Try These 5 Swedish Food Classics in Stockholm, Sweden
-
Loading... - Kevin Sinclair
- 21 Feb 2025
- 54 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Stockholm is a culinary treasure trove, offering a delightful array of traditional Swedish dishes that reflect the country’s rich heritage and connection to its landscapes. From hearty comfort foods perfect for winter nights to innovative seafood dishes, here are five must-try Swedish classics to savor during your visit, along with one dish that might require a bit of courage.
1. Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)
No visit to Sweden is complete without indulging in Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar. These iconic bites are typically made from a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with allspice, and served with creamy mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes, rich gravy, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers. The combination of savory and sweet makes this dish a beloved comfort food.
For an authentic experience, head to Meatballs for the People in Södermalm, where you can enjoy high-quality meatballs made from various meats, including elk and reindeer.
2. Gravlax
Showcasing Sweden’s seafood expertise, gravlax is fresh salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill. Traditionally served thinly sliced with mustard sauce on crispbread or rye toast, this dish enhances the salmon’s natural richness, creating a simple yet luxurious delicacy.
For some of the best gravlax in Stockholm, visit Lisa Elmqvist in Östermalmshallen, a renowned seafood market and food hall known for its premium cured fish. Just remember that the hall is closed on Sundays!
3. Pickled Herring (Sill)
A cornerstone of Swedish cuisine, pickled herring (sill) comes in various flavors, including mustard, onion, and dill. Often served as part of a smörgåsbord alongside potatoes, sour cream, and hard-boiled eggs, its tangy, briny flavor may be an acquired taste but is deeply rooted in tradition.
For an authentic experience, try pickled herring at Pelikan, a historic restaurant in Stockholm that serves traditional Swedish dishes, including a classic herring platter starter.
4. Crispbread (Knäckebröd)
Swedish crispbread (knäckebröd) is a versatile staple made from rye flour. It’s commonly enjoyed with butter, cheese, or toppings like gravlax and pickled herring. Its long shelf life and crunchy texture make it a must-try, whether eaten plain or as part of an open-faced sandwich.
You can find knäckebröd in any grocery store, and it pairs wonderfully with Västerbotten cheese (Västerbottensost), a classic Swedish cheese popular during festive occasions.
5. Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
No trip to Sweden is complete without experiencing fika, the cherished tradition of coffee and cake. Cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) are the ultimate fika treat. Unlike their American counterparts, Swedish cinnamon buns are less sweet and often feature a hint of cardamom, topped with pearl sugar instead of icing. Pair one with a strong Swedish filter coffee for the full experience.
Any café in Stockholm will claim to serve the best kanelbullar, but a great place to start is Vete-Katten, a historic café known for its traditional pastries and charming atmosphere.
And One To Avoid: Surströmming
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might come across surströmming, Sweden’s infamous fermented herring. Known for its overwhelming smell, this dish is made from fish that has been left to ferment for months. Traditionally eaten with thin bread, potatoes, and onions, surströmming is a dish that even some Swedes approach with caution. If you decide to try it, do so outdoors and be prepared for the pungent aroma!
Sweden’s culinary scene is rich with flavors that tell stories of survival, community, and comfort. Whether you indulge in classics like meatballs and cinnamon buns or explore the world of preservation with pickled herring and gravlax, your taste buds are in for a delightful journey.
