Call me a product of my generation, but when I think of the word “Smorgasbord” the Swedish Chef from Sesame Street automatically comes to mind. 

This gives no credit where it’s due.  Instead of the uber-buffet we Americans associate with the term, the smorgasbord is actually an artful, culinary tradition that the Swedes are very proud of.  Traditionally, it is a series of delicacies eaten in a specific order on clean plates.  Rooted in hospitality, the concept has its beginnings with the fourteenth century merchant and upper class, who served a variety of hors d’oeuvres to visiting guests, so that they wouldn’t get hungry before dinner.  Jaunted has further explanation.

You can always tell a tourist by the way they eat at one of these events, so do yourself a favor.  Don’t do the American thing and load up a single plate like you would at Golden Corral.  You’ll just embarrass yourself more than if you spilled that plate down your pants.  Instead try these tips from Visit Sweden and enjoy the art of smorgasbord – don’t forget to use a clean plate for every dish:

• Begin with the various herring dishes, egg dished with anchovies and shrimps plus salmon dishes (smoked salmon or grav lax which is a raw, marinated salmon). Those dishes are served with boiled potatoes and dill. The matjesill herring is also served together with sour cream and chives.
• Together with this first course you also take some Swedish crisp bread and cheese. You might also like to try a potato casserole with onions, anchovies and cream. Or try some smoked eel.
• To this you drink Swedish Aquavit and beer. Aquavit comes in different flavors like cumin, fennel and aniseed. And for Swedish beer, try Pripps!
• Next plate will be filled with cold cuts such as various sausages, ham and different pates.
• Now is the time for the warm dishes such as meat balls with lingon berries, roast beef and spare ribs. At Christmas time of course the HAM is the main course. Perhaps you would like to try some smokes reindeer if you don’t care you eat Santa’s horse…..
• No Smorgasbord can be too big or too varied but they should always contain some of the typical Swedish dishes such mentioned above.
• In addition to all this, you will also find various salads, and vegetable dishes to choose from.
• And finally at last, dessert – different cakes, fruits and chocolates. And together with this, a cup of real good, strong coffee and perhaps a glass of Swedish Flagg Punch.

Visit Sweden recommends that visitors enjoy a traditional smorgasbord at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm.

Image courtesy of MissMaud.com.au