The explosion of flavors in the sausage roll pancakes that top Swedish chef Erik Videgård brings to the table shows the surprising ability to blend two completely different cuisines .
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden, the Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi organized the event "Taste of Sweden - Afternoon Gift" to connect and exchange culinary between the two countries, with the participation of Mr. Erik Videgård, one of Sweden's leading chefs. Erik Videgård has worked as a chef on television and radio in Sweden, a product developer, cookbook author and music producer. He has worked professionally in many countries and introduced Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese dishes, to Sweden. 








Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Ann Måwe at the event. Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi
Chef Erik Videgård shares many interesting things about culinary experiences. Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi
In her opening remarks, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Ann Måwe, highlighted the event as a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries and the appreciation of food and cultural exchange. She said: “Swedish Tastes – Afternoon Treat” represents an important milestone in the enduring friendship between Sweden and Vietnam. Celebrating culinary traditions helps us to enhance cultural understanding and build stronger bonds. I am delighted to witness the fusion of Swedish and Vietnamese flavours, and I believe that this event will leave a good impression on all participants, promoting a deeper understanding of our common culture and heritage." In Sweden, "Mellanmål" refers to the concept of a light meal enjoyed between main meals, usually taken in the late morning or afternoon to provide energy and fight hunger. Vietnam also has a similar concept of "afternoon snack", with a wide range of choices from savory to sweet dishes to "comfort" the hungry stomach but not wanting to overwhelm the main meals. Under the guidance of famous Swedish chef Erik Videgård, in collaboration with the head chef of a large hotel in Hanoi - Mr. Nguyen Dang Linh, attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness the preparation of a variety of attractive dishes and drinks. Planning the menu for the event, Mr. Videgård brings a combination of A new combination for an “afternoon snack”, creating unique features in Swedish and Vietnamese cuisine that few people think of, such as Vietnamese bread with Swedish meatballs and beetroot sauce or pancakes rolled with sausage and mayonnaise. This unlikely combination shows the chef’s boundless creativity as well as the unexpected harmony in the typical ingredients from two European and Asian countries. Pancakes rolled with sausage are not greasy at all, on the contrary, it brings an explosion of taste. The crust and the filling both have a certain crispiness and softness, adding a little smoothness of the special mayonnaise, making the combination of “Swedish – Vietnamese afternoon snack” a joyful and inspiring song on the tip of the tongue.Vietnamese pancakes rolled with Swedish sausages bring a new culinary experience. Photo: Ha Phuong
When asked about the idea of the new combination, the famous chef said: “Sweden and Vietnam have quite different cuisines. We use a lot of sauces and peppers, while you use a lot of herbs with a light cooking style and emphasize freshness. When it comes to the sausage-wrapped pancake, I got the idea from the Swedish Taco. Instead of using the traditional Taco shell, I used the pancake shell, and it seemed very suitable.”Vietnamese bread combined with famous Swedish meatballs. Photo: Ha Phuong
Similarly, the small Vietnamese sandwiches with Swedish meatballs filling are reminiscent of the meatball sandwich, both familiar and strange. Loved throughout Europe, Swedish meatballs have long been considered one of the must-try specialties when visiting this country. This dish is made from beef, chicken, added with fresh milk, flour, eggs and some other spices, then fried or baked. Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are eaten with mashed or boiled potatoes, but “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, Swedish meatballs in the event "Taste of Sweden - Afternoon Gift" are used as a filling for Vietnamese sandwiches, extremely suitable for a weekend afternoon snack. A little sourness and natural sweetness of beetroot salad is the perfect bridge for Swedish meatballs to blend with Vietnamese sandwiches.Diners have the chance to experience Mellanmål afternoon treats from Sweden, such as tiny burgers or breaded fish fillets. Photo: Ha Phuong
Typical Swedish sausages and cabbage rolls with rice. Photo: Ha Phuong
Mr. Erik Videgård revealed that although this was his first time in Vietnam, he had known and eaten Vietnamese food for about 30 years, with favorite dishes that he could name in Vietnamese, such as “banh xeo”, “pho”, “bun cha” or “nem”. The chef, who looked thin but full of energy and inspiration, shared: “I am very happy to participate in this unique culinary event, with the purpose of honoring the cultural exchange between Sweden and Vietnam. Food has an incredible power to connect people, shorten distances and create common understanding. I am very honored to share my passion for food and contribute to this meaningful event. I see the combination of Vietnamese and Swedish cuisines and really want to have many opportunities to return to Vietnam, learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and taste many of your delicious dishes”. Through the event "Swedish Flavors - Afternoon Treats", with the talent and heart of chef Erik Videgård, it can be seen that afternoon treats, even small dishes, can become a creative culinary experiment. The combination of the Swedish concept of "Mellanmål" with Vietnamese cuisine promises a unique, diverse and inspiring journey of flavors and culture.Vietnamnet.vn
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