Swedish Wanderlust

Let’s get straight to it: I’m planning my first encounter with kroppkakor like some people plan weddings. I’ve read about it. I’ve studied it. I’ve already decided which plate I’m going to cry over in Visby.

For the uninitiated, kroppkakor are Swedish potato dumplings, filled with savory treasures- typically bacon, onions, (all the foods I love). They’re boiled, sometimes lightly fried, and often served with melted butter, cream, and a side of lingonberry jam, because apparently the Swedes don’t believe in doing anything halfway. Respect.

Gotland has its own regional spin on them, of course- lighter in color, fluffier in texture, and often the subject of family debate.

Swedish Word of the Day:

Kroppkaka (KROPP-kah-kah) – Body cake (yes, literally… and yes, that’s unfortunate)

Used in a sentence:

“Jag ska äta så många kroppkakor att någon behöver rulla mig hem från Visby.”

“I’m going to eat so many dumplings someone will have to roll me home from Visby.”

I’ve never tried kroppkakor, but it already feels like a homecoming meal. And when I finally sit down with that warm, pillowy dumpling on my plate, I won’t just be tasting food- I’ll be tasting history, family tradition, and about 400 calories of sheer joy.

If anyone has a recommendation for the best kroppkakor spot in Visby, my fork is ready and waiting.