Cuisine features world-famous meatballs and more

Sweden's cuisine culture is centered on local ingredients, yet many traditional recipes have international origins. This is because Swedes have always had a mindset of experimenting with new flavors and cuisines and combining them with local products to create new gastronomical experiences.

French influences began to seep into Swedish cuisine as early as the 17th century, giving rise to the rich, creamy sauces that Swedes still enjoy today. Meatballs, possibly the most famous national dish, were brought over from Turkey by King Charles XII in the early 18th century. Swede's add local trimmings like pickled cucumber, potatoes, and lingonberries to the meatballs before smothering them in a creamy gravy (brunss). This dish is now known as "Swedish meatballs" all over the world.

Other cosmopolitan delicacies, such as Italian lasagna and Turkish kebabs, have further expanded Sweden's gastronomic repertoire. National favorites include kebab pizza and pizza topped with beef filet and béarnaise sauce, which combine a culture clash of foreign ingredients to create dishes that have become new Swedish classics. The Swedish taco is a Friday family favorite, inspired by the Mexican kitchen but created uniquely and authentically Swedish. Because of Sweden's rich trading history, exotic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, anise, and saffron found their way into popular Swedish baked delicacies like gingerbread cookies.