How to Cook Like a Scandinavian

Scandinavian cuisine is rooted in simplicity, seasonality and high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. From fresh-caught seafood to hearty comfort foods, traditional Scandinavian dishes reflect the region’s rich history, varied climate and deep connection to the natural world. Here are some classic Scandinavian dishes enjoyed in Finland, Norway and Sweden, as well as their origins and how they’re enjoyed!

10 tasty dishes from Finland, Denmark, Sweden & Norway

Smørrebrød (Denmark)

Smørrebrød, Denmark’s iconic open-faced sandwich, is a staple of Danish cuisine. 

Traditionally served on dense rye bread, smørrebrød features a variety of toppings from pickled herring to roast beef with remoulade. This dish dates back to the Middle Ages but gained popularity in the 19th century when it became an easy and filling lunch for common workers. Smørrebrød is enjoyed year-round, often as a light yet flavorful meal that celebrated seasonal produce.

Ingredients typically include rugbrød (Danish rye bread), butter and an assortment of toppings such as smoked salmon, liver pâté or shrimp with dill. The beauty of smørrebrød lies in its stunning presentation, as each topping is carefully arranged for both taste and aesthetics!

Gravlax (Sweden)

Gravlax is a cured salmon dish that originated in Sweden during the Middle Ages when fishermen would bury salted fish in the sand to preserve it — hence the name, which means “buried salmon.” Today, gravlax is made by curing salmon with salt, sugar and dill, resulting in a delicate, flavorful dish typically served as an appetizer.

This dish is a centerpiece for festive occasions like Christmas and Midsummer celebrations, where it’s traditionally served thinly sliced with mustard sauce (hovmästarsås), fresh bread or boiled potatoes.

Kjøttkaker (Norway)

Kjøttkaker, Norway’s version of meatballs, are a beloved comfort food with deep roots in Norwegian home cooking. Unlike Swedish meatballs, they are slightly larger and made with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper and nutmeg and are usually served alongside brown gravy, boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam and mashed peas. 

Kjøttkaker is a common weeknight meal but also finds its way onto special occasion menus and traditional events.

Lutefisk (Norway & Sweden)

Lutefisk is a unique dish made from dried whitefish (usually cod) that has been rehydrated in a lye solution before being rinsed and cooked. It has a gelatinous texture and is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, green peas and bacon.

Lutefisk dates as far back as the Viking era and remains a traditional holiday dish, particularly during Christmas. While its strong aroma and unusual texture can be divisive, it continues to be an important part of Scandinavian culinary heritage!

Kanelbullar (Sweden)

Kanelbullar, or Swedish cinnamon buns, are a beloved pastry that holds a special place in Scandinavian fika culture — the daily coffee break tradition. 

Unlike American cinnamon rolls, kanelbullar are less sweet and feature a hint of cardamom in the dough. The buns are then shaped into twisted knots and topped with pearl sugar instead of frosting. They are enjoyed year-round but are especially celebrated on Sweden’s Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens Dag) on October 4th.

Rømmegrøt (Norway)

Rømmegrøt is a rich, creamy porridge made with sour cream, flour and milk, and is often enjoyed as a festive treat. Historically, it was reserved for special occasions like weddings, Christmas and harvest celebrations, though many people enjoy it as an everyday breakfast dish, too.

This dish is typically topped with cinnamon, sugar and a generous drizzle of melted butter, all served warm and often enjoyed with a side of cured meats like fenalår (salted and dried lamb leg).

Fiskesuppe (Norway)

Fiskesuppe, or Norwegian fish soup, is a creamy, comforting dish packed with seafood, root vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s a favorite in coastal communities where fresh fish is abundant and easily accessible.

The soup is made with a base of fish stock, cream and a variety of seafood such as cod, shrimp or mussels — whatever is in season. Fiskesuppe is commonly eaten during the colder months, making it a perfect winter warmer and a great way to use up seasonal winter produce. 

Räksmörgås (Sweden)

Räksmörgås, or Swedish shrimp sandwich, is a popular seafood dish found in cafés and restaurants across Sweden. It consists of a slice of buttered bread topped with fresh shrimp, mayonnaise, boiled egg, lettuce and dill. Yum!

This open-faced sandwich is often enjoyed as a light lunch or snack, particularly during the summer months when fresh seafood is at its best. It’s a staple of Swedish culinary culture and is frequently served on festive occasions.

Karjalanpiirakka (Finland)

Karjalanpiirakka, or Karelian pasties, are traditional Finnish pastries with a thin rye crust and a creamy rice porridge filling. Originating from the Karelia region, these pastries have been a staple of Finnish food culture for centuries!

These little pasties are typically served with egg butter, a mixture of chopped hard-boiled eggs and butter, which adds a rich flavor to the mild rice filling. Karjalanpiirakka is enjoyed as a breakfast food, a light snack or alongside a cup of coffee.

Risalamande (Denmark)

Risalamande is a traditional Danish rice pudding dessert that’s typically served during the Holiday season. It consists of a sweet rice pudding mixed with whipped cream, vanilla and chopped almonds, and is often topped with a luscious cherry sauce.

A well-loved holiday tradition involves hiding a whole almond in the dish, and whoever finds it in their slice wins a small prize. This fun and festive dessert is a staple of Danish Christmas dinners and is enjoyed with large groups of family and friends. 

Cooking like a Scandinavian means embracing fresh, local ingredients, simple preparations and cozy traditions. Whether you're making a hearty fish soup, delicate gravlax or indulgent cinnamon buns, each dish offers a delicious glimpse into the rich Scandinavian culture and heritage.

So, as the Danes, Norwegians, Finns and Swedes would say, “velbekomme,” “håper det smaker,” “hyvää ruokahalua,” and “smaklig måltid” —  bon appetit!

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Featured photo by Alex Spöttel on Unsplash

Second photo by Jessica Guzik on Unsplash