Guide to Swedish Cuisine: Traditional Swedish Food & Top Dishes to Try

Herring is a staple in Swedish cuisine, prepared in various ways, including pickled, fried, and smoked. The pickled herring, often served at smörgåsbord, comes in flavors like mustard, onion, and tomato. This dish reflects the Swedish tradition of preserving fish, ensuring its availability throughout the year. While touring Gothenburg, famous for its seafood, you can sample herring dishes at local markets and restaurants.
The Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords Tour allows you to indulge in this delicious fish while exploring the coastal city of Copenhagen.

The smörgåsbord is a classic Swedish buffet featuring a wide array of dishes, including herring, meatballs, cheese, and bread. This communal dining experience is perfect for sampling various Swedish delicacies. The tradition dates back to the 19th century and remains a popular way to celebrate special occasions.

While on the Winter Scandinavia and Northern Lights tour, indulge in a traditional smörgåsbord as you enjoy the winter scenery in Norway, where the festive atmosphere enhances the dining experience.

Toast Skagen is a luxurious shrimp sandwich that showcases the best of Swedish seafood. It consists of a mixture of shrimp, mayonnaise, dill, and sometimes fish roe, served on buttered toast. This dish is a popular starter in many Swedish restaurants and is perfect for enjoying on a sunny terrace.

If you visit Kiruna during the Great Winter Lapland tour, look for local restaurants that feature this delightful dish, providing a taste of coastal flavors even in the winter months.

Raggmunk is a traditional Swedish potato pancake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Typically served with lingonberry sauce and sour cream, it is a comforting dish perfect for any time of the year. Raggmunk can be found in various restaurants throughout Sweden, especially in the colder months.

During the Sweden's Winter Wonders tour, you can enjoy this hearty dish in cozy eateries as you explore the beautiful winter landscapes of Sweden.

No guide to Swedish cuisine would be complete without mentioning kanelbullar, or Swedish cinnamon buns. These sweet pastries, filled with cinnamon and sugar, are a beloved treat enjoyed with coffee or tea. They are particularly popular during Fika, the Swedish coffee break.

While visiting Stockholm on the Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords - Helsinki tour, be sure to stop by a local café to indulge in this delightful pastry, allowing you to experience Swedish culture through its culinary traditions.

Janssons frestelse, or Jansson's Temptation, is a creamy potato casserole layered with onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs. This rich dish is a staple on Swedish holiday tables, particularly during Christmas. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. When touring Stockholm, look for restaurants that feature this traditional casserole as part of their menu.

On the Best Sweden Tour, you’ll have the chance to try Janssons frestelse in cozy eateries, bringing a taste of Swedish holiday traditions to your plate.

Falukorv is a type of Swedish sausage made from a mixture of pork and beef, seasoned with spices, and often served in a variety of dishes. One popular preparation is to slice it and fry it with potatoes and onions, creating a hearty meal that evokes nostalgia for many Swedes. This comfort food is widely enjoyed across the country.

As part of the Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords Tour, you can find falukorv featured on menus in Stockholm, offering a delicious taste of traditional Swedish comfort food.

No meal in Sweden would be complete without dessert, and kladdkaka, or sticky chocolate cake, is a must-try. This rich, gooey cake is made with simple ingredients, including cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs, resulting in a decadent treat. Often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, kladdkaka is a favorite among locals and is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

While exploring Helsinki on the Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords - Helsinki tour, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in kladdkaka at a local café, where the cozy atmosphere perfectly complements this delightful dessert.