Typical Swedish Food – 14 Traditional Dishes to Try

When it comes to Swedish cuisine, there’s so much more to discover beyond IKEA meatballs and lingonberries. As someone who grew up with Sweden’s food culture, I’m excited to share the top 14  traditional Swedish dishes that are truly worth the chew. Whether you’re planning dinner in Sweden or just curious about what to eat in Sweden, these foods will give you a genuine taste of classic Swedish dishes.

Overview of top traditional Swedish food

1. Räkmacka (Shrimp Sandwich)
2. Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)
3. Gravlax (Cured Salmon)
4. Janssons Frestelse (Jansson’s Temptation)
5. Smörgåstårta (Sandwich Cake)
6. Raggmunk (Potato Pancakes)
7. Surströmming (Fermented Herring)
8. Pytt i Panna (Swedish Hash)
9. Kroppkakor (Potato Dumplings)
10. Ärtsoppa och Pannkakor (Pea Soup and Pancakes)
11. Falukorv (Falu Sausage)
12. Sill (Pickled Herring)
13. Västerbottensostpaj (Västerbotten Cheese Pie)
14. Toast Skagen (Swedish Shrimp Toast)

1. Räkmacka (Shrimp Sandwich)

• Store-bought price: 50 – 100 SEK
• Restaurant price: 100 – 300 SEK
• Allergies: Shellfish, Egg, Gluten, Dairy, Mustard

If you ask me what the best Swedish dish is, I’ll tell you it’s the iconic räkmacka, hands down. This open-faced shrimp sandwich, loaded with fresh prawns (especially if you get the good kind), boiled egg, lettuce, and a bit of mayonnaise, is a must-try. 

It’s often served on either Hönökaka—a soft, round flatbread from the island of Hönö—or rye bread. Personally, I prefer the rye version as it adds more flavors and textures, and generally feels healthier when paired with a bunch of mayo.

If you ever travel to Norrland and are looking for the best things to do in Umeå, the largest city in the area, eating a shrimp sandwich at the boat restaurant Sjöbris is highly recommended.

2. Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)

• Store-bought price: 30 – 80 SEK (500-gram pack)
• Restaurant price: 100 – 180 SEK (as a part of a dish)
• Allergies: Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Mustard, Pork, Onions

Unfortunately, no list of Swedish food is complete without mentioning the famous Swedish köttbullar. These tender meatballs, traditionally made with a mix of pork and beef, are served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and buttery mashed potatoes. Sometimes, they are accompanied by simply boiled potatoes or macaroni.

When you go out for a traditional lunch or dinner in Sweden, you will undoubtedly find meatballs on the menu, as they are one of the most iconic Swedish dishes. However, the price and presentation can vary depending on where you eat. For example, IKEA offers a meal with köttbullar for as little as 3 € (if you are an “IKEA Family” member), while in a standard restaurant, it usually costs at least 10 €.

3. Gravlax (Cured Salmon)

• Store-bought price: 50 -150 SEK (100 – 200 grams package)
• Restaurant price: 100 – 200 SEK (as a part of a dish)
• Allergies: Fish

Another personal favorite of mine is gravlax, a perfect example of Swedish cuisine straight from the sea, often served with a slice of bread. The classic cured salmon, flavored with dill, sugar, and salt, is thinly sliced and paired with mustard sauce and, of course, some good bread. Boiled potatoes can also sometimes tag along as a trusty sidekick.

Gravlax is a savory delicacy that captures the essence of traditional Swedish cuisine. It often takes center stage at festive gatherings, especially during Christmas, but can also appear as a starter or small dish in restaurants.

4. Janssons Frestelse (Jansson’s Temptation)

• Store-bought price: 50 – 120 SEK
• Restaurant price: 300 – 800 SEK (as a part of all you can eat “julbord)
• Allergies: Fish, dairy, gluten

Since we’re on the topic of Christmas, it’s hard not to mention Janssons Frestelse. This amusingly named dish, whose name is believed to come from the 1928 film “Janssons frestelse”, is essentially a creamy potato and anchovy casserole. It’s rich, comforting, and a true classic in Swedish food culture.

I’m not going to lie—I’m not one of those Swedes who would immediately go for Janssons Frestelse. But if you’re looking to try top Swedish foods, this dish will undoubtedly give you something memorable from your trip.

Unless you are visiting during the holiday season for a Christmas buffet at a restaurant, you will most likely not encounter this Swedish dish on a menu. Your best bet is to befriend a Swedish family, scout the holiday counter at a supermarket or find one of the many Christmas buffets (“julbord”) that pop up in December.

5. Smörgåstårta (Sandwich Cake)

• Store-bought price: 250 – 500 SEK (a whole cake)
• Restaurant/café price: 60 – 100 SEK (for a slice)
• Allergies: Gluten, dairy, eggs, fish/shellfish, mustards

Okay! Hear me out… What about a cake, but savory? No worries—Swedish food culture has you covered with the so-called Smörgåstårta. This “cake” is layered with white bread, mayonnaise, and fillings like shrimp, ham, and vegetables. It’s a party favorite, not only for its rich flavor but also because it’s usually quite pleasing to the eye.

You can often grab a slice of smörgåstårta at a café or bakery. Some supermarkets (like ICA and Coop) also sell them, so you can give it a try without much hassle.

6. Raggmunk (Potato Pancakes)

• Store-bought price: 30 – 50 SEK
• Restaurant/café price: 100 – 150 SEK
• Allergies: Gluten, dairy, eggs

Raggmunk is a dish that once again highlights the humble potato, a staple in Swedish cuisine. These crispy potato pancakes are typically served with fried pork and lingonberries, offering a mix of savory and sweet. If you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying to eat in Sweden, raggmunk is your answer.

It’s not common to find them in restaurants unless you visit a very traditional Swedish one. Raggmunkar are more of a homemade dish because, well, it’s inexpensive, and you’re a Swede. You can also buy them ready-made at supermarkets, either frozen or pre-packaged. 

7. Surströmming (Fermented Herring)

• Store-bought price: 50 – 100 SEK
• Restaurant price: Not available 
• Allergies: Fish, histamine

Surströmming is perhaps the most adventurous item on this list of top Swedish foods to try. Known for its strong smell, this fermented herring is a dish for the brave. It’s typically eaten with flatbread, potatoes, and onions, creating a very traditional, though acquired, taste. It’s one of those iconic Swedish foods that you have to try at least once.

I first tried it when I was 10 years old, and it was quite an eye-opener—or rather, a nose-opener. I had no idea that something that smelled so strong could taste so mild. So yes, it was definitely a good life lesson.

Due to its strong smell, no restaurant will serve this to their customers. Your best bet is to go to a supermarket and buy a can yourself. However, it’s mostly available during the late summer season, so don’t expect it to be that easy to find.

8. Pytt i Panna (Swedish Hash)

• Store-bought price: 30 – 60 SEK (400-gram pack)
• Restaurant price: 80 – 150 SEK
• Allergies: Onions, meat

Don’t let the English name fool you—this traditional Swedish dish, Pytt i Panna, is a simple and entirely legal dish made from diced potatoes, onions, and usually leftover meat. It’s often topped with a fried egg and served with pickled beets and ketchup.

It could be considered one of the main pillars of Swedish “husmanskost,” which means traditional home-cooked food. If you went to school in Sweden, this was also one of the bad boys that showed up at least once every week.

9. Kroppkakor (Potato Dumplings)

• Store-bought price: 40 – 80 SEK (4 – 6 dumplings)
• Restaurant price: 100 – 160 SEK (not common to serve)
• Allergies: Gluten, dairy, eggs, porks

One of the most filling Swedish dishes, in my opinion, is kroppkakor. These potato dumplings with pork or bacon, often served with lingonberries and melted butter, make you question your belly space.

Kroppkakor isn’t alone in this category; we also have “palt.” The main difference between kroppkakor and palt lies in the preparation and ingredients. Kroppkakor are made with a mixture of boiled potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg, giving them a lighter texture. On the other hand, palt is made with raw potatoes and a higher proportion of flour, making them denser and heartier. 

Palt is particularly popular in the North of Sweden, where it’s known to induce “paltkoma”—a food coma from eating too many of these heavy dumplings. Even though I’m originally from the North, I have to admit that I grew up eating mostly kroppkakor…

10. Ärtsoppa och Pannkakor (Pea Soup and Pancakes)

• Store-bought price: 15 – 30 SEK (500-gram portion, ärtsoppa), 20 – 40 SEK (pre-made pancakes, pack of 6-8)
• Restaurant price: 70 – 120 SEK (not common)
• Allergies: Gluten, dairy, eggs, legumes

Ärtsoppa, or yellow pea soup, is a classic Swedish dish traditionally served on Thursdays, often accompanied by thin pancakes (pannkakor) for dessert. This tradition is deeply rooted in Swedish national dishes, and the combination of savory soup followed by sweet pancakes is a perfect example of what to eat in Sweden for a complete meal.

To be honest, this wasn’t a tradition for me growing up. But I have tried it. It didn’t stick, but I know that parts of the older generation still adore it.

11. Falukorv (Falu Sausage)

• Store-bought price: 40 – 60 SEK (800 grams up to 1 kilogram)
• Restaurant price: 80 – 150 SEK (as a dish, but not common)
• Allergies: Pork

Falukorv is a large Swedish sausage made from a mix of pork and beef, often served fried or baked with cheese and mustard. It’s a versatile dish commonly found in many Swedish homes and is a key part of Swedish food culture. We usually pair it with simple macaroni, though potatoes can also play a main role. As for sauce, ketchup does the job.

Whether served as a quick lunch or dinner in Sweden, falukorv is a comforting and satisfying option. As a kid, I used to snack on it straight from the fridge here and there, without regrets.

12. Sill (Pickled Herring)

• Store-bought price: 20 – 50 SEK (a jar, usually 200 – 400 grams)
• Restaurant price: 60 – 200 SEK (as a part of serving, but not common)
• Allergies: Fish, Sulfur dioxide, onions

No Christmas or Midsummer is complete without sill, or as some English speakers like to call it, pickled herring. The amount I have eaten in my life is off the charts. Usually served with potatoes, sour cream, and chives, this dish showcases the simplicity and fresh flavors that are hallmarks of Swedish cuisine.

Flavor-wise, we’re not that basic with this one. Apart from the plain version, which is basically herring in a simple vinegar brine, some popular variations include mustard sill, onion sill, and dill sill. Once again, you might not find this in your nearest restaurant unless it’s part of a julbord, but the supermarkets will always be your sill(-y) friend.

13. Västerbottensostpaj (Västerbotten Cheese Pie)

• Store-bought price: 30 – 70 SEK (per slice)
• Restaurant price: 70 – 150 SEK (per serving)
• Allergies: Gluten, dairy, eggs

Västerbottensostpaj is a dish that every Swedish cheese lover swears by, even if it’s not exactly my cup of crust. This savory pie is made with Västerbotten cheese, a sharp and tangy cheese from northern Sweden that gives the dish its name. The pie combines a buttery crust with a filling of eggs, cream, and, of course, plenty of that famous cheese. 

You’ll often find Västerbottensostpaj on the menu during festive occasions like Midsummer, Christmas, or crayfish parties. It’s also pretty common in cafés and restaurants, so if you’re a cheese fan, this is one Swedish dish you absolutely have to try. Even if it’s not my personal favorite, I know plenty of people who can’t resist its cheesy charm!

14. Toast Skagen (Swedish Shrimp Toast)

• Store-bought price: Not gonna happen, sorry. 
• Restaurant price: 100 – 200 SEK 
• Allergies: Shellfish, eggs, gluten

I almost left the best for last, but truth be told, I might have forgotten about Toast Skagen because of its close resemblance to the almighty räkmacka. Don’t get me wrong—Toast Skagen is a star in its own right. This delicious dish is a classic Swedish starter made with a creamy mix of shrimp, mayonnaise, dill, and a splash of lemon juice, all piled high on a slice of toasted (usually white) bread.

Toast Skagen often takes the role of a starter across Sweden, especially in restaurants that serve traditional Swedish cuisine. We also enjoy making it at home for fancier occasions since it’s widely loved by everyone.

To summarize traditional food in Sweden

Swedish cuisine shares many similarities with the food cultures of its Scandinavian neighbors, such as Norway and Denmark, as well as Finland. Like these countries, Swedish food often features fish, seafood, bread (especially delicious varieties), potatoes, and pork as staple ingredients. 

As you might have noticed, Swedish cuisine doesn’t rely heavily on spices. Instead, it focuses on a solid base with either a sauce or layers of flavors, much like other Northern European cuisines.

Generally speaking, Swedish food can be somewhat challenging if you have allergies to gluten and dairy, as these ingredients are often included in sauces or used as a butter base. However, Sweden has made great efforts in accommodating dietary needs, and most restaurants are very flexible and willing to adjust dishes so you can enjoy them without suffering.

With that said, I hope you get a chance to enjoy some traditional Swedish cuisine! Just keep in mind that eating out in Sweden can be pricey, so depending on your budget, you might not be fine dining every day.

FAQ about food in Sweden