Oct-2013
Tasting the Swedish Jämtland Härjedalen
Wild buffet from nature’s pantry
I got invited by the ambassador of Sweden, Mr. Håkon Emsgårdo, to come to the embassy in Den Hague and learn about the local outdoor and especially culinary highlights from the Swedish region Jämtland Härjedalen. I would not miss a chance to try Scandinavian food and drinks. Yummy!
After a short presentation about the region and its activities, such as downhill biking and skiing, the buffet was opened and we could all try the delicious Swedish treats.
All kinds of local drinks, such as the St. Johns beer, Birch wine and Lingonberry nectar
Östersund – the sporty, speedy city
A salad with its base in the Peruvian kitchen
The area Östersund gets represented by a fresh tasting starter. It has char (cold-water fish, from the salmon family), fruits and diced vegetables pickled in lemon and chili. Deep-fried oyster mushrooms and flat bread give it even more texture.
It is a really tasteful starter. It might be a better description to say it was like an explosion of tastes in my mouth actually. Wow!
Vemdalen – homely & familiar
Moose meatballs Italian style with smoked ham, parsley and ripe hard cheese from goat’s milk
The village Vemdalen represents a family holiday and therefor a plate that the entire family would love. The dish comes with gravy made on red vegetables mixed with red goat’s cheese and salt cooked frosty potatoes. Accompanied by the local non-alcoholic drink Guldbyns, made of lingonberry nectar. The colors match, and everything looks typical Swedish and scrumptiously Scandinavian!
Funäsfjällen – the pure mountains
Reindeer meat Asian Sukiyaki style, freshly prepared with fine shredded root vegetables and chanterelles (fungus)
The Funäsfjällen is an alpine ski area that has one of the largest cross-country skiing systems in the world. Therefor they have to represent the mountains with their game meat.
It seems the best Japanese restaurant outside of Japan is located in Sweden. Probably that is the reason the Swedish use Japanese styles in their meals. The reindeer meat is very tasteful and makes a delicious and healthy combination with the vegetables, but the Japanese style adds a unique flavor.
Lofsdalen – substantial & solid as in the Wild West
Bear chili with chocolate
Lofsdalen is a village and is well known for its ski resort. A toast with beer, chocolate, beans and vegatables, flavoured with fine pralines from the region, make a fantastic combination. A toast with actual bear meat! Have you ever tried it? I think bear can be a good piece of meat.
Åre – party & chic
Fruits and ice cream from Åre
Fantastic ice cream that tastes like liquorish candy. It has a unique taste for me, because I’ve never tried something like this before. The fruits add a natural sweetness and make it a colorful desert.
Everything the Swedish chef made today is delectable and I wish I could get this somewhere in my neighborhood. Hopefully a trip to Sweden will appear soon so that I can try more of this tasteful Swedish food. I did not expect Sweden to have such good dishes before I got to know the country. It must be said that Sweden can be a great choice for the culinary holiday seeker.
Yours truly,
A big fan of the Scandinavian kitchen!
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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