Sweden Cuisine

Crisp and soft breads, berries, beef, pork, shellfish, potatoes, and cabbage families are all served in Sweden with a majority of meals. Breads of all shapes and sizes are served as a side. The most popular side however, is potatoes and is served all year around. The new potato in particular is the most celebrated. It ripens in early summer and is served at the Midsommar festival annually and is known has one of the most popular holidays of the year. Pickled herrings, chives, sour cream, and fresh strawberries along with these potatoes are traditionally served as a desert. Another desert involving potatoes is the Black Pudding, which translates to “Blood Pudding”. Fruit plays a large role in Sweden Cuisine. For instance, Game and Meatballs are served with a lingonberry Jam and fruit soups are very popular. After finishing a meal or in the middle of the day, coffee breaks with pastries are taken frequently in Sweden. Among the pastries are yeast buns and cookies, and each pastry are usually lower in fat then most in the U.S. Other famous deserts include, cheese cake and pancakes. Interestingly enough pancakes are rarely served for breakfast but after a meal instead. During dinner, they are served with meats and soups. In Sweden, Thursdays are soup days and one of the most traditional Swedish soups is the yellow pea soup.

This is still served in restaurants and households every Thursday with pancakes instead of crackers or bread which most cultures are used to. Sweden has good access to catching fish of all kinds, shapes and sizes to it obvious fish is an important food source in Swedish meals. Traditional Swedish appetizers include shrimp and lobster and shellfish is very handy as well. Crayfish and Salmon are popular and are served in many dishes. Large amounts of crayfish are traditionally enjoyed in August with boiled potato and dill; Salmon is served in the famous plate Gravlax, which is seasoned with sugar, salt and herbs. When it comes to liquor strong beverages there are two main kinds that do the trick. The Aqua Vitae is a Scandinavian Vodka and Schnapps that get served often. The most well known liquor out of Sweden is Absolut Vodka. Absolut Vodka is served at almost every alcoholic venue around the world. Bitter tasting brands of beer such as Pripps Bla and Norrlands Guld are served in Sweden as well, usually in larger pints. Sweden Cuisine is packed with meats, fish, breads and potatoes of all kinds, all of which offer a delicious dining experience.