Traditional Swedish Foods Everyone Should Try

Sweden is known for its stunning landscapes, minimalist design, and high quality of life, but its cuisine is just as unique and worth exploring. While Swedish food may not always be as globally recognized as Italian or Thai cuisine, it has a deep-rooted tradition of fresh, simple, and hearty flavors. As an expat in Sweden, trying local dishes is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and understand Swedish traditions better.

Here’s a guide to some traditional Swedish foods that everyone should try!

Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)

You can’t talk about Swedish food without mentioning meatballs. Made from a mix of beef and pork (sometimes veal), these small, flavorful meatballs are typically served with creamy brown gravy, mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and pickled cucumbers. They are a staple of Swedish home cooking and are also famously served at IKEA.

💡 Where to try? You’ll find köttbullar in most traditional Swedish restaurants. Pelikan in Stockholm is known for its authentic and hearty meatballs.

Gravlax (Cured Salmon)

Sweden has a strong seafood tradition, and gravlax is a must-try for fish lovers. This dish consists of thinly sliced salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill. It’s often served with mustard sauce (hovmästarsås) on crispbread or as part of a cold buffet (smörgåsbord).

💡 Where to try? Many restaurants serve gravlax as an appetizer, but you can also buy it fresh from food markets like Östermalms Saluhall in Stockholm.

Smörgåstårta (Sandwich Cake)

A mix between a sandwich and a cake, smörgåstårta is a popular dish for celebrations and gatherings. It consists of layers of bread filled with creamy mixtures of seafood, ham, cheese, or vegetables, then topped with shrimp, salmon, and boiled eggs. It’s rich, delicious, and perfect for sharing.

💡 Where to try? Smörgåstårta is usually homemade, but some bakeries and cafés sell it by the slice. Look for it at local konditori (pastry shops).

Raggmunk & Fläsk (Potato Pancakes with Pork)

Raggmunk is a crispy fried potato pancake, often served with fried pork and lingonberries. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines crunchy textures with sweet and salty flavors. It’s perfect for cold winter days when you need something warm and filling.

💡 Where to try? Husmanskost (traditional Swedish food) restaurants.

Surströmming (Fermented Herring)

This is probably Sweden’s most infamous dish. Surströmming is fermented Baltic herring, known for its extremely strong smell. It’s traditionally eaten with thin bread (tunnbröd), potatoes, onions, and sour cream. Many Swedes enjoy it as part of a late-summer tradition.

💡 Where to try? If you’re adventurous, you can find surströmming in specialty stores. The best way to try it is during a surströmming party, where locals teach you how to eat it properly!

Janssons Frestelse (Jansson’s Temptation)

A creamy and savory potato casserole made with anchovies (or sprats), onions, and cream, Janssons Frestelse is a common dish served during Swedish Christmas celebrations. Despite its simple ingredients, it has a rich and comforting flavor.

💡 Where to try? Look for it at Christmas buffets (julbord) during the holiday season.

Pytt i Panna (Swedish Hash)

A great example of Swedish comfort food, pytt i panna is a hash of diced potatoes, onions, and meat (usually beef or pork), fried together and topped with a fried egg and pickled beets. It’s a delicious way to use leftovers and is a common weekday meal.

💡 Where to try? Most traditional Swedish restaurants serve pytt i panna, and it’s also easy to make at home.

Falukorv (Falu Sausage)

This thick, smoked sausage has been a staple in Swedish households for centuries. It’s often fried and served with mashed potatoes, or used in dishes like korv stroganoff (a sausage-based stew). It has a mild but smoky flavor that makes it a favorite for both kids and adults.

💡 Where to try? You can buy falukorv in any Swedish supermarket and cook it at home for an authentic experience.

Prinsesstårta (Princess Cake)

No list of Swedish foods would be complete without dessert! Prinsesstårta is a beautiful green marzipan-covered cake with layers of sponge cake, custard, raspberry jam, and whipped cream. It’s sweet, light, and an absolute must-try for dessert lovers.

💡 Where to try? Most Swedish cafés serve prinsesstårta, especially during celebrations like birthdays. Vete-Katten in Stockholm is a great place to try it.

Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns)

Swedes take their fika (coffee break) very seriously, and no fika is complete without a kanelbulle. These cinnamon buns are less sweet than their American counterparts but packed with cardamom flavor and topped with pearl sugar.

💡 Where to try? Almost every bakery and café in Sweden serves kanelbullar, but Fabrique and Bröd & Salt are well-known for their delicious versions.

Learn more about The Swedish Fika Culture: Why Coffee Breaks Matter

Swedish cuisine may be simple, but it’s full of tradition, comfort, and unique flavors. Whether you’re indulging in creamy meatballs, experiencing the strong taste of surströmming, or enjoying a sweet fika with kanelbullar, trying these dishes will help you feel more connected to Swedish culture.

Have you tried any of these Swedish foods? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!