Swedish cuisine is based on preparing dishes from local products. Many dishes feature mainly fish because, due to the climate and location of the country, Swedes have very easy access to it. Therefore, menus include a large amount of fish caught from the nearby sea. For example, herring in various forms is a very popular snack here. Pickled, dried and smoked fish are eaten here, which comes from the tradition of the past, when the inhabitants did not have access to fresh food due to the cold climate.
Fishes
The Swedish menu is dominated by salmon (en lax), cod (en torsk), perch (en abborre), pike (en gädda), zander (en gös), but they also love crayfish (kräftor), shrimp (räkor) and lobsters (hummer).
Gravad lax
Gravad lax, or marinated salmon, is another popular dish of Swedish cuisine. Traditionally, the salmon is placed in a large dish between layers of salt, sugar, ground black pepper and fresh dill. Cover everything with foil and leave in the fridge for a few days. The modern version of this dish has a much more delicate taste, and the addition of citrus fruits or vodka will give it a unique character. Gravad lax is often served on crackers or crusty wholemeal bread with mustard and dill.
Meat
Swedish cuisine is not only about fish. It also includes meat dishes. Meat dishes such as meatballs, called Köttbullar, are popular. Despite eating large amounts of fish and seafood, Swedes eat on average 50 kg of meat per year. The most common dishes on the tables are pork, beef, poultry, lamb, and in the north of the country – game.
Köttbullar
Köttbullar are traditionally prepared from a mixture of minced pork and beef, although sometimes you can find versions with the addition of minced veal. Onion and pepper are also important ingredients in these meatballs. After forming the appropriate size of balls, the dish is fried in a pan. Köttbullar is traditionally served with potatoes, lingonberry (a type of blueberry) and baking sauce.
Forest Fruits
The use of forest fruits is definitely a characteristic of Swedish cuisine. Blueberries are an important addition to many dishes, including meat ones, and yellow cloudberries growing in the northern part of the country, served with whipped cream, are an excellent dessert.
Swedish Buffet Table – Smörgåsbord
IKEA Bufet Table
Smörgåsbord is the Swedish equivalent of our buffet, whose roots date back to the 16th century. It is a feast consisting of various snacks that are laid out on a long table so that everyone can choose what they want the most. The smörgåsbord includes both savory and sweet appetizers, main courses, salads, cheeses, vegetables and fruits. Typical dishes served during smörgåsbord include: various types of fish, meat, cheese, salads, bread and cakes. It is from this abundant table that the buffet table, popular in many countries, takes its name.
Coffee
Coffee is very popular in Sweden (and throughout Scandinavia), both among producers. On one street we can sometimes find a corporate cafe of a craft roastery popular throughout Europe, and on the other, a popular chain that does not specialize in professional coffee brewing.
The popular fika may be used as a name for a coffee break, but also for the entire ritual of drinking coffee and eating baked goods. This word can also be defined as the idea of slowing down and taking time to appreciate important moments in life.
Healthy Cuisine
The Swedes are a nation known for special care of the country’s natural environment. This is also reflected in the dishes they eat, which vary in terms of the content of individual ingredients. The authorities also emphasize that domestic food is of the best possible quality.
