Tunnbröd
Tunnbröd
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Left: modern bakery-made tunnbröd with wheat, rye, yeast, and hartshorn salt. Right: traditional flatbread from a bakehouse with barley, milk, water, and salt. Photo: MikaelLindmark (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Summary
Unearth the world of Swedish cuisine with a focus on Tunnbröd, the nation's beloved soft flatbread. Explore its rich history, diverse variations, and its critical role in traditional and modern Swedish meals. Discover how this staple food has evolved over centuries, shaping the country's food culture.
What is Tunnbröd?
Tunnbröd (literally “thin bread”) is a traditional Swedish flatbread that holds a cherished place in Swedish cuisine. Unlike crispbread (knäckebröd), tunnbröd is soft, pliable, and versatile—available in both wheat- and rye-based varieties. It’s slightly chewy, often a bit sweet, and either baked in home ovens or cooked over open fires using griddles.
Historical roots
Tunnbröd has deep historical roots in northern Sweden, where its long shelf life and ease of transport made it ideal for rural and Sami communities. Its name and preparation vary across regions, but its role as a sustainer of communities remains unchanged.
A cultural icon
Beyond its practical value, tunnbröd is a cultural icon. It’s integral to Swedish fika culture and holiday meals and still baked using traditional methods in places like Skansen, where visitors can watch tunnbröd baking demonstrations using wood-fired ovens and time-honored techniques.
How it’s used
Tunnbröd’s flexibility lends itself to both savory and sweet pairings. It’s commonly used to wrap smoked salmon, cheese, or reindeer meat but also enjoyed with butter and jam. One of the most iconic uses is the tunnbrödsrulle—a fast-food favorite where the bread is rolled around mashed potatoes, sausage, shrimp salad, and crispy onions.
The Tunnbrödsrulle Experience
The tunnbrödsrulle is Sweden’s unique take on the wrap. Packed with contrasting textures and flavors, it’s a staple at roadside kiosks and popular among late-night snackers. Its roots are humble, but its popularity spans generations.
Watch it made live
At Skansen, Sweden’s open-air museum in Stockholm, you can step into history and watch tunnbröd made just like it was centuries ago. It’s a delightful way to understand the skill and care involved in Swedish culinary tradition.
