Food to Try in Scandinavia

Swedish food is much more than the little meatballs you see at Ikea. The Nordic diet is high in whole grains, protein and omega fats, hailed worldwide for its health benefits and, as an added bonus, it’s delicious. Here are some staples to try on your next visit.

Kanelbulle, the Nordic versions of cinnamon buns, are delicious spiced rolls, which can be found in every café, bakery and food store around the region. Made from lightly sweetened leavened bread dough, flavored with cardamom, saffron and vanilla, kanelbulle are best served for a fika — a daily practice of sitting down with a cup of coffee and something sweet.

Toast Skagen, a tasty treat inspired by a fishing port in northern Denmark, is a delicious cocktail of peeled prawns, mayonnaise, dill and lemon topped with fish roe and served on crisp, sautéed bread.

Kroppkakor are rich potato dumplings filled with cured pork, onions and allspice, served with clarified bitter and lingonberries for a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory.

Raggmunk are Swedish potato pancakes served with slices of cured pork belly and lingonberries, offering the perfect combination of salty, sweet and sour.

Lutefisk is a dried whitefish, normally cod, treated with lye. It offers a mild flavor and is either served with a white sauce spiced with pepper or other strong spices or served unseasoned with butter or cream sauce. The fish often comes as a meal with boiled potatoes, mashed green peas, melted butter, small pieces of fried bacon and sometimes melted geitost, a brown goat cheese.

Pea soup originated in Swedish cuisine, although Norway and Denmark have similar versions. This traditional, delicious, thick soup is made from peas with bacon or smoked meat.

Smoked salmon is one of the most common foods in Scandinavia and can be enjoyed with any meal in several ways, such as with scrambled eggs or on a sandwich.