Best Northern European Foods
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Loimulohi is a traditional method of preparing salmon or rainbow trout. The fish is smoked on a wooden plank that's placed vertically over an open fire. Before the process, the salmon is usually seasoned with sea salt and drizzled or brushed with lemon juice, honey, or juniper berries.
The cooking time depends on the distance from the coals. Once done, the smoky fish can be eaten straight off the plank.
One of the most popular Swedish desserts is a rich chocolate cake known as kladdkaka. This classic Swedish creation combines eggs, cocoa (or chocolate), butter, sugar, and flour into a dense and luscious dessert. During baking, the cake should always remain moist in the center, while the outer layer is transformed into a thin, crunchy coating.
Since the cake is incredibly dense, and typically heavy on the bitter chocolate or cocoa, it is usually dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, and traditionally served with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream on the side. It is one the most beloved Swedish desserts, typically enjoyed during fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break.
The cinnamon roll or kanelbulle is a famous Swedish pastry made with yeasted, butter-rich, sweetened, and cardamom-flavored dough and has a cinnamon, butter, and sugar filling. Traditionally, kanelbulle will also have pearl sugar on top, although some variants can have either cardamom sugar or slivered almonds instead.
Cinnamon rolls are typically associated with fika, a well-established Swedish coffee-and-cake form of socializing. Although the origin of these tasty swirls is still subject to considerable debate, the pastry has its own day in Sweden – October 4th, known as Cinnamon Roll Day.
MOST ICONIC Kanelbulle
View moreGravlax is a Scandinavian dish consisting of raw, salt-cured salmon that is traditionally seasoned with dill. Originally, the dish was made by fishermen who used to bury the salt, sugar, and dill-rubbed salmon above the line of high tide and leave it to ferment.
At the time, it was characterized by its pungent flavor and odor, but today, gravlax is cured under refrigeration. The name gravlax comes from a combination of two words, grav, meaning buried, and lax, meaning salmon, referring to the original method of production.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Lohikeitto is a creamy Finish salmon soup, similar to laxsoppa in Sweden. Apart from chunks of salmon fillet, it traditionally incorporates diced potatoes and carrots cooked in a flavorful, buttery broth infused with fish stock and cream.
This comforting winter dish is generously seasoned with dill and served alongside buttered rye bread or lemon wedges.
Kalakeitto or fish soup has been a staple of traditional Finnish cuisine for a long time. Although there are numerous ways to prepare this classic Finnish specialty, it typically consists of cleaned and filleted fish chunks and diced vegetables that are simmered in a rich, buttery fish broth.
Carrots, potatoes, onions, and leeks are among the most common vegetables used for the soup’s preparation, while the choice of fish includes salmon, rainbow trout, vendace, pike, perch, zander, or burbot. Traditionally, the soup is enhanced with the addition of butter and cooking cream (ruokakermaa), and it is usually flavored with dill, allspice, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Sake nigiri sushi is a Japanese type of nigiri sushi, with origins in Norway. It consists of hand-pressed sushi rice that's topped with slices of salmon. The dish has a soft texture and a clean finish that makes it good for sushi newcomers, although the flavor can be a bit fishier than maguro (tuna) nigiri sushi.
Traditionally, this type of sushi is eaten by hand in a single bite. It's usually accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, or pickled ginger (gari) on the side.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Sushi
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Jordgubbstårta is a traditional strawberry cake originating from Sweden. It usually consists of five parts: sponge cake (flour, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla); lemon syrup (lemon juice, water, sugar); pastry cream (eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, butter, milk); mascarpone whipped cream (mascarpone cheese, crème fraiche, sugar, vanilla), and a garnish of fresh strawberries.
In order to assemble the cake, the sponge cake is brushed with lemon syrup, topped with pastry cream and quartered strawberries, and then with whipped cream. The process is repeated two more times, and the cake is then covered with mascarpone whipped cream and the remaining strawberries.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kanttarellikeitto is a traditional soup originating from Finland. The soup is usually made with a combination of chanterelle mushrooms, butter, onions, parsley, flour, vegetable stock, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. The mushrooms are chopped and sautéed with onions and parsley in butter over medium-low heat.
Once the moisture evaporates, the mixture is sprinkled with flour and stirred. The stock is added gradually, and the soup is then simmered for some time before cream is added to the pot. Kanttarellikeitto is seasoned with salt and pepper, garnished with chopped parsley, and served hot.
Köttbullar are famous Swedish meatballs with a crispy brown exterior, and light, airy and tender texture on the interior. The original recipe for the dish first appeared in Cajsa Warg's 1754 cookbook. The meatballs usually consist of beef mixed with pork or veal, and the combination is typically seasoned with onions, salt, pepper, and allspice.
The mixture is shaped into small, round meatballs and browned in hot butter. This dish is traditionally accompanied by lingonberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and a thick gravy on the side, although lighter side dishes such as cucumber salad or red cabbage are also quite popular.
MOST ICONIC Köttbullar
View moreBest Northern European Food Producers
Fjåk Chocolate, based in Norway, is renowned as the country’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Founded by Agurtxane Concellon and Siv Hereid in 2015, the company began by experimenting with craft chocolate in a modest kitchen before officially launching in 2017.
Fjåk infuses its chocolate with local Nordic ingredients, such as sour cherries, reindeer lichen, and lingonberries, showcasing Norway's natural bounty. This approach is central to Fjåk’s identity, offering a distinctive Norwegian spin on traditional chocolate.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
BEST Fjåk Chocolate Spreads
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2018

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Arla Cheeses
Oss Craft Distillery is a Norwegian distillery renowned for its high-quality craft spirits, blending traditional methods with modern innovation. Located in Blomsterdalen, near Bergen, it draws inspiration from Norway’s natural landscapes and folklore.
Its flagship product, Bareksten Botanical Gin, features over 20 botanicals, capturing the essence of Nordic forests with flavors like juniper, elderflower, and blueberries. Founded by Stig Bareksten, the distillery emphasizes authenticity and craftsmanship in every bottle.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019

The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Oss Craft Distillery Spirits
Swedish Fika Choklad is a Swedish chocolatier offering artisanal chocolates with a focus on high-quality ingredients. They create a variety of chocolate products, including bars and seasonal treats, with a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Their chocolates are crafted with carefully sourced cocoa beans from renowned regions such as the Dominican Republic. They also feature products like vegan milk chocolates and bars flavored with unique ingredients like cardamom and licorice.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2014, 2013

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2014, 2013, 2012
BEST Swedish Fika Choklad Chocolates
Nykur Vodka is a premium organic vodka that harmoniously blends superior organic grains from Northern Italy with pristine volcanic mountain water sourced from the depths of the Kirvi range in the Faroe Islands. The brand draws inspiration from the Nykur, a mythical creature from Faroese folklore, often depicted as a shimmering grey horse emerging from lakes, symbolizing allure and mystery.
This cultural reference underscores Nykur Vodka's commitment to honoring heritage while delivering a product of exceptional purity and quality. The vodka is crafted using EU-organic certified ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
AWARDS

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021

The Luxury Masters - Gold
2023
BEST Nykur Spirits Spirits
Kjekshus Gård is a cheese producer located in Norway, known for producing a variety of cheeses using milk from its own dairy herd. The company utilizes milk exclusively from its farm, ensuring control over the quality and source of the primary ingredient.
One of their notable products includes a blue cheese called Kraftkar, which has gained recognition for its distinctive taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2024

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
BEST Kjekshus Gård Cheeses
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2017, 2011

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2017

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014
BEST Friis-Holm Chocolates
Fangst is a Danish company specializing in premium canned seafood, celebrated for its sustainably sourced products from Nordic waters. Its offerings often feature unique Scandinavian flavors, including seaweed, dill, and fermented elements, giving a distinct taste reflective of Nordic cuisine.
Fangst focuses on environmentally friendly fishing practices, supporting biodiversity and traditional harvesting methods. The brand’s commitment to minimalism and design is reflected in its packaging, appealing to both gourmet enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Seafood
2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Special Products
2024
BEST Fangst Seafoods
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
BEST Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery Spirits
Best Northern European Food Products
The Milk of Nicaragua from Omnom Chocolate features milk chocolate made from Nicaraguan cocoa beans, known for their rich and complex flavor profile. This chocolate is characterized by a creamy texture and a balanced taste that highlights the natural sweetness and subtle fruity notes of the beans.
The Milk of Nicaragua bar is part of their single-origin collection, which aims to showcase the unique characteristics of cocoa from different regions around the world.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2018, 2017

International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2018
Løiten Linie Aquavit is a renowned Norwegian spirit with a rich heritage, known for its distinctive flavor and traditional production process. Like other Linie Aquavits, Løiten Linie undergoes a unique maturation process where the spirit is aged in oak barrels that are shipped across the equator twice.
This journey, which allows the barrels to experience temperature changes and motion, imparts a depth of flavor and complexity to the spirit. The aquavit is flavored with a blend of spices, including caraway, fennel, and dill, giving it a balanced, smooth taste.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Kraftkar, a product made by Tingvollost, is a distinctive Norwegian blue cheese that has received international acclaim for its exceptional quality. Aged for 7 months, this robust cheese is known for its rich and creamy texture with blue veins running throughout, offering a balanced combination of sweetness and sharpness in its flavors.
Kraftkar has garnered substantial praise, notably winning the title of "World's Best Cheese" at the World Cheese Awards in 2016. This accolade highlights its superior craftsmanship and the meticulous aging process that enhances its unique, flavorful profile.
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
Nykur Vodka is a premium organic vodka that harmoniously blends superior organic grains from Northern Italy with pristine volcanic mountain water sourced from the depths of the Kirvi range in the Faroe Islands. The brand draws inspiration from the Nykur, a mythical creature from Faroese folklore, often depicted as a shimmering grey horse emerging from lakes, symbolizing allure and mystery.
This cultural reference underscores Nykur Vodka's commitment to honoring heritage while delivering a product of exceptional purity and quality. The vodka is crafted using EU-organic certified ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
AWARDS

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021

The Luxury Masters - Gold
2023
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2017
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023

International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
2023
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2019

The Gin Masters - Master
2022

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2021
Organic Mature Cheddar by Arla Foods is a cheese product known for its rich and robust flavor profile. This cheese is made from organic milk sourced from certified organic farms, adhering to stringent production standards to ensure quality and sustainability.
It is aged to bring out a mature taste, making it suitable for a variety of culinary applications, from sandwiches to sophisticated cheese platters. This product is part of Arla's commitment to offering organic and responsibly-produced dairy options to consumers.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022, 2019

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2018
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024

International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
2024



TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Northern European Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 9,712 ratings were recorded, of which 8,244 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.