Stockholm is also known by its beautiful archipelago and diverse culture as well as its food scene. In addition to the luxurious restaurants and the small cafes, the city provides street foods, which are the embodiment of the Swedish taste. In case you are going to Stockholm, these are the three street foods that you must not miss as they are sure to provide you with the taste of the Swedish culinary soul.
1. Kanelbulle – Sweden’s Iconic Cinnamon Bun
The kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) is likely to be the first thing that people mention when they are thinking about Swedish sweets. This pastry is soft, sweet and full of a swirl of cinnamon and cardamom and is an essential part of Swedish life. It is commonly taken at fika, which is a Swedish coffee break that the people take seriously.
The freshness and the harmony of flavors are the peculiarities of kanelbullar in Stockholm. The Swedish cinnamon buns are not as sweet as the overly sugary ones you can get in other places, but are more aromatic and allow the spices to shine through. They are available in bakeries, food stalls and even local markets. Combine it with a cup of hot coffee and you have yourself a perfect Stockholm street food.
Pro tip: Have a warm kanelbulle immediately after baking in the oven of local bakeries, such as Vete-Katten or Fabrique, and it will be an experience to remember.
Also see: Best Kanelbullar in Stockholm and Their Addresses
2. Grillad Korv – Grilled Sausage with a Swedish Twist
When you are roaming through the streets of Stockholm and you smell of smoked grilled meat, then you have probably hit a grillad korv stand. It is a grilled sausage that is one of the most popular Swedish street foods and rightfully so.
Grillad korv is served in a soft bun or in flatbread (tunnbröd), and is topped with a range of options. Whether it is creamy mashed potatoes or fried onions, mustard, ketchup and even shrimp salad, the combinations are endless. With every bite, there is a combination of smokiness of the sausage and a burst of flavors of the toppings.
It is not simply a snack it is an experience. Grillad korv is the best comfort street food in Stockholm, whether you are picking one on your way to Gamla Stan (Old Town) or after a night out.
Pro tip: Look for korv kiosks around Sergels Torg or Slussen for some of the city’s best versions.
3. Raggmunk – Crispy Potato Pancakes with Lingonberry
The passion of potatoes in Sweden is made to taste very tasty in raggmunk which is crispy potato pancake that is nutritious and filling. Raggmunk is traditionally prepared by combining grated potatoes with a simple batter and fried until golden and crispy in the outer part and soft in the inner part.
The most outstanding part of this dish is the toppings. Raggmunk is also commonly eaten with lingonberry jam and sour cream, a sweet and sour combination which makes the potato savory. It may even be served with bacon or pork belly on top sometimes to make it even more rich.
Raggmunk is also common in traditional restaurants, but it is also served at some street food stalls and markets as a grab and go snack. It is comfort food that has a Swedish name and a single bite will make you understand why it is so popular.
Pro tip: Visit a local food market like Östermalms Saluhall to taste authentic raggmunk.
The street food in Stockholm is a taste of Sweden in a bite. Sweet and spicy kanelbulle, smoky grillad korv and crispy raggmunk are not only delicious but also bear the traditions and culture of Sweden. Therefore, the next time you are walking in Stockholm, forget about the fancy menus and get one of these classic street foods. They are cheap, delicious and are sure to make your Swedish adventure memorable.
