Best Food in Sweden: 10 Mouthwatering Dishes You Can’t Miss

1. Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

A true Swedish classic, meatballs are often dubbed the country’s “national dish.” Served hot with creamy gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, green peas, and a dollop of tart lingonberry jam, they’re a year-round favorite. During Christmas, these spiced-up delights become a holiday essential, offering a warm, comforting bite.

Why try it? It’s the ultimate comfort food that blends savory and sweet flavors.

2. Gravlax (Salt-Cured Salmon)

Gravlax, thinly sliced salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill, is a festive staple in Sweden. Typically enjoyed cold with sweet mustard sauce, boiled potatoes, and crisp bread, it’s a refreshing yet flavorful dish. The name “gravlax” comes from “grav” (meaning “grave”), a nod to the ancient practice of burying fish in moss-covered pits for preservation. Today, you’ll find it conveniently canned (sans moss!) in Swedish grocery stores.

Perfect for: Seafood lovers seeking a light, elegant bite.

3. Surströmming (Fermented Herring)

Known as “rotten fish” for its pungent aroma, surströmming is a divisive yet beloved delicacy. Swedes often roll it into thin bread or pair it with potatoes and onions. Late summer brings surströmming parties, where enthusiasts brave the smell for a unique culinary experience.

For the brave: A true test of adventurous eating! Do you dare to try?

Read more: You Dare Trying The Most 16 Smelly Foods in the World?

4. Crayfish

August marks crayfish season in Sweden, sparking lively outdoor feasts. Picture colorful paper hats, fresh crayfish with salad, cheese quiche, and plenty of drinks. Like Midsummer celebrations, these parties often end with tipsy sing-alongs to traditional tunes.

Seasonal highlight: A fun, flavorful summer tradition.

5. Skagen Toast

A beloved appetizer, Skagen toast, named after a Danish port town, was invented by Swedish chef Tore Wretman, a post-WWII culinary pioneer. This open-faced toast combines shrimp, caviar, dill, and lemon for a fresh, zesty bite.

Why it’s iconic: A perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.

6. Pickled Herring

A cornerstone of the traditional Swedish smörgåsbord, a buffet-style feast served during holidays like Christmas and Midsummer, pickled herring shines with its tangy, salty taste. Paired with onions, carrots, mustard, caviar, or chives, it’s often enjoyed with buttered bread and potatoes. The iconic brand Abba (yes, like the legendary band ABBA) dominates the pickled herring scene in Sweden.

Pro tip: Dive into this dish to experience authentic Swedish traditions.

7. Västerbotten Cheese Pie

Dubbed the “king of cheeses,” Västerbotten cheese hails from northern Sweden’s Västerbotten region. This sharp, tangy cow’s milk cheese is grated into a creamy egg-and-cream filling, baked into a pie, and topped with caviar, red onion, and sour cream. It’s a year-round treat, especially popular at major celebrations.

Must-try for: Cheese enthusiasts craving a rich, savory pie.

8. Caviar and Egg Sandwich

Sandwiches are a Scandinavian staple, but the caviar and egg version screams “Swedish.” Featuring a creamy mix of cod roe and eggs, this open-faced sandwich is a daily delight that’s both simple and luxurious.

Why it’s special: It’s an affordable taste of Sweden’s love for seafood.

9. Roasted Goose

Celebrated on St. Martin’s Eve (November 10), the roasted goose is a cherished dish in Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost province, home to a hearty goose breed. The traditional meal features black soup (made from the bird’s blood, spiced with cloves and wine), roast goose stuffed with apples and prunes, goose liver sausage, potatoes, sprouts, and an apple cake dessert.

The best time to try: Autumn, when festivities bring this dish to life.

10. Seafood Platter

Summer along Sweden’s west coast means one thing: seafood. Restaurants serve up platters of freshly caught crayfish, shrimp, mussels, and scallops, paired with cheese and crispy bread. Enjoyed outdoors, it’s the quintessential Swedish lunch.

Ideal for: Sunny days and seafood cravings.

Bonus Swedish Delicacies

Beyond the top 10, don’t miss these gems:

• Falu Sausage: A smoky, hearty classic.
• Waffles: Crisp and sweet, often with jam and cream.
• Reindeer Meat: A northern delicacy with a gamey twist.
• Dumplings: Cozy and filling, perfect for chilly days.