National cuisine of Sweden for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

The national cuisine of Sweden, like many other northern countries, is simple to cook. Local cuisine by right can be called a peasant. It is not distinguished by elegance and the food is quite satisfying and caloric. The climate in Sweden is quite severe; food has been a source of energy for centuries. Until the 19th century, food was prepared on an open hearth, and therefore local people ate mostly boiled food. In the 19th century, iron plates appeared that needed to be heated by firewood, and the Swedes began to cook dishes on their heated surface. Since then, the number of recipes for national cuisine has increased significantly; they have become more variable. In addition to traditional dishes, Italian, French, and American cuisines are served in modern Sweden.

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One of the key products for cooking in Sweden is fish and seafood. The most popular fish is herring and local housewives can cook dozens of different dishes from it. The herring is served in marinade, with mustard, with lemon, white sauce, salted, smoked or fried. The most original dish from this fish is "surstromming", which is a fermented herring. The dish has a sharp, specific smell, but the taste of fish will be remembered for a long time by those who dared to try it. Other popular fishes are salmon, pike, mackerel, and sprats. Be sure to try the "gravel" - a dish of salmon in a special marinade, "zilbular med korintez" - beefsteak from herring, and a variety of fish cutlets.

Other seafood is equally popular like Crabs, squid, mussels and other bounties of the Baltic Sea. Meat dishes are equally popular. Due to the peculiarities of climate and relief, the most common types of meat are pork, venison, poultry, and game. One of the most classic dishes is Swedish meatballs ("svenska bullar ", “Swedish kottbullar”). They are prepared from minced meat with the addition of eggs, rusks, and cream and served with mashed potatoes and cowberry sauce. Another national dish is pea soup with pork; traditionally the dish is served on Thursdays. Among other popular local dishes - "kottbullar" (large Swedish dumplings), fried pork with beans, little bits of game, chopped venison. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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Soups in the national Swedish cuisine are given special attention, they are prepared from legumes (beans, peas), and sometimes in the recipes, cereals are added. The original taste is possessed by the "bacon", which is prepared with the addition of beer. Often locals add dumplings in soups. Dumplings are balls of dough, this gives the dishes satiety. Among the side dishes, potatoes occupy a predominant position, usually mashed or baked. Also popular are mushrooms, they are an excellent side dish to meat and a source of many useful substances. Mushrooms can act as a main dish, in which case they are fried with onion and cream. The choice of desserts in the Swedish cuisine is also incredibly large, Swedes are fans of sweets. Be sure to try the souffle from rose hips, apple cake with cinnamon, cake with rhubarb, pancakes with jam or confitures.

Swedes pay much attention to their preparations in their kitchen. They preserve everything that is susceptible to conservation for the winter, and make confitures and jams. Swedish cuisine involves the use of a large amount of sugar. It is added to almost all dishes and is widely used for cooking marinades. Another favorite product of the Swedes is butter. Because of these features, the cuisine of the Swedes turns out to be quite heavy and high-caloric. Housewives often bake bread themselves. Swedes appreciate everything that nature gives them - berries, mushrooms, spices; they use them extensively in cooking dishes and desserts.

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In Sweden, it is not customary to impose food on a plate on guests; guests do it themselves from a common plate. Such system of eating has taken root in many countries and especially in the tourist sphere under the concept of "smorgasbord". Even sweets, pies and cakes are usually cut off independently. Leaving food on a plate is also not accepted. Among the alcoholic beverages in Sweden, sweet punch from Araca (strawberry guava), herbal tinctures and vodka are popular. During the feast the first toast should be pronounced by the owner, and then the Swedes drink in random order. Local residents are very fond of coffee; an invitation to coffee is an important part of Swedish culture. The country is the second in the world for the consumption of this drink.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Sweden

Reference information

Map of all Michelin restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurants in Sweden
♥ Restaurant '28+' Göteborg. Type - Modern cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'AG' Stockholm. Type - Meats and grills. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Adam/Albin by Adam & Albin' Stockholm. Type - Modern cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Atmosfär' Malmö. Type - Swedish|modern. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'B.A.R.' Stockholm. Type - Seafood. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Babette' Stockholm. Type - Modern cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Bastard' Malmö. Type - Modern cuisine|Meats and grills. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Berns Asiatiska' Stockholm. Type - Asian. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Bhoga' Göteborg. Type - Creative. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Bistro Stella' Malmö. Type - Modern cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Bloom in the Park' Malmö. Type - Creative. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant 'Bobergs' Stockholm. Type - Modern cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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Cuisine and restaurants in popular cities of Sweden

Stockholm

Operakällaren restaurant is one of the oldest gastronomic facilities in the city. The basis of its menu makes up luxurious gourmet dishes that you simply cannot find in any restaurant in the city. Among the guests of Operakällaren have been many famous politicians and movie stars. Divino restaurant specializes on preparation of dishes from Italian cuisine - veal steaks, foie gras, game with mushroom sauce, traditional seafood, and pasta. Since the restaurant's menu is regularly updated with … Read more

Goteborg

Sjomagasinet restaurant dedicate to national cuisine is one of the most famous gastronomic establishments of the city. The location of the restaurant is also very good – it occupies the premises of a beautiful historic building. Thanks to the excellent quality of food, the restaurant has repeatedly won many prestigious awards. The restaurant’s chefs personally go to the local fish market every morning. In the market they choose best delicacies for their culinary delicacies. Pickled herring … Read more

Malmo

The Mando restaurant is of high interest as during the day its visitors are offered special set menu. The restaurant features attractive prices for main courses, salads and desserts and a considerable selection of ardent spirits and refreshing drinks will be a perfect complement to the meal. By its appearance the Seven Elleven restaurant resembles a store rather than a gastronomy establishment. A part of the eating house is consumed with a big hall with glass cases. Tables for visitors are set … Read more

Uppsala

The Villa Anna gourmet restaurant is ready to offer its visitors top Scandinavian dishes. It is located in the historic district of the city, so it is a great place to relax after sightseeing. Vegetarians would like this place, as there is a selection of vegetable treats in its menu. The restaurant has a decent wine list suitable for even the most demanding and discerning clients. One of the most attractive budget restaurants in the city is Ahaan Thai; it specializes in Thai dishes. The … Read more

Norrkoping

An equally popular dish is Pytt i panna (Swedish hash), which can be served with scrambled eggs. It is the most popular breakfast option for many locals. Potato dishes are another important component of regional gastronomy. Cooking Janssons frestelse is a good tradition for Norrköping residents. This is how they call a potato casserole with sprats, cream, and pickled onions. In the past, the dish was prepared only on major holidays. Today, this is an every-day dish that is served by both … Read more

Kalmar

Gravad lax or cold cured salmon is a popular Swiss delicacy. To make this dish, you will need 800gr of salmon fillet on the skin; 100gr of sugar, sea salt, and fresh dill; 1tsp of fresh white pepper. Ingredients for sauce: 2tbsp of sugar and Swedish mustard, 1-2tbsp of vinegar, 200ml of vegetable oil with a neutral taste. Remove scale and make small cuts on the skin, generously cover the filet with sugar, salt, and spices on both sides. Put the fish under the press and leave it like that for … Read more

Vasteras

Fish dishes make up the basis of the national cuisine. Herring is particularly popular with local people. Skilled chefs cook it in a number of ways. It can be salted, marinated with spices, grilled, and baked together with spicy sauces. Sandwich with herring is a popular local snack. Travelers, who crave for more exotic food, should try lutefisk – boiled sea pike. Crayfish is a popular local treat that visitors like to order together with beer. Finally, it is impossible to resist the smell … Read more

Kristianstad

Lingonberry has a pronounced sweet-sour taste, so the jam is perfect for complementing meat dishes. It can be served to pancakes and various porridges, and bread with this jam is among the most popular local desserts. In Kristianstad, small jars of lingonberry jam can be bought in many grocery stores and souvenir shops. Fish dishes are also common among locals, and pickled herring is a real classic of the regional menu. It is widely loved in many parts of Sweden, and Kristianstad is no … Read more

National cuisine of Sweden for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Sweden

Sights of Sweden - photostream

Cuisine and restaurants in popular cities of Sweden

Map of Sweden cities with popular restaurants