Have you ever tasted Swedish cuisine? Sweden, a beautiful Scandinavian country bordering Norway and Finland, offers a delightful array of traditional foods. The heart of Swedish food lies in its use of fresh, local ingredients, simple preparation methods, and balanced flavors.
Whether you’re moving to Sweden or simply interested in exploring Swedish culture, experiencing “husmanskost,” or home-cooked food, is a must. From hearty meat dishes to delicate pastries, there’s something for every palate.
Here at Remitly, we enjoy exploring the national cuisines of our customers around the world. That’s why we’ve created a series of articles on traditional foods from a variety of countries. Read on to see what Swedish cuisine has to offer.
What is a smorgasbord?
Did you know the English word “smorgasbord” comes from Swedish? This term for a traditional Swedish buffet became so well-known that, in today’s English, it can refer to any wide array of options, food-related or otherwise. A Swedish “smörgåsbord” showcases a variety of hot and cold dishes, including pickled herring, gravlax (cured salmon), meatballs, and cheeses.
Keep scrolling for ten traditional Swedish recipes to bring the warmth of this hearty cuisine into your home.
Traditional Swedish dishes
Köttbullar
Köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs, is perhaps the most famous and well-loved Swedish dish. These tender, flavorful meatballs are traditionally made from a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onions, breadcrumbs, and spices. They are typically served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers. It’s often found in Swedish restaurants worldwide and even at IKEA, putting it at the top of our list of must-try foods.
Raggmunk
Raggmunk are traditional Swedish potato pancakes. Made from grated potatoes mixed with flour and milk, they are fried until crispy and golden. These savory pancakes are typically served with lingonberry jam or with sour cream and chives. Potato pancakes are popular across Nordic countries, with each region adding its unique touch.
Kalops
Kalops is a classic Swedish beef stew, slow-cooked with onions, carrots, and a hint of allspice. This comforting dish is often served with boiled potatoes and pickled beetroot, making it perfect for cold winter days.
Ärtsoppa
Ärtsoppa, or yellow pea soup, is a traditional Thursday meal in Sweden. Made from yellow peas, onions, and pork, it is a hearty and nutritious dish. It is commonly accompanied by thin pancakes (pannkakor) served with lingonberry jam, making for a satisfying meal.
Pytt i panna
Pytt i panna or pyttipanna, meaning “small pieces in a pan,” is a beloved Swedish comfort food. This dish is made with diced meat (often leftovers), onions, and potatoes, all fried together until crispy. It is usually topped with a fried egg and served with pickled beetroot or gherkins.
Kroppkakor
Kroppkakor are Swedish potato dumplings filled with a mixture of pork and onions. These hearty dumplings are boiled and then served with lingonberry sauce and melted butter. They are particularly popular in the south and along the west coast of Sweden.
Janssons frestelse
Janssons frestelse, or Jansson’s temptation, is a creamy casserole made with potatoes, onions, and anchovies. This dish is typical during Swedish holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas and Easter, and is loved for its rich and savory flavor.
Toast skagen
Toast skagen is a popular Swedish appetizer or side dish featuring a creamy shrimp salad made with mayonnaise, dill, and lemon, served on toasted bread. Often topped with roe and a sprig of dill, it is a simple yet elegant dish great for any occasion.
Tunnbröd
Tunnbröd, meaning “thin bread,” is a versatile Swedish flatbread. It can be soft or crisp and is often used to wrap around various fillings, such as cured meats or cheeses. Tunnbröd is a staple at Swedish smorgasbords and makes for a delicious and convenient snack.
Kanelbullar
One of Sweden’s specialties is the cinnamon bun, known as “kanelbulle” (“kanelbullar” in plural), a beloved pastry enjoyed throughout the country. These sweet buns are flavored with cinnamon and cardamom and topped with pearl sugar. They are a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee during a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break).
More Swedish dishes to explore
- Prinsesstårta: This Swedish “Princess cake” is a beautiful layer cake with sponge cake, pastry cream, and whipped cream, all covered in green marzipan.
- Surströmming: Fermented herring, known for its strong odor and distinct taste.
- Knäckebröd: Crispbread that is a favorite in Swedish households, often served with butter and cheese.
- Smörgåstårta: A savory sandwich cake layered with various fillings like seafood, meats, and vegetables.
- Gravad lax (gravlax): Salmon cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill, typically served thinly sliced with a mustard-dill sauce and fresh bread.
- Falukorv: A large traditional Swedish sausage, usually fried or baked.
- Lussekatter: Sweet, soft saffron buns, named for Saint Lucia and traditionally enjoyed during Christmas.
FAQ
What are Sweden’s most popular celebrations?
Swedes celebrate many holidays throughout the year, including Midsummer, Christmas, and Easter. They also have unique traditions like the crayfish party in August.
What is a typical Swedish breakfast?
A typical Swedish breakfast often includes tunnbröd or crispbread with butter and cheese, yogurt with berries, oatmeal, and coffee.
What time do people eat dinner in Sweden?
Swedish people typically eat dinner around 6 p.m. This meal can range from simple dishes like open-faced sandwiches to more elaborate meals like kalops.
What are the best dishes to try in Stockholm?
When in Stockholm, there are plenty of traditional restaurants, where you can try köttbullar (Swedish meatballs), toast skagen, and gravad lax, for example. Also, be sure to enjoy a leisurely fika (coffee break) at one of Stockholm’s many cafes. For something sweet with your coffee, try Swedish desserts like prinsesstårta (princess cake), ostkaka (cheesecake), or a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) with a scoop of ice cream on the side.
Does the vegetable known as a “swede” in English come from Sweden?
If you’re an English-speaker, you may be familiar with a vegetable called a swede, which is similar to a turnip. Yes, this vegetable does in fact find its origins in the Nordic country.