It is the 17th of February, and the day of the semla is finally here. Originally supposed to be eaten on the last day before the fast begins, it is usually sold in Swedish bakeries from the beginning of January. Every year, bakeries compete to make the very best ones – but who succeeded this year?
To make sure this semmel-day passes without heartbreak, I have set out to find the city’s very best one. Every semla has been graded on their almond paste, cream and bun, as well as the overall balance.
Broder Jakobs, 52 kr:
Broder Jakobs is a true staple in Lund, and always a go-to when you are heading out for a cozy fika. The semla is well done, and beautifully presented. However, the bread is quite dry, and the lack of salt in the almond paste makes the semla as a whole fall quite flat. Although it does taste better than last year, Broder Jakobs still has some way to go before they reach the place of Lund’s best semla.
Bun: 5/10
Almond paste: 5/10
Cream: 9/10
Overall balance: 8/10
Total score: 6,75/10
Mannz Bageri, 48 kr:
Mannz Bageri, just behind Lundagård, is a small café and one of the town’s newer additions. Although owned by a German couple, they have truly mastered the art of the Swedish semla. The almond paste is full of flavour and small almond pieces, and the bread is light and airy. The overall balance could be improved by slightly more whipped cream, but other than that, the only thing Mannz Bakery is missing are more seats.
Bun: 8,5/10
Almond paste: 9,5/10
Cream:10/10
Overall balance: 8/10
Total score: 9/10
Mannz Bageri, Wienersemla, 52 kr:
In addition to their classic semla, Mannz also serve a “wiener-semla”, where the bun is made of croissant dough. It serves as a great alternative for those who dislike cardamom, and pairs well with the almond paste and cream. However, this one would have needed quite a bit more whipped cream to balance out the flakiness of the bun.
Bun: 7/10
Almond paste: 9,5/10
Cream:10/10
Overall balance: 5/10
Total score: 7,9/10
Ostabengtson, 54 kr:
Ostabengtson has long been known as a hidden gem when it comes to semlor in Lund. The small store in the middle of town normally sells cheese and a few pastries, but during the beginning of spring, their window is taken over by their tall semlor. The cream might be slightly overwhipped, but other than that, the semla is truly one of the city’s best. The almond paste is filled with big chunks of roasted almonds, and the bun has a nice cardamom flavor. The overall balance could be improved by more almond paste, but compared to last year, it is truly a fantastic improvement.
Bun: 8/10
Almond paste: 10/10
Cream: 7/10
Overall balance: 7/10
Total score: 8/10
M-Café, LTH, 15 kr:
In the week of the semla, most nations and unions are serving their own. The café in M-Huset sells theirs for the fantastic price of 15 kr, and it does not disappoint. Light bread and a good amount of almond paste, served with fluffy whipped cream. It can, of course, not be compared to a semla from a bakery in town, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Bun: 4/10
Almond paste: 3/10
Cream: 8/10
Overall balance: 8/10
Total score: 5.75/10
Lund might be small, but the city does not lack good semlor. For the second year in a row, Mannz’s classic semla is awarded the highest score. The airy bun and roasted almond paste truly make it stand out, but this year, Ostabengtson was not far behind. However, while the semla might be important, escaping the cold winter and enjoying a fika together with friends might be the day’s main purpose. Wherever you end up this year, a semla on semmeldagen is always a good idea.
