3 Food Tours in Stockholm Sweden in 2023
Wondering What the Best Food Tours in Stockholm Are?
If you’re visiting the Swedish capital and looking to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and go beyond just sightseeing, opt to take a tasty food tour!
From traditional Swedish dishes to innovative contemporary cuisine, a food tour in Stockholm offers an array of gastronomic delights that any tourist can enjoy!
And to help you find the perfect experience, this post will detail the 3 best Stockholm food tours worth checking out. This way, you can easily add an unforgettable adventure foraying into the many food markets and their offerings to your Stockholm itinerary!
Table of Contents
- What Is Sweden’s Number One Food?
- 3 Best Food Tours in Stockholm (2023)
- Other Walking Tours in Stockholm
- Food Tours in Stockholm Tours Comparison
- Is a Stockholm Food Tour Worth It?
- Where to Stay in Stockholm
- Stockholm Food Tours: FAQ
- Wrap-Up: 3 Best Food Tours in Stockholm (2023)
What Is Sweden’s Number One Food?
Without a doubt, Sweden’s number one food item is Swedish meatballs! These are locally known as Köttbullar!
Authentic Köttbullar is most commonly served with a healthy serving of beef gravy on top, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry preserve. But, you may also see a side of pickled cucumbers…
And if you’re thinking, dang I wish I could try them…well, there’s a decent chance you’ve tried something similar!
For any fellow IKEA gluttons like myself, remember that IKEA is a Swedish company. Thus, the beloved meatballs that the affordable furniture store is known for serving are not too far off from the real dish.
Also, before you come at me, I’ve tried Köttbullar in the IKEA stores in America as well as Köttbullar at an IKEA store in Stockholm. My non-professional chef verdict is that they are pretty dang similar. Then again, I don’t have the most discerning taste… 😅
Nevertheless, if you think about it, Sweden’s number one food has even managed to transcend the Nordic region.
It’s like a global superstar, one IKEA store at a time, which is more than can be said of the specialty foods in Bilbao or fish tacos in San Diego!
What Foods to Try in Stockholm
While Swedish meatballs are great and all, there are so many other dishes worth trying as well. For example, one popular dish is pickled herring, which is normally eaten during the summertime and for special holidays, like Christmas and Easter.
The dish also normally features boiled potatoes, sour cream, and some finely chopped chives — although many varieties of the dish have formed over the years, such as fried herring which has a lighter, more buttery taste!
Other famous Swedish foods include Kalops, which is a meat stew that’s favored during the winter season, Semla, which is a sweet roll, and Räkmacka (a shrimp sandwich).
Oh and if we’re talking about Swedish customs that involve food, it would be wrong for me to not talk about fika.
For those who have never been to Sweden, fika is when locals take a break, usually during the middle of the day, and enjoy coffee and pastries — typically kanelbullar, which is essentially a beautifully wrapped cinnamon roll!
3 Best Food Tours in Stockholm (2023)
So, now that I’ve tantalized your mind with lots of flavorful Swedish food *oops*, let’s dive into the 3 best food tours in Stockholm! 😋
🇸🇪 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re in a hurry and would rather get a quick overview of the food tours instead, feel free to jump to the recap section. I summarize the highlights of the 3 best Stockholm food tours there.
BEST Food Tours in Stockholm
1. The Nordic Food Walk Stockholm
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out 5 – taken by 200+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Nordic Food Walk Stockholm includes:
- Taste fresh seafood, Swedish meatballs, smoked reindeer, & cured elk
- Sample homemade jam, truffles, Swedish licorice, and artisan cheese
- Visit several food markets, including Östermalm’s Saluhall
- Enjoy gourmet hot chocolate, white wine, & local beer
- Participate in Swedish fika
- Limited to 12 guests
Ready to learn how Swedish cuisine has evolved over time?
With over 280 guests having taken this tour, this is the most popular food tour in Stockholm!
During this 4-hour gastronomic experience, you’ll sample everything from traditional Swedish staples to more contemporary treats and delicacies. And to complement the food you’ll be eating, you’ll also drink some local beer, white wine, & heavenly hot chocolate!
Plus, as you make your way through various local food markets, your local guide will give you background on not just the food but also the area!
So, if you’re looking for a grand time exploring the Swedish culinary scene and touring through central Stockholm, be sure to check out this tour!
“Learning about local food is a great way to learn about local culture! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and it was wonderful to have his insight and guidance to help us navigate through Stockholm’s food scene.”
– Peter H. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
BEST Food Tours in Stockholm
2. Stockholm: The Nordic Food Walk
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out 5 – taken by 250+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Stockholm: The Nordic Food Walk includes:
- Exploring a mixture of Stockholm’s newer & oldest food markets
- Sampling a variety of local cheeses, meats, & seafood
- Enjoying a plated, traditional Swedish lunch
- Tasting locally made gourmet chocolates
- Discovering Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan
- Visiting a small factory that makes polkagris
- Ending the tour with fika
On this highly-rated food tour in Stockholm, you’ll get to explore the city and its many historical locations as well as indulge in some delicious Swedish food!
This 4-hour-long tour will take you to Stockholm’s oldest food market, where you’ll try various meats and cheese. Afterward, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch!
From there, you’ll visit Hötorgshallen, one of Stockholm’s newer markets that’s filled with specialty food shops. And as you continue to sample Swedish goods, you’ll learn about the cultural importance behind these items.
So, if you’re keen on an immersive experience that offers you a real taste of Sweden and will allow you to view some of the famous sites of Stockholm, this is a tour to consider.
“Brilliant tour and the food was really good! Going by myself wasn’t a problem as there was a large-ish group on the tour and everyone was really friendly so could talk to other families/couples. I would 100% recommend going.”
– Tour guEST (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
BEST Food Tours in Stockholm
3. Stockholm Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out 5 – taken by 100+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Stockholm Food Tour includes:
- Visit 7 different restaurants, farmers markets, bars, & specialty shops
- Taste a wide array of traditional and gourmet Swedish specialties
- Learn the roots and history of Sweden’s food scene
- Limited to 15 guests
This is the most affordable yet still fantastic food tour in Stockholm!
Over the course of 4-hours, you’ll walk a total of 2 miles around the city, making various stops and sampling all kinds of traditional Swedish food, such as tasty Swedish meatballs, fish soup, and some gourmet chocolates!
You’ll also learn about the history of Stockholm and gain insight into how the destination is becoming a top foodie destination!
Thus, if you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to Stockholm’s food scene and vibrant culture, consider this Stockholm food tour!
“Strongly recommend doing this tour! Valentina was awesome, personable and knowledgeable. It’s a great way to experience another side of the culture. The food quantity and quality are 10 out of 10. We did the morning tour and it was perfect.”
– Tour guEST (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
🇸🇪 NOTE: Unfortunately, the Nordic region isn’t very vegetarian-friendly. Thus, if you’re a vegetarian, be sure to let your tour guide know beforehand to see if accommodations can be made.
Other Walking Tours in Stockholm
In case none of the food tours interest you or are simply outside of your budget, there are some other walking tours in Stockholm worth considering.
Below, you’ll find the top 3 walking tours that I recommend adding to your Stockholm itinerary if you want to delve deeper into the historical side of the city.
- Unique walking tour Stockholm — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 2 – 3 hrs
Explore Stockholm off the beaten path with this small-group tour that makes 11 different stops and can be personalized to what your interests are! See bits of Stockholm that most tourists miss and learn the fascinating history of the area!
- Walking Tour of Stockholm Old Town — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 2.5 hrs
Discover Stockholm’s illustrious history with this very popular and affordable Gamla Stan walking tour, the most historic area in the city! It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of several of the main tourist attractions as well as lesser-known spots!
- Stockholm Ghost Walk & Historical Tour — ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 1.5 hrs
The most popular walking tour of Stockholm is this thrilling ghost tour that covers the city’s more gruesome past! As you wander the medieval streets of Gamla stan at night, you’ll hear spooky tales of murders, myths, legends, and mysteries of the past!
Oh, and the cherry on top is Callum, who goes above and beyond in making this the ultimate experience with his storytelling skills! So, if you’re looking for a fun Gamla Stan walking tour, this is definitely the one to take!
Food Tours in Stockholm Tours Comparison
If you’re in a rush or want to easily see some of the differences and highlights between the Stockholm food tours, here’s a little chart!
PRO TIP: If you’re reading on your mobile device, turn your phone sideways so the information is across the long side. This helps to improve readability 🙂
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Nordic Food Walk Stockholm | 4 hrs | > Visit Stockholm’s oldest food market + others > Sample game meats, seafood, artisan cheeses, & homemade desserts > Taste local beer, white wine, & hot chocolate > Participate in Swedish Fika in Old Town |
| Stockholm: The Nordic Food Walk | 4 hrs | > Explore Stockholm’s newer & oldest food markets > Enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch & fika > Visit a factory that makes Swedish candy > Taste local cheeses, meats, seafood, & chocolates |
| Stockholm Food Tour | 4 hrs | > Walk 2 miles around the city making lots of stops > Eat Swedish meatballs, fish soup, salty licorice & gourmet chocolate > Learn the history of Stockholm’s food scene |
Is a Stockholm Food Tour Worth It?
In my totally biased opinion, I believe doing a food tour in Stockholm is worth it. I know its expensive compared to a lot of the other excursions available and things to do in the capital, but honestly… most everything in Stockholm is expensive lol.
But aside from that, a food tour is the perfect way to really discover the local food and explore the many different food markets.
Plus, it’s a great way to orient yourself with the city, as well as gain insider information on all the best places to visit for the rest of your trip.
For example, l had no clue Saluhall was the oldest food market in Stockholm because the building is so well-maintained. And honestly, if you’re just walking along the streets of Östermalm, the entire food hall is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Lastly, I think a food tour is worth it because these immersive experiences enhance your connection with a destination and the kinds of experiences that you remember for a long time!
For example, I don’t remember all the colorful buildings and winding streets of every place I’ve been to.
But, you better believe I remember the crazy adventures like paragliding in Switzerland, attending the prestigious Wimbledon tennis tournament, or relaxing in the thermal baths of Zakopane!
So, if you have the time, means, and interest in taking a food tour in Stockholm, I think it’s well worth it.
Where to Stay in Stockholm
If you’re from out of town, you’re likely going to need a place to stay in Stockholm! To help you save time on research, here are my top hotel & hostel recommendations!
These are based on the extensive research I did while planning my trip to the Swedish capital as well as my personal experience!
Feel free to read my in-depth review of Stockholm’s Castanea Hostel here.
Low-Cost Stay
- Castanea Old Town Hostel — centrally located in Gamla Stan | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Hotel Hornsgatan — nice family-owned hotel in Södermalm | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- Best Western — great 3-star hotel in Norrmalm | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hilton Stockholm Slussen — 4-star hotel in Södermalm | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
- NOFO hotel — 4-star hotel in Södermalm | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
Luxury Stay
- Hotel Frantz — 4-star hotel in Södermalm | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Grand Hôtel — 5-star hotel right on water in Norrmalm | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
You can also explore other places in Stockholm and check rates & availability with the buttons below.
Stockholm Food Tours: FAQ
The 3 Stockholm food tours above range from $95 USD – $106 USD, which is about $25/hour.
The best places for food tours in Stockholm are The Nordic Food Walk Stockholm, Stockholm: The Nordic Food Walk, and Stockholm Food Tour.
With a group size limited to 12 guests, The Nordic Food Walk Stockholm is the best food tour in Stockholm for avoiding crowds.
That said, you can likely expect less than the maximum number of guests to take the tour unless you opt to go on the weekend in the middle of peak travel season.
A typical Swedish breakfast is an open sandwich, oatmeal, or muesli with some fruit toppings.
In fact, open sandwiches are a pretty common breakfast item in the whole Nordic region. Every day, when I was couchsurfing in Oslo, my host made me an open sandwich (hearty bread, butter, and a slice of goat cheese on top) for breakfast! 😅
A typical Swedish lunch pea soup or pancakes glazed with lingonberry jam. But, it’s also fairly common for Swedish people to just partake in fika as a light lunch snack. This allows them to save their appetite for a more substantial dinner.
Some of the other crowd-favorite activities include visiting the Vasa Museum, exploring the vast Skansen Open Air Museum, touring Stockholm’s city hall, and admiring the gorgeous views from Södermalm!
Wrap-Up: 3 Best Food Tours in Stockholm (2023)
To wrap up, Stockholm has quite a diverse culinary scene that features filling meals such as fried herring and the wildly popular Köttbullar as well as tasty sweet treats like polkagris and gourmet chocolates!
And if you’re a foodie looking to make the most of your limited time in the city, there’s no better way than on one of the awesome Stockholm food tours!
So if you’re ready to sample the local specialties, learn about the city’s culinary culture, and make lasting memories with a knowledgeable local guide, definitely consider doing a food tour in Stockholm!
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