For Mardi Gras, the French traditionally enjoy waffles, crêpes, beignets and bugnes.
What's for Mardi Gras 2025? Regional specialities
You could easily say that there are as many different recipes and names for beignets as there are regions in France. Don't believe us? Let's take a look at the different beignets in France, in time for Mardi Gras 2025 on March 4! [Read more]
In Sweden, Mardi Gras is the occasion to celebrate the unmissable Semla (singular) or Semlor (plural). This delicious pastry is traditionally eaten on Mardi Gras. In Sweden at the time, those who dared to sell this specialty before or after the official date were even fined. That's how sacred traditions are there.
But over the years, and given the success of this traditional brioche, Semlor can now be enjoyed throughout February, and even in March. Some even push it to the end of March to prolong the pleasure. Proof of this pastry's renown is the fact that over 40 million Semlor are eaten in Sweden every year, including around 5 million during " Fettisdagen ", the famous Mardi Gras.
Today, Semla 's success extends far beyond the borders of Scandinavia, as the brioche is also enjoyed in neighboring countries, under other names:"laskiaispulla" in Finland,"fastelavnsboller" in Denmark and"vastlakukkel" in Estonia.
But what exactly is this sweet specialty that so many Swedes fall for every winter? It's a round brioche flavored with cardamom, filled with marzipan, covered with a generous layer of whipped cream and topped with a little brioche dough hat. This is the classic Semlor recipe. But today, some dare to offer different varieties, with vanilla or red fruit cream, for example.
In Sweden, Semla is traditionally eaten in a shallow dish with hot milk poured over it. As for the little brioche hat, this is generally used to dip into the whipped cream.
Are you hungry and wondering where to find Semlor in Paris? Several Scandinavian addresses in the capital offer this specialty for Mardi Gras. Swedish grocer Affären is one of them. This gourmet spot, well known to lovers of Nordic flavors, has relocated just off the Pont Cardinet, in the 17th arrondissement. In addition to the inevitable kanelbullar, Affären also offers the famous Semla throughout February and March. At Affären, the semla is ultra-generous and even garnished with a few almond pieces!
Another place to enjoy Semlor in Paris? Café Fika, nestled in the heart of theSwedish Institute. Here, Semla is also served throughout February.
But beware of excess. Legend has it that Swedish King Adolf Fredrik died in 1771 after consuming 14 Semlor!
What's for Mardi Gras 2025? Regional specialities
