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13 Feb 2024
Today, we dive into Swedish culture with Fettisdagen, or Fat Tuesday, a day of indulgence and tradition. We would also like to warmly welcome back our previous intern, Olivia Pramchoobua Jakobsson, who has returned to Bangkok for a visit!
SweCham team really enjoyed indulging in the iconic Swedish pastry, the semla. A semla isn’t just any bun, it’s a cardamom-spiced bun filled to the brim with almond paste and topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The semla, which is quiet rich, was traditionally consumed on Fettisdagen, as the last festive food before Lent's fasting period started. In modern times, the semla is no longer only available on fettisdagen, but throughout January and February. The semla has also been made in more creative ways in recent years, like the Princess semla, which combines the traditional semla with the flavours of a Princess Cake.
In Swedish popular culture, the semla is most famously the favourite treat of the Swedish Sherlock Holmes, Ture Sventon! He is the most famous lover of semlor, or as he would call it, ‘temlor’. The semla is an integral part of Swedish culture and identity, and the consumption figures show it! Each year, between 40 and 50 million semlor are consumed, meaning the average Swede eats at least four semlor per year!
In Bangkok, the quest for an authentic semla leads to the doors of Mammas kök, and for those not in Bangkok, we encourage you to take up the whisk and treat yourself by making your own semla. It’s a perfect way to connect with Swedish culinary traditions from anywhere in the world.
If you would like to make your own semla and need a recipe, please visit: https://sweden.se/culture/food/the-semla-a-swedish-delicacy
