If you’re planning to visit Sweden or simply want to expand your culinary vocabulary, understanding some key Swedish dining terms will enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of essential culinary terms that you might encounter when dining out in Sweden.

Meny
In Sweden, Meny means “menu”. It’s the list of offerings at a restaurant from which you can choose what to eat.

Kan jag få se menyn, tack?
(Can I see the menu, please?)

Dryck
Dryck is the Swedish word for “drink”. It refers to any beverage that you might order.

Vilken dryck skulle du rekommendera?
(Which drink would you recommend?)

Förrätt
A Förrätt is an “appetizer” or “starter”. It’s a small dish that precedes the main course.

Jag skulle vilja börja med en förrätt.
(I would like to start with an appetizer.)

Varmrätt
Varmrätt translates to “main course”. This is the primary dish of your meal.

Vad är dagens varmrätt?
(What is today’s main course?)

Efterrätt
Efterrätt means “dessert”. It’s something sweet served at the end of a meal.

Har ni någon chokladbaserad efterrätt?
(Do you have any chocolate-based dessert?)

Vegetarisk
Vegetarisk refers to “vegetarian”. It denotes dishes that contain no meat.

Finns det några vegetariska alternativ?
(Are there any vegetarian options?)

Vegan
Vegan is the same word in English and Swedish, referring to dishes that contain no animal products at all.

Jag är vegan. Vilka rätter kan jag äta?
(I’m vegan. Which dishes can I eat?)

Servera
Servera means “to serve”. It’s the action of providing food or drinks to guests at a restaurant.

Vilken tid börjar ni servera middag?
(What time do you start serving dinner?)

Notan
Notan is the bill or check in a restaurant. It’s what you ask for when you’re ready to pay.

Ursäkta, kan jag få notan?
(Excuse me, can I get the bill?)

Dricks
Dricks is the term for “tip” or “gratuity”, which is often given to the server.

Är det vanligt att lämna dricks i Sverige?
(Is it customary to leave a tip in Sweden?)

Smörgåsbord
This is a traditional Swedish buffet-style meal featuring a variety of cold and hot dishes.

Jag längtar efter att prova ett äkta svenskt smörgåsbord.
(I’m looking forward to trying an authentic Swedish smörgåsbord.)

Skål
Skål is a Swedish toast, akin to saying “Cheers!” in English. It is said before taking a drink, usually in a social setting.

Lyft era glas och säg skål!
(Raise your glasses and say cheers!)

By learning these Swedish culinary terms, you’ll be more comfortable navigating menus and interacting with staff while dining out in Sweden. Enjoy your meal — or as they say in Sweden, “Smaklig måltid!”