What Food To Try in Ostersund and Food Prices

Rågbröd - Rye Bread (hearty staple) - This dense, dark rye bread is often enjoyed with butter or cheese, perfect for breakfast. Locals appreciate it as a filling start to the day, often paired with a good cup of coffee.

Grillkorv - Grilled Sausage (street food classic) - Juicy and flavorful sausages, typically made from pork, are grilled and served in a warm bun with your choice of toppings. Street vendors often serve them during festivals, making it a go-to for a quick lunch or snack.

Ostkaka - Cheese Cake (local specialty) - A rich, custardy cake made with curd cheese, often served with cloudberry jam, blending sweet and savory flavors. It's usually enjoyed during formal gatherings or Sunday dinners, but I’ve loved sharing a slice with friends over casual meals.

Kraftskiva - Crayfish Party (seasonal delight) - Boiled crayfish served with dill, traditional to August gatherings, where locals gather and feast outdoors. I remember attending one and reveling in the lively atmosphere as we cracked open claws and toasted together.

Lutfisk - Lye Fish (surprising classic) - Dried fish treated with lye and then rehydrated, served with white sauce, peas, and potatoes. While it may sound odd, many locals cherish it during Christmas, often debated about how to prepare it properly.

Hasselbackspotatis - Hasselback Potatoes (filling side dish) - Crispy-baked potatoes, sliced thin but not all the way through to achieve that unique texture, sometimes enriched with garlic or herbs. Commonly served alongside main dishes at family gatherings, they make for a comforting addition to any meal.

Viltgryta - Game Stew (hearty main) - A rich, hearty stew made with local game, like reindeer or moose, simmered with root vegetables and herbs. It’s popular during winter months, perfect to warm up with after a day in the snow.

The best time to truly experience these local flavors is during communal festivals or family gatherings, where the food is served with a side of shared stories and laughter.

Kaffe - Kaffe (Swedish coffee) - A strong and rich brew made from high-quality beans, often served black or with a splash of milk. Locals cherish their "kaffet" in cozy cafes, particularly during winter afternoons with a refreshing pastry on the side.

Saft - Saft (fruit syrup drink) - Sweet, concentrated juice made from berries, typically diluted with water or sparkling water. It’s a summertime favorite at picnics and festivals, especially during the Midsummer celebrations when lingonberry and elderflower flavors shine bright.

Öl - Öl (local beer) - Crafted with malty sweetness and a touch of bitterness, the microbreweries around Ostersund produce distinctive beers you can't get anywhere else. You'll find locals enjoying a cold one at the many summer outdoor events, where they often prefer light lagers for their refreshing qualities.

Landgång - Landgång (open-faced sandwich) - A delightful combination of rye bread topped with shrimp, mayonnaise, and various garnishes, all making for a satisfying treat. Typically served during lunchtimes, it's a staple at many local cafes, and I’ve noticed that most people go for the variant with dill and lemon.

Glögg - Glögg (mulled wine) - A spiced, warm alcoholic drink made from red wine, sugar, and an assortment of spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's perfect for winter time, especially during the festive season, and is often enjoyed while mingling at Christmas markets, accompanied by roasted almonds or gingerbread cookies.

By the way, be mindful that some cafes may not offer the alcohol options during weekdays, so weekends are your best bet for some savory and sweet pairings!