9 Questions
What is a Smörgåsbord?
A Swedish-origin buffet-style meal
When did Smörgåsbord become internationally known?
1939
What does the word 'smörgåsbord' mean?
Buffet table
What is a julbord?
A traditional Swedish Christmas buffet
What is typically included in the fifth course of a julbord?
Hot dishes
When is julbord typically served at restaurants?
In December
What happened to Smörgåsbords in March 2020?
They were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic
What is the meaning of the Swedish term 'att bre(da) smörgåsar'?
To spread butter on open-faced sandwiches
What is the difference between a Smörgåsbord and a julbord?
Smörgåsbord is served with a fixed amount of dishes, while julbord is eaten in five to seven courses
Study Notes
Scandinavian Buffet-Style Meal: Smörgåsbord
- Smörgåsbord is a Swedish-origin buffet-style meal that is served with various hot and cold dishes.
- It became internationally known at the 1939 New York World's Fair when it was offered at the Swedish Pavilion "Three Crowns Restaurant".
- In a restaurant, the term refers to a buffet-style table laid out with many small dishes from which, for a fixed amount of money, one is allowed to choose as many as one wishes.
- The term varies between "cold table" and "buffet" in different languages and regions.
- The word smörgåsbord consists of the words smörgås ("sandwich") and bord ("table").
- In Sweden, the term att bre(da) smörgåsar ("to spread butter on open-faced sandwiches") has been used since at least the 16th century.
- A traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord consists of both hot and cold dishes, and is typically eaten in a celebratory setting.
- A special Swedish type of Smörgåsbord is the julbord (literally "Yule/Christmas table").
- A traditional julbord is typically eaten buffet-style in five to seven courses.
- The fifth course consists of warm dishes (småvarmt) such as Swedish meatballs, roasted pork ribs, potato sausages, and casseroles.
- Julbord is served from early December until just before Christmas at restaurants and until Epiphany in some homes.
- Smörgåsbords were suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as restaurants started offering take-away or delivery.
Do you love trying different types of cuisine and learning about their traditions? Test your knowledge of Scandinavian dining with our Smörgåsbord quiz! From the origins of this buffet-style meal to the different types of dishes served, this quiz will challenge your understanding of this delicious tradition. So grab a plate and join us for a virtual taste of Sweden!
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