Sweden offers a remarkable variety of culinary experiences, blending traditional dishes with modern, innovative cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie seeking authentic regional flavors, seasonal delicacies, or the latest in gourmet dining, Sweden provides endless opportunities to indulge in its culinary richness. Here’s a list of ten Swedish food experiences courtesy Visit Sweden, that should be on any food lover’s must-try list.
1. Dive into the Adventure of Surströmming
One of Sweden’s most infamous culinary specialties is surströmming, a type of fermented Baltic herring. Known for its pungent aroma, surströmming is an adventurous dish served with flatbread (tunnbröd), boiled potatoes, and onions. Traditionally enjoyed outdoors in late August, this delicacy pairs well with a light beer and often creates a lively, memorable dining experience. For an authentic encounter, visit the surströmming festival in Alfta, Hälsingland, or travel to the High Coast islands, where this unique dish was born.
2. Savor Contemporary Swedish Fine Dining
Modern Swedish cuisine has garnered international acclaim for its creativity, sustainability, and use of locally sourced ingredients. Stockholm’s restaurant scene boasts several Michelin-starred establishments, including Ekstedt, where chef Florencia Abella prepares Nordic-inspired dishes over an open fire, showcasing seasonal ingredients. With more than a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants across the country, Swedish fine dining is a growing attraction for food enthusiasts looking to explore innovative interpretations of Nordic flavors.
3. Celebrate Midsummer with a Traditional Smorgasbord
Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most cherished holidays, bringing together family and friends for a festive meal and traditional dances around the maypole. The feast is centered on classic Swedish dishes such as smoked or cured salmon, pickled herring, and new potatoes. Local brews and snaps—herbal-infused spirits—are served along with traditional snapsvisor songs, creating a lively, social atmosphere. Join in to experience the true spirit of Swedish hospitality and the warmth of this midsummer celebration.
4. Forage and Cook Outdoors
Sweden’s “right to roam” laws grant everyone the freedom to explore and forage in nature. Year-round, you can collect wild ingredients—berries, mushrooms, and herbs—and cook them over an open fire. Some local guides offer foraging tours to help you identify edible plants and mushrooms while immersing you in the Swedish wilderness. This sustainable and immersive culinary experience connects you with nature while highlighting Sweden’s respect for its natural resources.
5. Delight in Swedish Meatballs, a Comfort Food Classic
Swedish meatballs are an emblem of the nation’s culinary tradition, husmanskost, meaning homemade comfort food. These meatballs, typically made with a blend of pork and beef, are served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumber. Many restaurants have modernized this dish, offering vegetarian and vegan variations, but the traditional flavor profile remains cherished. Try a plate of meatballs at Stockholm’s Meatballs for the People to sample a delicious twist on this well-loved dish.
6. Partake in a Festive Crayfish Party
August marks the beginning of Sweden’s crayfish season, celebrated with lively kräftskiva parties. Attendees wear festive hats and sing songs while feasting on piles of bright red crayfish, served with dishes like chanterelle toast and Västerbotten cheese quiche. Vegetarian options are often available as well. These gatherings are marked by rounds of snaps and joyful renditions of traditional Swedish drinking songs, adding to the festive spirit.
7. Embrace Fika, the Swedish Coffee Break Tradition
Fika, the Swedish custom of a coffee break, goes beyond enjoying a beverage—it’s a social ritual. Many Swedes gather with friends, family, or colleagues over coffee, often paired with treats like cinnamon buns, cookies, or smörgåstårta—a savory sandwich cake filled with ingredients such as smoked salmon, shrimp, eggs, and chives. Fika is more than a break; it’s an opportunity to unwind, connect, and savor the moment, making it a must-experience Swedish tradition.
8. Discover Sami Culinary Heritage in Lapland
In Swedish Lapland, the indigenous Sami people have a rich culinary culture rooted in the region’s rugged landscape. Visitors to Lapland can enjoy kokkaffe, coffee brewed over an open fire, along with dried or smoked reindeer meat. Sami culinary traditions are closely tied to their nomadic lifestyle and their relationship with the land. For a taste of Sami culture, spend time in nature, enjoying food prepared as it has been for generations.
9. Experience Swedish Street Food at a Korvmoj
Sweden’s korvmoj, or sausage kiosk, is a popular destination for night-time street food. Offering Sweden’s unique take on the hotdog, the korv is typically served in a flatbread roll (tunnbrödsrulle) with mashed potatoes and toppings like fried onions and mustard. Many korvmoj locations now offer gourmet sausages and vegetarian alternatives, making this casual dining option accessible to a variety of tastes. A late-night visit to a korvmoj is a quintessentially Swedish experience.
10. Wind Down with a Cozy ‘Fredagsmys’ (Friday Cosiness)
Swedes mark the end of the workweek with fredagsmys, a cozy Friday tradition that involves relaxing at home with family or friends. Fredagsmys often includes snacks like crisps and nachos, and in recent years, tacos have become a popular choice for the evening meal, earning the nickname “taco Friday.” It’s a time to unwind, enjoy good food, and appreciate the start of the weekend—a Swedish tradition that combines comfort and culinary indulgence.
Each of these experiences showcases a unique aspect of Swedish food culture, blending history, tradition, and innovation. Swedish cuisine is much more than its dishes; it’s about gathering, savoring, and respecting both nature and community. Whether you’re sampling daring flavors or relaxing with a cozy meal, Swedish food offers a distinct and memorable journey for the palate. From rustic flavors to sophisticated dining, each bite brings you closer to understanding Sweden’s rich culinary heritage.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Book Your Travel Packages
14 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway and Sweden
10 Day Europe Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria
