Almost everybody knows about Italian food but not many people can relate to Nordic foods. The most popular Swedish Foods are going to be a new culinary experience for many food lovers. Interestingly, Swedish cuisine offers both rich food and light food options together with unique desserts. But since there are so many of them, we’ve selected 10 based on their popularity alone.
Starting at number 10 we have a very heavy traditional Swedish meal. Pӧlsa is made with ground beef, pork, and liver and it’s certainly not a meal to consider for breakfast. We’ve tried to trace the roots of this heavy meal but it gets lost in time. It was probably developed in times when no parts of sacrificed animals were lost. The high protein intake also resembles something strong Vikings would eat to gain muscle.
9. Blåbärssoppa
While we can’t name too many dessert soups, Sweden is a top country for such tasty meals. Blåbärssoppa might have a complicated name for English speakers but the dessert is very easy to prepare. You simply need blueberries, cornstarch, sugar, water, and sweet syrup to have it ready within minutes.
This type of dessert can be served both warm and cold. For the long Swedish nights, its best to have it warm. Maybe this is the reason the dessert is widely popular at ski resorts where you might have them to warm up while taking a break from skiing.
8. Kavring
Image: Flickr / Per Åström
Kavring is a type of bread that has an evolving recipe. While it initially started as a regular bread with flour, water, and salt, its recipe has changed over time with various ethnic influences.
Kavring now has multiple other ingredients. Among them, it’s worth noting rye flour, treacle syrup, and even fennel. It wouldn’t be a surprise to find it made with cinnamon in the touristy parts of Sweden either. The bread can be consumed regularly for breakfast with bread or it may be the base for a distinct Swedish fish sandwich.
7. Smulpaj
This Swedish crumbling pie is one of the tastiest desserts to consider during the winter. You don’t have to be a world renowned chef to prepare it. You simply have the fruits or the base ready before adding the crumble on top.
Swedes typically use blueberries and raspberries as a base, as these fruits are easily found in the countries’ forests. A crisp crumb is added on top and added to the oven. When ready, you can add your favorite sweet topping such as jam, honey, or custard and serve it as it is.
6. Ädelost
Image: Wikimedia / Jorchr
Not all the best cheeses are made in France. Ädelost is a type of Swedish blue cheese that you can eat plain or together with other breakfast treats. It can also be the right cheese to serve in the evening with sweet wine.
If you don’t like blue cheese, you won’t like Ädelost either. But if you generally like blue cheese, this selection is something that’s going to feel familiar with its sharp salty and slightly spicy profile that will make you thirsty.
5. Falukorv
Almost all countries in this part of the continent have some type of sausage that is above all others. In Sweden, this sausage is Falukorv. Pork and beef are normally mixed to create this tasty sausage but there are other secret ingredients in it.
Almost all companies in Sweden claim to have the original recipe. But only people of Falun can be truly credited for the original sausage recipe. It would be a top choice if you like to sample one of the local beers as well.
4. Semla
Semla is a type of bum that has been filled with delicious sweets and purees so that it becomes almost unrecognizable. However, this dressed-up bum is one of the tastiest foods you can sample in Sweden. Its first made by making the simple flour bum. Almond past is added to its core. Whipped cream is added on top when it’s done and some locals even complete it with powdered sugar. While it packs a few hundred calories per serving, it can even be a meal of its own with a glass of warm milk.
3. Smörgåsbord
This type of platter shows the best Sweden has to offer on a single plate. In the West, it would be the equivalent of a Swedish buffet. A typical serving comes with sliced bread topped with herring, beef, cheese, berries, and jam. It practically covers all types of nutrients from protein to carbohydrates and sweet sugars.
This type of meal is best served when you have guests. Locals normally make these platters of Smörgåsbord and they expect the guest to come over and taste as many foods as possible. Drinks also go hand in hand with Smörgåsbord.
2. Kladdkaka
This Swedish brownie is called Kladdkaka. To make this sweet dessert, you only need cocoa, butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. The key to a perfect Kladdkaka is to keep its interior moist as much as possible. When completely dry, it might not be as tasty as many would expect. But when the inside of the cake is moist, you can even top it with powdered sugar.
Today, the recipe has evolved and it has become similar to the Belgian waffle in its versatility. This is why you’ll see Kladdkaka in many cafes being served with ice cream or with jam.
1. Köttbullar
Köttbullar is one of the most popular heavy traditional foods in Sweden. It’s mainly a type of meatballs with 2 types of sides. When you order Köttbullar, you get a few meatballs which have been properly cooked on their own and they dipped into lingonberry sauce.
The light meatballs are then served with mashed potatoes traditionally. Modern interpretations of this meal have turned it into a healthier alternative. This is why you can find Köttbullar served with salad on the side instead of mashed potatoes. This recipe is at least 2 centuries old and you can mostly serve it in all parts of Sweden.
