Top 10 culinary specialities in Stockholm

In Stockholm, you’re sure to find a wide variety of culinary specialities. From the edge of the Arctic Circle to the thick forests of the south of the country, Sweden has managed to make the most of its produce, despite a very capricious climate. Nordic cuisine is based on meat cooked in a variety of ways, fish and pulses. The Swedes are also very fond of dairy products, so they use a lot of them in their dishes. Here’s an important tip: expect to eat early if you’re travelling in the region! In the capital, and more generally in Sweden, dinner is served around 6pm, so if you’re planning to eat out during your stay, make sure you get there early.

What to eat in Stockholm Our selection of the best culinary specialities

1.köttbullar

This Swedish speciality translates as “meatball”. They are generally made from minced meat such as pork, beef and sometimes even poultry. The meatballs are then mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, eggs and herbs. The side dishes include mashed potatoes, peas and cranberry jam (which goes very well with the meat). In Sweden, this dish is very popular and is even served at the Swedish Christmas festivities known as ‘julbord’.

2. skagen toast

There’s nothing better than serving skagen toast for a Swedish aperitif! Forget the traditional crackers and peanuts, and opt for a much more refined dish that leaves a salty aftertaste on the palate. This cold speciality consists of crispy toast topped with a mixture of prawns, dill, lemon and mayonnaise, sprinkled on top with fish roe. The roe in question is called “löjrom”, but is also considered to be Swedish caviar.

3 Gravelax

Watch out, here’s a dish that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling and your stomach churning! For fish lovers, you’ll be delighted to discover gravelax in Stockholm. This is salmon marinated in salt, sugar and dill. It may look simple, but there’s a secret behind the dish: the marinade. The fresh salmon is marinated for 6 days throughout the preparation, giving it its distinctive flavour. A meal to remember!

4 – Swedish schnitzel

Make no mistake, we’re not talking about Viennese schnitzel, but Swedish schnitzel. Swedish schnitzel is a white meat dish (veal), usually served in two pieces with a slice of half a lemon. In simple terms, Swedish schnitzel is a breaded veal escalope, usually served with vegetables, chips or potatoes. This dish is very famous in Sweden. However, it’s very salty, so be sure to order a large carafe of water before you start!

5 – Moose

In Stockholm, this tender meat is often eaten as a stew. Its flavour is often compared to that of duck, it can be cooked “rosé style” and its texture is very tender and pleasant to eat. To cook the famous stew, the Swedes use älsgskav, which are small pieces of elk taken from the bones and used to make a more flavoursome stew. A real secret recipe! Vegetables such as carrots and mushrooms are added, along with a zest of white wine and a little cream. Yummy!

6.smörgåsbord

Smörgåsbord is a classic Swedish dish. It’s a buffet of small dishes: bread rolls, salmon, herring, oysters, prawns, eel, mussels, meat, cheese and lots of raw vegetables. The dishes are served with mayonnaise and hovmästarsås, a sauce made with honey mustard and dill. The buffet also includes numerous slices of rye bread with fillings, known as “smörgås”. All in all, it’s a very complete buffet that will surprise many.

7 Fermented herring

Fermented herring is undoubtedly Stockholm’s best-known speciality. It is a very basic herring, caught in the Baltic Sea and packed in a tin with salt, which is then left to age. Traditionally, they are eaten with buttered bread, potatoes and chopped onions. In Stockholm, this dish is called Surströmming, and from the third Thursday in August you can find it in the capital’s shops and restaurants. So, friends, don’t miss out!

8 – Kroppkakor

Let’s talk about Kroppkakor. What is Kroppkakor? A dish made from potato dumplings flavoured with cinnamon and nutmeg. Original, isn’t it? It’s very popular with visitors, who claim it’s one of their “best discoveries in Sweden”. This dish is usually served with smoked bacon and lynx, accompanied by a butter sauce. It has a very strong flavour, which is why lynx is served with kroppkakor to help tone down the acidity.

9. Chokladbollars

We know what you’re thinking: this ranking is a bit lacking in sugar, isn’t it? Here’s a speciality that’s as much fun to watch as it is delicious to eat. Chokladbollars. A real Swedish delicacy, they are in fact a small round cake, with chocolate and coconut. They’re very easy to make, and those with a sweet tooth love to add a little alcohol, which gives the dish a tantalising smell and a taste that’s perfectly pronounced with the chocolate. With a coffee, it’s even better!

10. Semla

After a delicious meat-based meal, how about a tasty brioche to wash it all down? Semla is filled with almond paste and cream, and can easily be found in the streets of Stockholm on Shrove Tuesday and during the month of February. Flavoured with cardamom, this particularly creamy dessert is loved by children… and adults too!