23 May , 2025
7.4 C
Stockholm

Swedish Lunch Traditions
– From Pea Soup Thursdays to Modern Midday Meals

HomeStockholm UnveiledFood & DrinkSwedish lunch traditions
💡 Summary
Taste Swedish culinary tradition with the weekly lunch guide—from hearty Monday soups to Thursday’s beloved ärtsoppa and pannkakor. Each day features a different classic dish, offering a flavorful way to experience local culture and daily rhythms in Swedish dining.

Swedish lunch traditions: A weekly culinary journey

For visitors to Sweden, exploring the country’s culinary traditions is an essential part of the experience. One of the most unique aspects of Swedish dining culture is the tradition of serving specific dishes on particular days of the week, especially at lunch. This custom, deeply rooted in history, offers a delicious way to immerse yourself in Swedish life.

Here’s a guide to the weekly specials you might encounter in Swedish lunch restaurants.

Monday: Soup day

A substantial soup, frequently served with bread, is the week’s first course at many restaurants. While not a strict tradition, it’s a common choice to ease into the workweek.

Tuesday: Raggmunk day

Tuesdays are often dedicated to “raggmunk,” a traditional Swedish potato pancake. Typically served with fried pork and lingonberries, this dish offers a delightful mix of crispy and savory flavors.

Thursday: Ärtsoppa & Pannkakor

Thursday is perhaps the most famous day in Swedish lunch traditions. It’s when restaurants serve “ärtsoppa och pannkakor“—yellow pea soup followed by thin pancakes. Furthermore, this tradition dates back a long time and is still widely observed today. Traditionally, one should consume warm punsch (40 degrees C) with the pea soup.

Friday: Fish day

Many Swedish restaurants serve fish dishes on Fridays. This could range from fried herring (“stekt strömming”) to more elaborate seafood options.

Other weekly specials

While not tied to specific days, other traditional dishes you might encounter throughout the week include:

  • Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) with potatoes and lingonberry jam
  • Baked cod with tartar sauce
  • Schnitzel: breaded pork, served with boiled potatoes, lemon, capers, and anchovies.
  • Wallenbergare is a veal patty served with browned butter, raw stirred lingonberries, green peas, and mashed potatoes.
  • Shrimp sandwiches (räkmacka)

Remember, these traditions can vary between restaurants and regions. Many establishments offer a “dagens lunch” (lunch of the day) menu that changes daily, providing a mix of traditional and modern Swedish cuisine.

In essence, exploring these weekly specials is an excellent way for visitors to immerse themselves in Swedish lunch traditions and enjoy authentic local flavors at reasonable prices.

Swedish Lunch Traditions
In Sweden, lunch is more than a midday meal—it’s a ritual. Typically served between 11:00 and 13:00, lunch often features hearty dishes like meatballs, salmon, or a daily special known as the dagens rätt. Many restaurants offer it as a complete deal: main course, salad, bread, beverage, and even coffee—all for a fair price. And don’t be surprised to see coworkers taking a real break to eat together. In true Swedish fashion, lunch is about balance: good food, good company, and no rush.

Stockholm Hotels: Great Reviews

Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel
8.3

Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.3 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Guldgränd 8, Old Town

Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel: Experience seamless service, free Wi-Fi, airport transfer, and parking. Enjoy 24-hour room service, smoke-free rooms, and entertainment options. Start your day with breakfast and unwind at our bar and nightclub. Stay active in the fitness center.

Guldgränd
9.2

Guldgränd

⭐ 3.0 | 📈 9.2 | 🏨 Serviced apartment | 📍 Guldgränd 5, Södermalm

Located in the heart of the city, Guldgränd seamlessly combines elegance with convenience. Its stylishly appointed apartments offer a perfect retreat for visitors seeking a homely atmosphere amidst urban vibrance. With excellent transport links and proximity to cultural landmarks, Guldgränd is your gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of city life.

Scandic Gamla Stan
8.5

Scandic Gamla Stan

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.5 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Lilla Nygatan 25, Gamla stan

Experience the charm of historic Stockholm at Scandic Gamla Stan. Situated in the heart of Old Town, this delightful hotel blends classic architecture with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy beautifully appointed rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. Explore cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and rich history just steps from your door.

Hotel Frantz
9.2

Hotel Frantz

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 9.2 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Peter Myndes Backe 5, Södermalm

Hotel Frantz, part of WorldHotels Crafted, blends historic charm with contemporary elegance. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers unique, stylish rooms and personalized service. Take pleasure in its rich history, modern comforts, and proximity to cultural landmarks, all of which contribute to a memorable stay in the heart of the city.

Hotels

Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel
8.3

Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.3 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Guldgränd 8, Old Town

Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel: Experience seamless service, free Wi-Fi, airport transfer, and parking. Enjoy 24-hour room service, smoke-free rooms, and entertainment options. Start your day with breakfast and unwind at our bar and nightclub. Stay active in the fitness center.

Guldgränd
9.2

Guldgränd

⭐ 3.0 | 📈 9.2 | 🏨 Serviced apartment | 📍 Guldgränd 5, Södermalm

Located in the heart of the city, Guldgränd seamlessly combines elegance with convenience. Its stylishly appointed apartments offer a perfect retreat for visitors seeking a homely atmosphere amidst urban vibrance. With excellent transport links and proximity to cultural landmarks, Guldgränd is your gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of city life.

Scandic Gamla Stan
8.5

Scandic Gamla Stan

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.5 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Lilla Nygatan 25, Gamla stan

Experience the charm of historic Stockholm at Scandic Gamla Stan. Situated in the heart of Old Town, this delightful hotel blends classic architecture with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy beautifully appointed rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. Explore cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and rich history just steps from your door.

Hotel Frantz
9.2

Hotel Frantz

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 9.2 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Peter Myndes Backe 5, Södermalm

Hotel Frantz, part of WorldHotels Crafted, blends historic charm with contemporary elegance. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers unique, stylish rooms and personalized service. Take pleasure in its rich history, modern comforts, and proximity to cultural landmarks, all of which contribute to a memorable stay in the heart of the city.

Editor's Picks

Swedish drinks: Saft

Experience the authentic taste of Sweden with Saft, a traditional fruit concentrate that offers a refreshing glimpse into Swedish culture. Made from cooked fruits and sugar, Saft is a versatile beverage enjoyed by all ages, embodying the simplicity and natural flavors of Swedish cuisine.

Vrak Museum of Wrecks

Explore Vrak – Museum of Wrecks on Djurgården, where the Baltic Sea’s hidden stories come to life. Opened in 2021, this maritime museum reveals centuries of shipwrecks through immersive exhibits, offering a unique journey into underwater archaeology and cultural heritage.

Swedish Police Museum

Explore the Swedish Police Museum in Stockholm, where law enforcement history comes to life. Trace policing from the 1600s to today with interactive exhibits, vintage uniforms, forensic displays, and a recreated crime scene—perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.

Related Content

Stockholm Maritime Museum

Dive into Sweden’s seafaring legacy at the Stockholm Maritime Museum. Located on Djurgården, it features exhibits on shipbuilding, naval history, and oceanography. With over 100,000 artifacts, this museum offers a deep and captivating look into maritime life and heritage.

The City Museum of Stockholm

Located in the historic Södra Stadshuset at Slussen, the City Museum of Stockholm offers an immersive journey through the city's evolution. From medieval times to modern-day, explore exhibits that showcase Stockholm's urban development, cultural milestones, and notable artifacts like the Kopparmatte statue.

Postmuseum

Planning a visit to Stockholm? Don’t miss the newly reopened Postmuseum in Gamla Stan. Experience 400 years of postal history, hands-on exhibits for all ages, and the acclaimed Restaurant AVI—all in a beautifully restored 17th-century building.

Swedish Army Museum

Step into 500 years of Swedish military history at the Swedish Army Museum in Stockholm. From royal campaigns to Cold War strategy, explore immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and stories of warfare, defense, and peacekeeping—all in a 17th-century arsenal.

Swedish History Museum

Explore Sweden’s rich past at the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm. View over 10 million artifacts, from Viking treasures to medieval relics. Highlights include the dazzling Gold Room and immersive exhibits that bring the country’s history vividly to life.

Royal Armoury Stockholm

Explore the Royal Armoury Stockholm, known as Livrustkammaren, a museum steeped in history. From intricate historic Swedish armor to royal attire and weaponry, this Stockholm Armoury Collection, housed within the heart of the city, spans centuries, making it a must-visit attraction.