The Best Places To Find Scandinavian Food In America
If you’re serious about your food then you should know that everyone in the US is going crazy right now for Scandi-inspired eating. It turns out it’s not just their murder mysteries that we love – Scandivanian food is getting us salivating.
In this article we’re going to look at some of the hottest Nordic eateries in the US right now, what we love about them and how to visit. We promise that by the time you’ve finished, you’ll be very exicted to get cosy and tuck into some Scandinavian fare.
Danish open sandwiches (Smørrebrød) served at a local restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark. Image source: www.unsplash.com
Why we all went mad for Nordic food
The fashion for Scandinavian food began a few years ago – back in 2017 – when the world started to go made for hygge. For anyone who has been living under a rock, hygge is the Nordic word used to capture everything we love about the winter – getting cosy, open fires, wholesome food – it became an antidote to the fast-paced US city lifestyle and we lapped it up.
Nordic food did just the same. It fought back against the idea that good food has to be incredibly chic and served on the finest linen and stripped it right back to basics. The emphasis isn’t on the gleaming tableware and clean lines, instead, it’s about creating somewhere to eat that’s comfortable, cosy and welcoming – the sort of place where you’re not afraid to relax, laugh loudly and have a good time.
Scandinavian food is all about working in harmony with the natural world, using seasonal ingredients and reconnecting us with where our food comes from. It’s this connection that’s so grounding and makes this way of eating so appealing.
Eat in Scandi style without leaving the US
Of course, if you want a truly authentic experience you’ll need to head into Northern Europe, but if your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far but you do fancy splashing out on a weekend break, you can pick up cheap flight deals within the US that mean you can indulge your inner foodie without breaking the bank.
The great thing is that the best Scandinavian restaurants tend to be in the big cities, making them easily accessible and often serviced by the lower-cost airlines. Pack light to save even more of your spending money for your food bill and head off to explore an exciting new cuisine.
Æbleskiver, or ‘apple slices’ literally in translation, an elegant, tasty, and beautiful Danish dessert. Image source: www.unsplash.com
Where to Eat Scandi food in the US
Aska
If you’re looking for an excuse to head to New York for the weekend then Aska is it. Aska is a two Michelin-starred restaurant run by Fredrik Berselius, who grew up in Norway and brings all the traditions of his home country to his menus.
Located in Brooklyn in a mid-19th century restored warehouse, aska takes the hygge vibe very seriously – it’s an open kitchen and they only serve a maximum of 10 tables every night, creating an intimate and cost atmosphere, more like being at a big family gathering that out for dinner.
Border PDX
Border PDX in Portland is at the other end of the spectrum from the Michelin-starred experience at aska, but if you want authentic, traditional Scandinavian food then it doesn’t get better than this. The menu is extensive, with everything from Danish pancakes with homemade lemon curd and lingonberry jam through to house-cured gravlax (i.e. cured/graved salmon), traditional Finnish oven porridge and of course the classic Swedish meatballs.
This isn’t IKEA though – this is Scandi cuisine at its purest and no one is going to ask you to put together any furniture, which is always a bonus. Border PDX boasts the largest selection of aquavit on the West Coast – the distilled spirit that has been made in Scandinavia since the 15th century.
Copenhagen Pastry
Okay, so this isn’t a restaurant, it’s actually a bakery, but Copenhagen Pastry is a must for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Located in Culver City, they bake a vast range of authentic Danish goodies – think layers of buttery, flakey pastry, designed to melt in your mouth and scatter crumbs all over your front.
As well as sweet pastries, Copenhagen Pastry does a signature rye bread that regulars just love and, even better, they always have a good range of samples on offer. There’s no cafe at the bakery – they encourage people to take their purchases home to enjoy with friends and family in comfort. That really is what hygge is all about after all.
Wherever you choose to travel for your foodie treats, we hope you manage to get a great deal on your flight and have an amazing time! Whether you want high-end or home-cooked pastries to take on a family picnic, there is so much great Scandinavian food to choose from, there’s bound to be something to tickle your tastebuds.
