#63 Sweden with Chef Håkan Thörnström

This week, we’re heading to Gothenburg, Sweden to sit down with Michelin-starred chef Håkan Thörnström — a culinary storyteller with decades of experience turning local, seasonal ingredients into unforgettable meals.

Håkan shares how growing up with a garden, a coastline full of seafood, and the scent of his grandmother’s baking shaped his lifelong relationship with food.

We talk about his passion for ingredient-driven cooking, why he prefers partnering with foragers and small producers over big suppliers, and what makes Nordic cuisine so distinct — clean flavors, seasonal simplicity, and deep respect for nature.

He walks us through iconic Swedish traditions like the smörgåsbord and Midsummer celebrations, tells us why Swedish pancakes are rarely found in restaurants, and shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to cook for the Nobel Prize dinner — twice.

We even talk about coffee culture, cinnamon buns, and his unexpectedly strong opinions about licorice.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Sweden, love Nordic flavors, or just want to hear a down-to-earth chef talk about food as a way of life, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and inspiration.

🎧 Full video also available on YouTube — just search Tasty Trails Travel and hit subscribe.

Connect with Håkan at his restaurants

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