{"id":31005,"date":"2024-04-09T12:44:18","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T10:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitsmaland.se\/?post_type=guide&p=31005"},"modified":"2026-03-12T16:07:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T15:07:54","slug":"flavours-of-smaland","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.visitsmaland.se\/en\/discover\/flavours-of-smaland\/","title":{"rendered":"Flavours of Sm\u00e5land"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Flavours of Sm\u00e5land <\/h1>\n <\/div>\n
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The national dishes of Sm\u00e5land are three, or possibly four. At the top of the list sits ostkaka, while isterband is a staple on everyday tables. In between, a true Sm\u00e5lander might pair lingonsylt with just about anything \u2013 or kr\u00f6samos, as it’s called in authentic Sm\u00e5land dialect. Does kroppkaka count? Well, that likely depends on which part of Sm\u00e5land you\u2019re visiting.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n

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\n Traditional Ostkaka <\/h3>\n
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Ostkaka, or “cheesecake,” is a Sm\u00e5land specialty made from milk, flour, cheese rennet, bitter almond, eggs, cream, almonds, and sugar. Traditionally served lukewarm with jam and whipped cream, it has a granular texture that sets it apart from other cheesecakes. Recipes vary between families, giving each ostkaka its own unique taste and appearance.<\/p>\n

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For centuries, ostkaka has been central to feasts and special occasions in Sm\u00e5land, with its tradition dating back to at least the 16th century. In the past, contributing a large ostkaka to communal potlucks was a mark of prestige, and families took pride in making the best one.<\/p>\n

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Eating ostkaka starts from the middle, a custom that likely began as a safety precaution when cakes were baked in copper tins. While the poison risk is long gone, the habit persists, with many believing the middle is creamier and more delicious.<\/p>\n

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Ostkaka is typically served with jam, but opinions differ on the best pairing: cloudberry, sour cherry, strawberry, or raspberry. Despite fewer people baking their own ostkaka, its tradition thrives. Since 2004, enthusiasts have celebrated November 14 as Ostkakans dag, or Cheesecake Day, highlighting its cherished role in Swedish culture.<\/p>\n

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\n Sussies Lantcaf\u00e9 <\/h2>\n
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Discover Sussie’s Country Caf\u00e9 \u2013 a Sm\u00e5land gem! Here, you can enjoy homemade ostkaka (cheesecake) made from Grandma Birgit’s recipe, delicious shrimp sandwiches, and Sm\u00e5land isterband. …