Created by chef Malin Boban, Gothenburg's new signature dish was selected by a panel of experts during Frihamnsdagarna and was officially unveiled at Gothenburg’s Kulturkalas.
The search for a new signature dish for Sweden's second city is over: Chef Malin Boban’s Gothenburg Royale was crowned the winner of the Gothenburg Meal competition on 28 August, with Maria Bodestig and Josefine Malmer awarded joint second place. A modern twist on the lobster roll, it features a crab and mussel mixture with wrångebäcks mayonnaise and horseradish, served on Hönö bread with dried rörhinna (a type of seaweed).
The new dish won out over 40 entries from both professional and amateur food enthusiasts. A jury of chefs, journalists, researchers, and food influencers shortlisted three dishes for the grand finale: Gothenburg Royale by Malin Boban, Taco’hej by Josefine Malmer, and the fish pudding Det va la gött by Maria Bodestig. The finalists were served to an audience of 75 people, who sampled the entries on sustainable, reusable plates as part of Gothenburg’s environmental initiatives during their Kulturkalas culture festival. Following the jury’s deliberation, Gothenburg Royale was crowned the winner.
“Gothenburg Royale – A Gotenburg-inspired dish created in an innovative manner, uses carefully selected ingredients from the sea which can even be swapped out according to season. The flavors are exceptionally well-balanced, and are complemented by the culinary craftsmanship from the archipelago. This is an exciting dish packed with taste, distinct and engaging. It is inventive, lively, and most importantly, sustainable—reflecting Gothenburg’s future. Designed for home cooks, restaurants, fishmongers, and public kitchens alike,” the official verdict proclaimed.
Creator Malin Boban could not have been more elated:
I am incredibly proud that my dish has now become Gothenburg’s signature. It’s fantastic to contribute to the city’s culinary culture and to promote sustainable local produce from our region.
The winning dish will become part of Gothenburg’s culinary identity, alongside classics such as the shrimp sandwich and the "half special". The Gothenburg Royale will be featured at various events, including the city’s new food festival, Food Fest Gothenburg, with high hopes that it will become a new symbol of the city’s cuisine. Sofie Mantzaris of Gothenburg & Co. – the initiators of Gothenburg Meal – commented: “Food is one of the strongest reasons people travel, and with Gothenburg Meal, we now have a dish that places our city on the culinary map more clearly. The new signature dish exemplifies how Gothenburg can combine tradition, sustainability, and innovation—truly reflecting the spirit of the city.”
Later this year, Gothenburg Municipality will take over primary responsibility for the project. "Gothenburg Meal is more than a competition; it’s part of our broader effort to create a sustainable local food system. By highlighting sustainable and local ingredients, we demonstrate that enjoyable dining experiences can go hand-in-hand with our environmental goals, and the vision of a more resilient city," said Kristina Fermskog from the City of Gothenburg’s Environmental Strategy Department.
The Gothenburg Meal competition launched in January 2025 as a collaborative effort between Gothenburg & Co., RISE/Switch Food Hub, the West Sweden Tourism Board, Chalmers University, and the Gothenburg City Council. Its purpose is to foster pride in local food, inspire healthier eating habits, and promote sustainable culinary experiences. Over 40 submissions were received; six advanced to the semi-finals, with three making it to the final stage—and now, a winner has been crowned.
