Traditionally, Scandinavian dishes are staples and many traditional foods include fish, potatoes, pork, and berries. Most Scandinavian cuisine is based on fresh, natural ingredients that can be found in nature or that come fresh from the sea. On your trip to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, or Finland, be sure to try at least one of these great Scandinavian dishes. You won’t regret it, that’s for sure.
Fish
The main staple in Scandinavian cuisine is definitely fish. With such a large fishing industry, it only makes sense because it is readily available and cheap. From salmon to herring to shellfish, there are countless varieties of fish in many different forms that can be found in any Scandinavian restaurant. You can even use it to make desserts, for example the Norwegian fiskekaker. Grilled salmon is a popular dish, as are the various fish soups and stews. Even fish cake is a common traditional dish in parts of Scandinavia.
gravlax
This is a common Scandinavian dish made from raw salmon that is cured with salt, dill, and sugar. It is traditionally eaten with rye bread, mustard, and dill. Gravlax is usually served on top of bread or with a side of potatoes and can be found in many different restaurants in Scandinavia.
meatballs
The best Scandinavian food, the meatballs from the region differ from the meatballs found in North America because they are generally smaller and made with only fresh ingredients. They are traditionally made from a mixture of pork and beef, but depending on where you are in Scandinavia, the ingredients and size of the meatballs may differ. In Sweden they are generally served with mashed potatoes and jam; however, in Denmark, you would probably eat them with pickled cabbage, potatoes, and beets. One thing for sure is that no matter where you are in Scandinavia, you will definitely find meatballs on the menu.
Berries
Berries are a common staple in many Scandinavian dishes. Both sweet and savory dishes have berries. They are enjoyed in many different meals, from breakfast to dinner, and are a common ingredient in desserts. Scandinavia is known for two berries: lingonberry and lingonberry. Lingonberries are generally eaten with toast and porridge and are also commonly used for meat sauces. They are similar to blueberries and have a natural bitter taste, so sugar is usually added to make them taste more pleasant. Blueberries are commonly enjoyed in the form of jam. Cloudberries are golden but have a similar shape to raspberries and are mainly purchased in the form of jam or as a juice. Cranberry jam is commonly consumed on toast or as a sauce for meats or in desserts.
Pancakes
Pancakes are a common Scandinavian dish. They are enjoyed at all times of the day, not only at breakfast as in other places in the world. Different areas of Scandinavia feature various pancake recipes. For example, in many restaurants in Sweden, you will find raggmunk , also known as Swedish potato pancakes because the main ingredient is potatoes. In Finland, you will find pannukakku . Pannukakku, which are baked pancakes. Most pancakes are topped with whipped cream and berries, although a variety of different toppings can be used. In Denmark, you will find pancake balls that taste like a combination of a donut and a pancake. Wherever you are in Scandinavia, you are sure to find some kind of delicious pancakes on the menu.
