Traditionally eaten only on the day before Lent—the Christian fasting period—semlor were once a once-a-year indulgence. Today, however, enthusiasts across Sweden enjoy them daily, from Christmas all the way through Easter. These cream-filled buns are also known as Fat Tuesday buns.
When do you eat semla?
Semla is traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday, known in Sweden as Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday). In 2026, Fettisdagen falls on 17 February.
Where can you get a semla (or two)?
At just about every bakery and café worth its sugar and fat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always follow a recipe and bake your own semlor at home.
Who eats semlor?
There are the semla addicts who eat them daily, the traditionalists who limit themselves to weekends, and the true purists who insist on eating semla only on Fat Tuesday.
According to legend, Sweden’s King Adolf Fredrik met his untimely death on 12 February 1771 after an exceptionally heavy meal, finished with a hetvägg—a semla served in warm milk.
Where does the name “semla” come from?
The word semla comes from the Latin simila, meaning fine wheat flour. What began as a simple bread roll has since evolved into an irresistible Swedish classic.
How to eat semla like a local
Start by lifting the lid and using it to scoop up some of the gooey filling. Then move on to the rest of the bun.
The unrestrained devour it shamelessly, straight from hand to mouth.
The refined use a fork.
The bohemian prefers a spoon.
Tourists are often confused. Purists, meanwhile, order it the old-school way—served in a bowl of warm milk. There’s no wrong method, as long as you enjoy every bite.
New variations of the semla
Over the years, creative twists on the classic semla have emerged. From the handy semmelwrap to the elegant prinsessemla, and even the indulgent semmel milkshake, Sweden’s favourite bun continues to evolve in deliciously unexpected ways.
So whether you’re a die-hard semla traditionalist or an adventurous trendsetter, one thing is certain: resisting a semla is futile.
The real question is—one semla or two? 😏
