Travelling to Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark does not only provide beautiful views and historic buildings it is also a tasty culinary experience. Whether it is comfort food or holiday foods, both countries have a wide range of flavours that show their rich culture. Are you going on a Nordic getaway? Our Sweden Denmark travel guide can be your best friend to guide you not only around, but around the plate as well.
It does not matter whether you are walking through the streets of Copenhagen with their bright colors or visiting the waterfronts of Stockholm, food becomes an inevitable part of your adventures. Every bite you get is centuries-old traditions with a touch of modern creativity. The two countries have some special dishes that you cannot afford to miss. Here are our top 10 food picks in case you are visiting, some of these foods are really mouthwatering, and a culinary adventure that will be as memorable as the landscape.
Here are the 10 Must Try Foods in Sweden and Denmark
1. Smørrebrød (Denmark)
Smorrbrod is made with thick rye bread and topped with pickled herring, egg, liver pate, or roast beef. It’s a simple open-faced sandwich packed with flavor and creativity. It is typically seasoned with herbs, onions, or radish to give it a colorful finishing touch that is delicious. It is a common lunch or light dinner in Danish households and restaurants, and it is a satisfying meal with a variety of flavors, as well as something nutritious.
2. Swedish Meatballs (Sweden)
Swedish meatballs, also known as köttbullar, are a popular comfort food for both tourists and locals. These are cooked together with ground beef and pork and accompanied with creamy brown gravy, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
3. Räksmörgås (Sweden)
Raks smorgas is a well known fresh and appetizing shrimp sandwich. It is served on a piece of buttered bread with large amounts of cold-water shrimp, lettuce, and egg and a squirt of lemon. Mayonnaise puts the entire thing together with a dollop. A popular meal to be eaten at cafes along the seashore, this light but tasty dish is perfect to have as a lunch or a snack in the process of visiting towns or islands along the Swedish coastline.
4. Stegt Flæsk (Denmark)
Stegt flsk, traditionally considered to be a national dish of Denmark is a dish of thick-sliced crispy pork belly accompanied by parsley sauce and boiled potatoes. The pig is roasted or fried until it is golden and crispy, which is very nice.
The creamy dressing serves as a nice contrast to the meat’s richness.
5. Gravlax (Sweden)
A Scandinavian dish called gravlax is composed of salt, sugar, and dill-seasoned cured salmon. It is cured to extract moisture and enhance the flavor of the fish which is buttery and slightly sweet. Thin slices tend to be eaten cold with mustard and rye bread or crispbread. It is a favorite appetizer or smorgasbord dish particularly during the festive seasons and celebrations.
6. Frikadeller (Denmark)
Frikadeller – Danish pan fried meatballs of pork and veal or a mixture of the two. They are seasoned with onions, pepper and spices and fried so that they are crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. Frikadeller are a comfort food that are normally served with potatoes, brown sauce and cabbage and that can be found in homes and in traditional Danish restaurants.
7. Kanelbullar (Sweden)
Swedish cinnamon buns, kanelbullar, are a wonderful pastry best eaten as fika, the Swedish adored coffee break. The buns are baked until soft and golden and sprinkled with pearl sugar, and are made by a spiced dough that is rolled out with cinnamon and sugar. They go well with a hot cup of coffee. These buns are sweet, toasty, and comfortingly nostalgic, and they can be found in nearly every cafe and bakery in Sweden.
8. Rød Pølse (Denmark)
Rod polse is typically cooked and served in a bread or with fries, alongside mustard, ketchup, onions, and remoulade. This is a popular street food in Denmark and it is a very red sausage. It is very reddish and is easily recognizable. It is a fast and tasty snack usually sold at hot dog stands named plsevogn.
9. Jansson’s Temptation (Sweden)
A creamy potato casserole called Janssons frestelse in the local language is a rich mixture of thinly cut potatoes, onions, anchovy-like fish (sprats), cream and bread crumbs. It is baked to the golden and bubbling state and is a common meal during Christmas and festive seasons. Its name indicates its unresistibility- most Swedes confess that it is difficult to eat just one serving.
10. Risalamande (Denmark)
Risalamande is a Danish traditional desert of cold rice pudding, whipped cream, chopped almonds and cherry sauce. It is mostly liked in Christmas but it is enjoyed all year around.
It is creamy when served cold, a bit sweet, and served with a sour fruit on top. One entertaining habit is to hide a whole almond in the dessert, and the one who finds it receives a small gift.
Conclusion
Whether it is the delicious meat preparations, fresh seafood and satisfying pastries, Swedish and Danish cuisine will amaze you. All the dishes are the reflection of the local traditions, harvest and Nordic hospitality. Since the number of flavors to explore is so high, each of your meals will be a step in your cultural experience in Scandinavia.
In case you are willing to organize a delicious trip, do not overlook our Sweden Denmark travel guide to find out the most delicious venues, local secrets, and travel plans. Whether it is a crowded urban coffee shop or a beautiful village kitchen, your palate is going to experience a Nordic treat.
