Treat your taste buds to a southern adventure
The past decade has seen culinary revolution throughout Sweden. Our own ancient gastronomic homecooking tradition is now wide open to influences and inspiration from all around the world, while interest in traditional cooking techniques and, above all, in high-quality, locally produced foods and ingredients, have intensified and deepened, not least in a younger generation of chefs, as well as among the broad public. The result of this dramatic evolution is a brand new gastronomic landscape where you can now eat and drink in excellence not only in the major cities but also in small towns and throughout the countryside. This is especially true for all of southern Sweden.
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Exclusive carpaccio from restaurant 28+ in Göteborg |
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Photo: 28+ |
The two main southern Swedish cities Göteborg and Malmö with surroundings are both exciting gastronomic destinations, with broad arrays of creative eateries for all tastes. Göteborg especially has been received much international praise in recent years, as one of Europe´s most dynamic and attractive cities for contemporary gastronomy.
Göteborg and all of the west coast is famous for its exquisite fish and in particular its shellfish, the latter blessed with the rare and delicious flavours that result from maturing slowly in cold North Atlantic waters. Lobster, crab and oysters from all along the coastline are delicacies of supreme class. A visit in the autumn is warmly recommended, when many of the top-notchrestaurants, both classic and avant-garde, highlight their menues with these irresistable beasts.
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Spettekaka - a pyramid cake baked on a spit and also a great tradition in Skåne. |
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Photo: skane.com©sydpol.com |
Skåne in the south, where Malmö is the regional capital, is Sweden´s – and one of Northern Europe’s – foremost farming districts, a fact that is reflected in its proud and diverse culinary tradition. Skåne is generally associated with rich and heavy food, with traditional delicacies such as fried goose, smoked eel and the famous ”spättekaka”, elaborate and spectacular cakes baked with substantial amounts of eggs. Though such traditional treats are still much in demand in season, modern-day Skåne is a region where you can eat well, regardless of preferences. Restaurants base their menues on the seasons, and on the generous larder of the Skåne fields and forests, with plenty of superior fresh vegetables in spring, fruits and berries through summer, and mushrooms, shellfish and venison in autumn. With more than 400 kilometres of coastline, Skåne is also a major fishing region, with prime quality fresh fish served in restaurants year round.
As mentioned earlier, the focus on locally and ecologically produced, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques has long been a clear trend, all across Sweden. In many parts of the country, restaurants and hotels have formed organisations aimed at preserving and advancing local culinary traditions. A taste of West Sweden, Culinary Skåne and Culinary Gotland are three such alliances. Keep your eyes open for these labels, as they serve as marks of quality and genuine dedication to a deeper gastronomic tradition.
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Restaurnat PM & Vänner (PM & Friends) in Växjö |
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Photo: PM & Vänner |
Progressive contemporary gastronomy outside the major cities is a relatively new phenomenon in Sweden, but recent years have seen radical development. Pioneers such as Niklas in Helsingborg, Petri Pumpa in Lund and Kategatt in the exclusive coastal resort of Torekov have been pioneers in a dynamic new movement, where star chefs have taken their concepts to countryside retreats, often in spectacular natural settings, opening up creative new restaurants in old farms, castles, manor houses and industrial buildings, where guests are treated to enjoyable and inspiring holistic experiences in addition to fine dining. Many of these new establishments are also exclusive hotels and some offer spa facilities. In small rural towns, too, the quality of restaurants has improved dramatically. A top-ranked restaurant such as the recently opened PM&Vänner in Växjo in the heart of the craft and design district of Småland is just one example.