Sweden has been artfully marrying deep-rooted traditions with slick innovations for generations and nowhere is this more evident than its foodie scene. Travellers to this Nordic nation can expect a smörgåsbord of flavour, history and tradition, all wrapped up in a thriving culinary scene that blends together the country’s storied past and promising foodie future. Try everything from fresh seafood to warm cups of kaffeost (a coffee infused with reindeer cheese); take part in some of the country’s favourite food traditions, such as the cosy fika coffee breaks; and make use of the allemansrätten (freedom to roam) by foraging for fresh grub in the forest. Read on to discover some of our favourite regional delicacies, and the husmanskost (traditional food in Sweden) we think you need to try…
Wake up With a Cup of Kaffeost
The semi-nomadic Sami people have relied on reindeer herding as a source of food, fur and transportation for generations. The meat features in everything from renskav (a reindeer meat stew served with mushrooms) to kaffeost (coffee with reindeer cheese). Akin to the pineapple on pizza debacle, this combination of flavours has sparked some serious debate, but who are we to question one of the coffee drinking capitals of the world? It’s said that flambéed reindeer milk cheese adds a caramelised flavour and depth to the humble coffee and isn’t to be missed.
Tuck into Some Surströmming
Surströmming is a traditional fish dish hailing from northern Sweden that gained popularity in the 16th century when Sweden had a salt shortage. Nowadays, with salt supplies replenished, the fragrant fish remains a firm favourite and a must-try among Swedes and travellers alike. The process starts with a spring fishing trip to catch the small Baltic herring before salting and leaving to ferment. The tiny morsels are then packed into tins a month before hitting the shops and tables. Known for its pungent aroma and distinct acidic taste, these flavourful Swedish delicacies can be enjoyed wrapped in buttered tunnbröd, a sweetened flat bread containing slices of potatoes, diced onions and almonds. While you may need to wash it down with lots of beer or snaps, we recommend giving it a try.
Experience the Wonders of Allemansrätten
Allemansrätten, also known as freedom to roam or right of public access, has fast become a cherished Swedish institution. Essentially, you can hike, bike and forage the woodlands and forests, as long as you respect the land. The go-to places for all things foraging include Vättlefjäll Nature Reserve (located near Gothenburg) and Ormanäs forest (located near Malmö on Sweden’s south coast). Walking through a forest and collecting plants to eat is a wonderfully primal experience and the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, eat with the seasons and follow the journey of food from forest to fork. Each traditional dish, lovingly made, is an ode to the bountiful landscape that have fed generations of Swedes. From the Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) that bloom in May and the nettles and dandelion leaves that sprout later in the spring, to lingonberry picking season in July, there are so many homegrown treats to be tasted and appreciated.
Enjoy Lashings of Svenska köttbullar
Everyone who’s anyone has sampled IKEA’s Swedish meatballs and even the biggest of foodies can’t deny that they’ve become an international delicacy with a cult following. This dish existed long before flat-pack furniture and fast-food conveniency though. The traditional Swedish meal, combining ground pork and beef with cream, egg and onion is often served with creamy mashed potatoes, thick gravy, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber. It’s easy to understand why this quintessentially Swedish meal remains such a firm favourite.
Have a Break, Have a Fika
Nothing says traditional food in Sweden like asking for a Fika break, the delightful custom of enjoying a coffee and a sweet treat with friends. Treat yourself to a slice of the globe-shaped princess cake, prinsesstårta; a generous helping of jordgubbstårta (sponge cake topped with strawberries); or – one for the chocolate lovers – kladdkaka, a sticky chocolate cake that gives brownies a run for their money. Round of your sweet treat journey with the fika hall of fame addition: the cinnamon bun or kanelbulle. Seriously sweet and satisfyingly filling – you can’t go wrong with this one.
Delve into the Smörgåsbord of Swedish flavour
A Scandi dining experience would be incomplete without trying a classic smörgåsbord. We warned, this culinary tradition is a marathon, not a sprint. With seven rounds to get through you don’t want to find yourself unbuckling your belt before round two. You’ll likely kick things off with surströmming (sour herring), followed by more fish and seafood (like smoked salmon, prawns and mackerel) with lumpfish roe and creamed cod roe on the side. Then it’s onto the cold meats and pâté, followed by warm meats including köttbullar (meatballs), roast pork, a traditional Swedish gratin-style casserole and seasonal additions of either lamb or västerbotten cheese quiche. Round five is cheese, then it’s onto dessert and coffee, with plenty of fika treats on offer, before the final. Grab what you can and go.
Embark on a Swedish Seafood Safari
We couldn’t talk about traditional food in Sweden without a nod to the plentiful supply of fresh seafood on the country’s west coast. Here, you’ll find local fishermen hard at work catching flounder that will later be dried and smoked, as their ancestors did before them. The only difference? Many are now accompanied by a makeshift crew of tourists eager to reel in their next meal. Boat your way through the rocky islets and leave the seaside spot of Marstand on the horizon as you embark on a lobster safari tour. Journey through the seafood-rich waters that lap the Bohuslän archipelago, and wait. With any luck you’ll pull the “black gold” clawed creature from the water, just in time for dinner.
Mussel Harvesting and Oyster Shucking
Last up on our list of the traditional food in Sweden we think you need to sample is one for the oyster and mussel lovers out there. The west coast’s bountiful seafood supply continues with plenty of mussel harvesting and oyster shucking experiences to be had. Boat your way out to oyster banks and learn about the intricate harvesting process before heading back to shore to taste the fruits of your labour. Cook a creamy Nordic mussel dish and open the oysters, as you enjoy your fresh catch to the soundtrack of lapping waves.
