Renowned chef Leif Mannerström expresses disappointment over the exclusion of Swedish cuisine from the cultural canon list, emphasizing the importance of culinary heritage in Sweden. Despite promises, iconic dishes like meatballs and surströmming were omitted, sparking a debate on the recognition of Swedish food culture.
Mannerström Criticizes Cultural Canon: A Disappointing Omission of Swedish Cuisine
Mannerström Criticizes Cultural Canon: A Disappointing Omission of Swedish Cuisine
No surströmming, no meatballs, no Tore Wretman or Cajsa Warg.
Swedish culinary culture was promised a prominent place, according to cultural canon general Lars Trägårdh.
However, the list includes neither cinnamon buns, Carl Butler's cookbook, nor any food at all.
Leif Mannerström finds this puzzling.
– I've worked with food for nearly 70 years, so of course, I'm very disappointed, he tells TT.
– Perhaps people don't understand how important our food culture is. I'm very proud of the culinary heritage we have in Sweden. Many times, I've been abroad cooking with a Swedish touch, and it's always very appreciated.
Mannerström: They Should Have Been Included
Teaching Swedish culinary culture in schools should be a given, Mannerström believes.
– Fantastic food is prepared in some schools, but in others, it's absolutely dreadful. It's the same in nursing homes, yet it costs the same. One should care when cooking.
Which Swedish food would you have liked to see in a cultural canon?
– We have our herrings. And it's tiresome to say, but when I mention meatballs, people always say they're Turkish. No, Swedish meatballs are Swedish with that seasoning.
Would you and your restaurant Johanna have made the list?
– Yes, I think so. That and Operakällaren, of course. We were fortunate to discover the new French cuisine and transformed it into the new Swedish cuisine.