingredient. In fact, there are a lot of dishes that Sweden has to offer, aside from the traditional Swedish meatballs which you can buy at your nearest Ikea store. Each of them offers a diverse yet unique flavor that is perfect for anyone of different tastes and preferences. Let’s discover what Sweden has to offer when it comes to their traditional foods and dishes, one tasty meal at a time. Here’s a list of the must-try traditional food in Sweden.
1. Knäckebröd or crisp bread
It may have been considered as the poor man’s food before, but the Knäckebröd or the crisp bread played a significant part in the rich Swedish history for 500 years and counting. It is now usually served as a side, together with the main course dish. It can be topped with your usual ham and cheese. However, locals prefer eating it with tasty caviar. It is also one of the options being served for breakfast.
Green Rabbit
Address: Tegnérgatan 17, 111 40 Stockholm
Price: SEK 70 (USD 7)
Website: Green Rabbit
2. Chives and sour cream
Chives and sour cream is one of the most popular dish that is usually served in Swedish celebrations. You can definitely have a taste of it, especially during midsummer to holiday festivities. The dish is usually served with potatoes or fish like salmon or herring as part of their traditional lunch. One of the best Chives and Sour Cream dish is the Surstromming, or herring with chives and sour cream.
Röda Ulven
Address: AB Gösta Hannells Fish salmon, Skagshamn 139, 891 96 ARNÄSVALL
Price: SEK 105 (USD 11)
Website: Röda Ulven
3. Jansson's Temptation
Named after the Swedish opera singer Pelle Janzon, Jansson’s Temptation is one of Sweden’s most traditional Christmas dishes. Its main ingredients include potatoes and anchovies. It is perfect to be served all year round. However, the Swedes like to serve it on their tables during the yuletide season.
Spisa hos Helena
Address: 18 Scheelegatan, Stockholm 112 28, Sweden
Price: SEK 36 (USD 4)
Website: Spisa hos Helena
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4. Crayfish August
Swedes are fond of eating shellfish and crayfish every month of August. Crayfishes were, in fact, the hit among the upper-class of Sweden in the 1500s. Today, they are very popular among all. It is regarded as one of the most special dishes as it is served with lobster as a main course at a seafood party.
The Crayfish Inn
Address: Roslagsvägen 101, Hus 9, 114 19 Stockholm, Sweden
Price: SEK 400 per kilo (USD 44)
Website: The Crayfish Inn
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5. Gubbröra
Seafood definitely is the star of every Swedish culinary dish out there, and this dish is no exception. Gubbröra, or the egg-anchovy salad, is one of the favorites in Sweden. It is usually served with a slice of bread and is served during festivities. It is also perfect as a starter, an appetizer or even as a snack. It may be a bit peculiar for some, but it is definitely every Swede’s favorite.
Pelikan
Address: Blekingegatan 40, Stockholm 116 62, Sweden
Price: SEK 100 (USD 11)
Website: Pelikan
6. Raggmunk with lingonberries
Raggmunk is probably every Swede’s favorite during the winter, but it can also be enjoyed at any time of the year. Swede’s prefer using potatoes that are not recently harvested, the reason why it is usually eaten during winter. Raggmunk is basically a butter-fried pancake made from potatoes. It is also typically served with either fried pork or lingonberries that, according to a majority of Swedes, go with everything.
Grodan Grev Ture
Address: Grev Turegatan 16, Stockholm 114 46, Sweden
Price: SEK 50 (USD 5.50)
Website: Grodan Grev Ture
7. Toast Skagen
Toast skagen is one of the Swedes’ most favorite bread that can be usually found as a starter or in coffee shops. The dish is basically a sauteed bread accompanied by mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and seafood like whitefish roe and prawns. Its name actually came from a fishing port found on Denmark’s northern part. It surely made its way into the Swedish dining tables since the Second World War.
Lisa Elmqvist
Address: Nybrogatan 31, Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
Price: SEK 135 (USD 15)
Website: Lisa Elmqvist
8. Gravlax
Gravlax, or salmon cured with dill, is truly one of Sweden’s best culinary treats. It is said to have originated from France. However, Swede’s have their own version of Gravlax by adding a dash of mustard sauce in it. You can usually see Gravlax on a Swedish smorgasboard. It is also served thinly sliced with some potatoes and dill.
Oaxen Slip
Address: Beckholmsvägen 26 SE-115 21 Stockholm
Price: SEK 135 (USD 15)
Website: Oaxen Slip
9. Princess Cake
Of course, every country is proud of their own pastry offering, and Sweden is no exception. Swedes do love to indulge on their very own green princess cake with a pink sugar rose topping. The week of the princess cake is being held every third week of September. That is because Märtha, a Swedish princess, was born on September 22nd. Moreover, the cake is a common sight during birthdays and other special occasion.
Vete-Katten
Address: 55 Kungsgatan, Stockholm 111 22, Sweden
Price: From SEK 54 (USD 6)
Website: IKEA
10. Swedish meatballs
And the last but not the least we can’t forget the most popular Swedish treat made famous by another Swedish brand. The meatballs are probably the most popular Swedish dish mainly because of Ikea. However, there’s more to those meatballs than the ones you order after a tiring day of looking for your furniture. Make your Swedish meatballs even better by serving it with macaroni or mashed potatoes together with lingonberries and cream sauce.
Resturang Tradition
Address: 1 Österlånggatan, Stockholm, 111 31, Sweden
Price: From SEK 180 (USD 20)
Website: Resturang Tradition
Swedish culinary treats
Indeed, Sweden is not only blessed with the best places and tourist spots. Surprisingly, there are more dishes that you can try aside from your usual Swedish meatballs. There is indeed a lot of culinary treats for you to try in between your trips around Sweden. Or better yet, try them all by having a good taste of smorgasbord. Enjoy your next trip to Sweden and make sure you get to taste every one of these foods.
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