For Mardi Gras, the French traditionally enjoywaffles,crepes,doughnuts, andbugnes. In Sweden, Mardi Gras is an opportunity to celebrate theessential semla(singular) or semlor(plural). Originally, anyone who dared to sell this specialty before or after the official date was fined. That's how sacred traditions are there!
But over the years, and given the success of this traditional brioche, semlor are now enjoyed throughout February and even into March. Proof of the popularity of this pastry is that more than 40 million semlor are consumed each year in Sweden, including about 5 million onFettisdagen, the famous Mardi Gras.
Today, thesemla's success extends far beyond the borders of Scandinavia, as the brioche is also enjoyed in some neighboring countries, but under other names: "laskiaispulla" in Finland, "fastelavnsboller" in Denmark, and "vastlakukkel" in Estonia.
But why does this sweet treatmake so many Swedes swoon every winter? It is a round brioche flavored with cardamom, filled with almond paste, covered with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and topped with a small cap of brioche dough. This is the classic recipe for semlor. Nowadays, some people dare to offer different varieties, with vanilla or red fruit cream, for example.
In Sweden,semla is traditionally eaten in a deep plate with hot milk poured over it. The little brioche cap is usually used to dip into the whipped cream. But be careful not to overindulge! According to legend, Swedish King Adolf Fredrik died in 1771 after eating... 14 semlor!
The FIKA Café at the Swedish Institute
Fika is the name of the café that has opened its doors at the Institut Suédois. In the cobbled courtyard of this free cultural site, which puts Sweden in the spotlight, we discover a welcoming, bright coffee shop with a terrace, serving up some lovely Swedish specialities. Pre-opening this summer, the café is now back in business, officially opening and unveiling its delicacies. [Read more]
Svenska Affären, the 100% Swedish delicatessen in Paris
To travel to Scandinavia without even leaving the capital, head to Svenska Affären! Nestled in the 17th arrondissement, this charming Swedish delicatessen offers many local gourmet products, including delicious traditional pastries. Follow us there! [Read more]
Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
