Kaffeost: Scandinavian Coffee Tradition

I’m sure you’ve heard about Swedish Fika or Kaffekask (coffee with vodka) before. If you haven’t heard about it, you may have seen at least 1 Swedish Coffee Point in your city. The reason we see Swedish coffees everywhere is that Scandinavians have a record in global coffee consumption rates. Let’s look at the most interesting Scandinavian coffee tradition: Kaffeost, which means coffee with cheese.

What is Kaffeost?

I know the combination of coffee and cheese sounds strange, let me explain the details. The Scandinavian coffee tradition ‘Kaffeost’ is prepared by dipping cubed sliced cheese chunks into a hot coffee or pouring coffee over the sliced cheeses. Contrary to what you might think, the cheese does not melt from the heat of the coffee, but it absorbs the coffee and becomes a delicious cheese sponge.

How does Kaffeost taste?

Traditionally made with Leipäjuusto cheese, Kaffeost tastes like espresso cheesecake or tiramisu. Leipäjuusto is a flexible, smooth, and neutral-flavored cheese. For this reason, it creates a pleasant aroma by absorbing the coffee.

How did The Scandinavian Coffee Tradition Kaffeost tradition begin?

Although it is consumed around the world today due to its pleasant aroma, the story of Kaffeost is based on different points. When the water of Northern Sweden is consumed too often, it causes sodium deficiency because it is free from many trace minerals. Regular consumption of cheese prevents this deficiency.

Bonus: Kaffeost with popular cheeses

If you want to try this recipe at home, you can use halloumi cheese, which is an easily available cheese type. Finally, when choosing coffee for this recipe, stay away from sugary and highly flavored coffees such as mocha and caramel macchiato. You can listen to this calm and peaceful Scandinavian-inspired playlist while drinking your coffee. Bon Appetit!

What are the different coffee traditions you know? Do not forget to write in the comments!

If you are interested in coffee culture, here is our coffee quiz where you can test your coffee knowledge.