Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its fish-based cuisine. In addition to fish dishes, there are many delicious Swedish foods that can be enjoyed in this vibrant country. There are many top-class restaurants that serve specially curated cuisine By world-class chefs who use the finest fresh ingredients. Even the local Swedish dishes served on the streets are good enough to satisfy the taste buds of any food lover. This Sweden food guide will help every traveler discover traditional Swedish food.
best food in sweden
Wondering what (and where) to eat on your trip to Sweden? Here is a list of the best foods in Swedish cuisine that will definitely leave you asking for more!
1. Meatballs
Meatball-based dishes are the most famous Swedish food and are worth trying when in this country. Köttbüller is a meatball dish that locals would recommend any traveler here to try as the first thing. To make meatballs, beef and pork meat are thoroughly mixed with various ingredients and then they are topped with a delicious gravy and then garnished with coriander leaves and served beautifully. It is served with a variety of side dishes including mashed potatoes, pickled cucumbers and lingonberries.
Where to try: Bakfikan, Jacobs Torg 12, 111 52 Stockholm
Must read: 10 Beaches in Sweden That Are Worth a Europe Vacation
2. Jansen’s Temptation
Jansson Temptation is a popular Swedish Christmas meal that makes a comforting holiday meal. It is also known as Jansons Frestelse. Potatoes, bread crumbs, onions, sprats and cream are thoroughly mixed with the necessary ingredients and then cooked to create the most delicious Swedish meal, Jansson Temptation. This delicious baked dish resembles potato pancakes and takes its name from the beloved and famous opera singer and composer Pelle Janzon. This is a classic Swedish food that is one of the must-try dishes in Sweden.
Where to try: Drottninggatan 6, 111 51 Stockholm
3. Acid flow
Surströmming, also known as pickled herring, is a dish made of sweet fish served with various ingredients. Pickled herring goes well as a side dish served with many Swedish meals and drinks. It also goes well with mashed potatoes and bread and is sometimes enjoyed as a Swedish snack option. Herring is generally a more fleshy fish and is pickled with a sweeter sauce. This sweet sauce soaks into the fish meat and makes it an incredible combination. This dish can be found in almost every authentic Swedish restaurant and many street food stalls in the country.
Where to try: Salt & Sill Deli, Central Station, Central Hall, Malmö
Read suggestions: Guess which European city will be crowned the world’s most liveable city this year!
4. Toast Skagen
Toast Skagen is one of the popular Swedish starter which is a favorite among food lovers. It is served as an entrée in many restaurants and is loved by locals and expatriates. It is best enjoyed with a cold refreshing drink during summers. A piece of bread is toasted until crisp and topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, savory dill and a slice of lemon to give it a delicious presentation. It is usually served cold as an appetizer.
Where to try: Lisa Elmqvist, Östermalms Sluhall, 114 39 Stockholm
5. Reindeer Pate
It is a classic Swedish dish made with reindeer meat. This pâté can be enjoyed in a number of ways, either spreading it on a piece of bread or on a cracker. This dish made from reindeer meat is full of taste and melts as soon as it goes in the mouth. Its texture is very creamy and the taste is absolutely delicious. It is also sold in many Swedish food shops on the streets of Sweden and is quite popular among local non-vegetarians.
Where to try: Helbergs Feigel & Wilt, Höttorghallen 46, 111 57 Stockholm
Read suggestions: A view from this tallest skyscraper in Europe will blow your mind!
6. Ragnum
It is a famous Swedish pancake served for breakfast in almost every Swedish household. This traditional Swedish food looks like a Frisbee and tastes delicious. These salty fried pancakes are best enjoyed during the winter season. It can be eaten with sweet jam as well as sour cream. It is traditionally served with sour cream and applesauce. These classic potato pancakes are fried to a crisp in butter and then served with lingonberries and fried salt pork.
Where to try: Lasse i Parken, Höglidsgatan 56, 117 30 Stockholm
7. Swedish Fish Soup
Svenska fisksoppa is one of the best Swedish food which is served in the form of soup. It is also known as Swedish fish soup with delicious pieces of fish meat in a creamy soup. It makes for a soul-satisfying meal featuring the most wonderful Swedish ingredients mixed together perfectly in a classic fish-based soup. It is also very filling, a bowl of this soup will keep anyone’s appetite in check. Only a few places in Sweden (and all of Europe) offer fully seasoned and delicious Svenska Fisksoppa.
Where to try: Kjassus Fisk, Höttorghallen 3, Stockholm 111 57
Read suggestions: The 10 most beautiful churches in Madrid that are on every globetrotter’s bucket list
8. Cinnamon Buns
Cinnamon Buns are the perfect snack for every traveler and explorer. In Sweden it is known as Kannelbular. It makes an excellent accompaniment to hot beverages during breakfast. The best part is that these Swedish-made buns can be found literally anywhere and everywhere in Sweden. Many flavored buns are also sold but the best is the classic coffee flavored cinnamon buns. These sweet savory snacks are cooked regularly in every Swedish household. It was first traditionally served during tea parties in various households in Sweden, after which it has become a popular flavor-packed snack around the world.
Where to try: Valhallabageriet, Valhallavagen 174, 115 27 Stockholm
9. Hot Smoked Salmon
Vermarokt lax is better known as smoked salmon. These smoked salmon are prepared with a variety of rich ingredients and then lightly smoked with alder wood to deliver a very mild smoked flavour. These salmon are really tender and smooth in texture and taste divine unlike the heavy smoked dried salmon made at other places. It is so delicate and light that it melts in the mouth and can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. The best vermökt lax can be found in many local restaurants in the southern part of Sweden.
Where to try: Blue Hodgen’s Fish, Bannerskagen, Malmö
Read suggestions: Top 9 Places to Visit in Zagreb to Enjoy the Best of Southern Europe
10. Västerbotten Cheese
Västerbottensost, also known as Västerbotten, is a traditional cheese variety made in Sweden. Sweden makes its own cheese of different flavors. This variety of cheese is made from hard cow’s milk which is aged for about 1 year before serving. It is sometimes called Swedish Parmigiano. It contains many small crystal type pieces which give a strong flavor. This unique tasting cheese can be tasted in many Swedish restaurants.
Where to try: Fromagerie, Höttorgshallen, 11157 Stockholm
read ahead: 10 Best Airports in Europe for a Enjoyable Trip to Your Dream Destination
Are you surprised by the amount of gastronomic experiences Sweden can offer you? Now you have to make sure you try all these Sweden foods on your vacation in Europe! We bet that once you taste the delicious dishes of Sweden with your loved ones, you will want to stay there forever.
Are you looking to book an international holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TourTravelHotels with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
