Surprise! I'm Swedish, it's not like anyone would know because I never talk about it *jokes.*
I usually go to Sweden every year, but it has been over a year and I'm really missing some specific items right now. I realize that most the items on my list I could make here, but for some reason, they do not taste the same or give the same feeling.
Here is a list of seven Swedish foods I wish that I had in front of me right now. I will preface this by saying don't yuck someone else's yum because honestly some of it is an acquired taste.
1. Waffles
I realize we have waffles here but there's something about them coming in the classic heart shape, they're thinner and more flavorful than the thick ones we have here, and its always topped with my two favorite things: whipped cream and strawberry jam.
2. Prinsesstårta
This cake is quite possibly my favorite food in the entire world. It has strawberry jam, just regular yellow cake/pound cake, a huge helping of whipped cream, and its covered in marzipan. It is so good I can't even put it into words.
3. Kroppkakor
So, this actually took me a long time to get used to but I actually love them. I know for a fact you cant get this anywhere in the United States and even if they did I would never eat them here because I feel like its only appropriate to eat when I'm on Öland.
4. Leverpastej and Pickle Sandwich
This is definitely going to offend some people. Leverpastej is liver pate and if you don't think about the fact that it's liver you'll be fine. The combination with that and pickles doesn't sound or even really look fantastic but it is so good. You know what makes it even weirder? Eating it exclusively as a breakfast food.
5. Fanta Exotic
I understand that this is not a snack but it's too good to not include on the list. This isn't exclusive to Sweden, but you definitely can't get this is America. It's like normal orange Fanta with passion fruit in it. It's so delicious.
6. Ananas Split (but really any ice cream)
This is summer to me. You've got vanilla ice cream with pineapple popsicle/sorbet around it and it's dipped in chocolate. it's so tasty. To name another few faves: Piggelin, Twister, Magnum Strawberry and White, Päron Split.
7. Meatballs, Mashed Potato, Lingon
Luckily, this is something that my mom makes on the reg. You can't get more stereotypical than Swedish meatballs but they're fantastic. If you don't have a Swedish pal to whip some of these up for you I highly recommend hitting up your nearest IKEA for the next best thing.
I miss Sweden, I miss the food, and I really just want a slice of Prinsesstårta. I realize some of these might not be appealing if you haven't grown up eating them but if you ever get a chance, try some of these out!
