What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Swedish cuisine? If you were to ask anybody that question a decade ago, their answer would be “hearty, monochromatic plates of meat and vegetables,” or Swedish Meatballs of course – a rite of passage for IKEA shoppers across the world. Oh, how things have changed. After years of leading the Swedish food scene, the city of Stockholm is now overflowing with culinary pursuits and has even been crowned the European Capital of Gastronomy in 2023. Here are five must-try foods in Stockholm:
Cinnamon Buns
Nothing brings us comfort like the thought of strolling through Stockholm’s cobblestone streets on a crisp morning with a coffee in one hand and a freshly baked cinnamon bun in the other. Cinnamon buns, also known as Kanelbullar, are more than just a sweet treat in Sweden, but a quintessential part of Fika and one of the most iconic foods in Stockholm.
The traditional Swedish cinnamon bun recipe is made with a perfectly moist and chewy dough, infused with a hint of cardamom. The dough is folded, twisted, and generously layered with an addictive sugar-butter cinnamon filling that fills the air with the aroma of winter spice once baked. You can find these perfectly knotted delights at one of these charming cafés in Djurgården.
Toast Skagen
Named after the Danish fishing town of Skagen but firmly adopted into the Swedish culinary canon, this dish is a masterclass in simplicity done right. Think small, cold-water prawns folded into a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and crème fraîche, sharpened with lemon, fresh dill, and sometimes a flicker of mustard, then piled generously onto crisp, golden toast. A spoonful of roe on top and voilà.
For a classic take on this nostalgic dish, head to Riche, one of the city’s most enduring dining institutions. Its Toast Skagen is something of a benchmark: elegantly presented, generously topped, and best enjoyed with a chilled glass of white wine while soaking up the buzzy atmosphere.
Steak Tartare
Okay, so many of you may squirm at the idea of eating raw beef – we used to be in the same camp, until we were converted – but give this dish a chance, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Not a Swedish dish per se, but one you’ll find across many restaurants (often called råbiff, literally translating to “raw beef”), steak tartare consists of finely chopped beef mixed with capers, onions and herbs, then topped with a glossy egg yolk. It’s typically served on toast or with fries, adding a bit of crunch to balance that soft, almost buttery texture. Enjoy it at Luzette, a railway brasserie conveniently set inside Stockholm Central Station – ideal if you’ve just arrived or are on your way out.
Villa Dagmar’s Club Sandwich
Amongst clued-up traveller circles, word is you can tell a lot about a hotel by the quality of its club sandwich. After staying at Villa Dagmar and tasting its version of the famous lunchtime staple, it seems there might be some truth to this.
This sophisticated boutique hotel in Östermalm does a banging classic club at its Restaurant Dagmar, composed of grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, and sun-dried tomatoes, layered with parmesan aioli, and served with pommes frites. It’s simple, delicious, and best enjoyed after a lazy morning spent binge-watching your favourite series in one of the hotel’s 70 snazzy rooms.
The Mälarpaviljongen Burger
On the banks of Lake Mälaren, across the street from The Green Queen Restaurant, you’ll find Mälarpaviljongen – an all-welcoming bar and eatery with an eclectic seasonal menu. This bustling LGBT-owned restaurant, described as being one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the World, serves a selection of mouth-watering dishes, from world-class Swedish Meatballs to their very own Mälarpaviljongen Burger.
The Mälarpaviljongen Burger has all the components of a classic gourmet burger: a succulent beef patty and a slice of sharp cheddar, but with a few added surprises, such as root veggie crisps for a satisfying crunch. Pair it with a cold glass of bubbly and admire the archipelago of Stockholm from this lakeside oasis.
Thanks to the city’s trailblazing local chefs, entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts, Stockholm is quickly becoming one of the culinary capitals of the world. Check out these exciting places to visit whilst you explore our five must-try foods in Stockholm, one delicious bite at a time.