What Is Surströmming?

Surströmming is a traditional Swedish fermented fish made from Baltic herring. It is one of the most famous and controversial foods in the world because of its extremely strong smell.

The fish is caught in the Baltic Sea, lightly salted, and then left to ferment in sealed containers. During fermentation, natural bacteria break down the fish and produce gases that create the characteristic aroma.

Although the smell is very powerful, Surströmming has been considered a delicacy in northern Sweden for centuries.

The Tradition Behind Surströmming

The tradition dates back to the 1500s when Swedish fishermen had limited access to salt. Instead of fully preserving the fish with salt, they used smaller amounts, which caused the fish to ferment naturally.

Over time, this method became a cultural tradition and a unique regional food.

How Surströmming Is Typically Served

In Sweden, Surströmming is usually eaten with simple ingredients such as:

• thin flatbread
• boiled potatoes
• chopped onions
• sour cream

These ingredients help balance the strong flavor and create a traditional Swedish dish.

Why Surströmming Became Famous

Surströmming became widely known internationally because of its strong smell and viral reaction videos. Many people try it for the first time as part of the “Surströmming Challenge”.

Despite its reputation, Surströmming remains an important part of Swedish culinary culture.