The 13th of February, also known as fettisdagen, holds a special place in the hearts of all Swedes as it marks a day dedicated to savoring the delicious and creamy delight known as the Semla. Fettisdagen is the final day of three festive days that kick off a longer period of fasting with roots in the Catholic tradition. The Semla as we know it, with its cream, almond paste, and powdered sugar, only became popular around the middle of the 20th century. 

For this review, I tried four semlor from four different cafes in Lund: Patisseriet, Broder Jakobs stenugnsbageri, Ramklints Conditori & Café and Mormors bageri. I will present my first impressions and describe the ambiance, as well as rate each semla based on the cream, almond paste, bread, and overall experience, using a scale of 1 to 5. When it comes to the cream, I am looking for a creamy texture and an undertone of vanilla. As for the almond paste, I favor a homemade taste, while the bread should be fluffy with a hint of cardamom.

Patisseriet

Price: 48 SEK

First Impression: Patisseriet presents a large and robust semla, yet the overall impression suggests a prioritization of quantity over quality.

Ambiance: The café is located on the charming street Klostergatan. While not sprawling, it’s usually easy enough to snag a table. Sometimes it gets a bit busy, but it’s always warm and inviting. Overall, it’s a comfy spot where you feel right at home.

Rating

Cream: 1/5

Almond paste: 1/5

Bread: 3/5

Overall rating: 2/5

Broder Jakobs stenugnsbageri

Price: 46 SEK

First Impression: The semla from Broder Jakobs Stenugnsbageri is visually enticing, with roasted hazelnuts providing a delightful contrast. The addition of cardamom to the bread is a definite plus, however the bread is a bit dry.

Ambiance: Also on Klostergatan, Broder Jakobs stenugnsbageri stands out as one of Lund’s busiest spots. Since they are famous for their delicious cardamom and cinnamon buns, the challenge lies in securing a table in this compact space. Yet, if luck favors you, the cozy ambiance and atmosphere promises a delightful experience. Moreover, the attentive and friendly staff at Broder Jakobs stenugnsbageri are an added bonus, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Rating

Cream: 3/5

Almond paste: 4/5

Bread: 2/5

Overall rating: 3/5

Mormors bageri

Price: 38 SEK

First Impression: Mormors Bageri caters to those with a sweet tooth, offering a larger semla compared to others. However, the bread tends to be a bit dense and the almond paste lacks a distinct character.

Ambiance: Mormors bageri has three cafes across Lund, and the one at Botulfsplatsen, where this semla is bought, offers a spacious setting where getting a table is typically a breeze. While the environment may not be extraordinary, its pleasant, slightly vintage vibe adds to its charm.

Rating

Cream: 2/5

Almond paste: 1/5

Bread: 2/5

Overall rating: 2/3

Ramklints Conditori & Café

Price: 35 SEK

First Impression: The semla from Ramklints Conditori & Café surpasses expectations in taste, despite its unassuming appearance. The almond paste is super good, and the bread is perfection.

Ambiance: Ramklints Conditori & Café, found on Mårtenstorget, is well-liked and quite spacious, so chances are you’ll find a place to sit. There was a bit of a line when I visited, but it seemed like most folks were opting for takeaway rather than staying in. The place feels comfortable and cozy, though it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

Rating

Cream: 4/5

Almond paste: 5/5

Bread: 5/5

Overall rating:5/5

Conclusion

In conclusion, after sampling Semlor from four different cafes in Lund, Ramklints Conditori & Café emerges as the top choice for those seeking the epitome of Semla perfection. With its exquisite balance of creamy texture, flavorful almond paste, and impeccably fluffy bread, Ramklints sets a high standard for Semla aficionados. Surprisingly, despite its unassuming appearance, this gem proved that tastiness doesn’t always correlate with price, as the most affordable option delivered the most flavorful experience. However, it’s essential to note that the size of the Semla may reflect its cost, and personal preferences can vary. Nevertheless, beyond the Semla itself, the essence of a truly delightful and memorable fika experience lies in pleasant company and a comfortable environment. Whether indulging in a homemade Semla or exploring innovative variations, the joy of Semla extends beyond its delicious taste to embrace tradition, creativity, and the simple pleasures of life.

My Best Semla Tips

• When baking your own semlor, elevate the experience by crafting your own delicious almond paste through roasting the almonds in a pan before blending them in the mixer.

• For a unique twist, try the cardamom bun-semla or cinnamon bun semla at Broder Jakobs Stenugnsbageri; they are super delicious. 

• Explore the diverse world of semlor by sampling various flavors such as vanilla, Nutella, apple, or licorice. If traditional almond paste isn’t your preference, venture into innovative variations like donut-semlor, mini-semlor, semmel-pizza, semmel-wraps, and more. 

• A classic way to enjoy your semla is the “hetvägg” (hot wall) method – warm up some milk and enjoy.