food
Cake (Verdens Beste Kake) in honor of Norwegian Constitution Day (17 May) 2023.
Parking area with entrance to the right.
a shelf of colorful vases
outside
a row of colorful vases on a shelf
a hand holding a tube of kale's
Menu
Candy
Norwegian confectionary goodness.
Menu
Some Norwegian items on 17 May 2023.
food
outside
Yesssss, that is me!
And desserts
Store Interior
Bite of the Verdens Beste Kake.
food
The Kake is really good!
Tasty food in store
A tiny piece of salmon quiche. 3 bites is not worth $8+ They used to be twice this size.
dessert, food
interior
Tanis L.
May 17, 2023
I came to Scandinavian Specialties this morning, Wednesday 17 May 2023, as a form of observing Norwegian Constitution Day (17 May) this year. My Grandad Endre (full Norwegian - type full Old Norse and before, from the fjordlands and further north) died in March of this year, so I decided it was time to start figuring out a way of celebrating the holiday for me.Arriving a few minutes before opening, 10:00 a.m., I was the first customer to pull into the parking lot, though the car behind me on the street pulled in right after me and the person in the car entered the store before me. Just inside the door were a number of Norwegian items, to the left was clothing and food items, to the right was a sit-down dining area, dining-ware items, and books in a room. Directly in front of the door upon entry was a baked goods case and the cashier.The workers were friendly in greeting and helping me choose what baked good to go with. I asked if there was anything particularly Norwegian and the worker recommended a cake, which I decided to go with. I bought a Nidar julegris confectionary and a couple other Norwegian items as well. My bill came to $32.24, for which I paid cash. The cake was probably the best cake I have had, it was not overly sweet, and was super light and fluffy in texture. Happy with all my purchases and my overall experience.
Read MoreElizabeth L.
Jun 4, 2024
OMG is the synopsis of my experience. Loved the ladies, the beste kake, and the variety of items in the store. I would come here everyday or at least 1x a week if I lived close by. Man the beste kake was so good for no reason! I would eat it everyday if it could. It melts in your mouth and the custard is super!! I bought a variety of bubs candy to take home and they were all sooo good! I shared with my co workers and they wish I got more :p I bought $77 worth of goodies while I was inside bc I was so excited but I should have purchased more to be honest. Will definitely be back!
Read MoreGhina B.
Jan 21, 2024
The store was so clean the employees were courteous and polite. I found everything I was looking for and more. I will definitely come back when I visit my daughter again .
Read MoreHansi D.
Jun 11, 2023
If you like fish that is smoked, pickled, tinned etc. you should check out this place! You'll also find baked treats, jams, cheese, cookies and more. You can also find some Scandi/German baking ingredients. During Christmas time, they also have special items, including marzipan treats.Staff is also super friendly and available to answer questions and make recommendations.
Read MoreMeridena K.
Oct 8, 2023
I love this store, I wish there was one closer to where I live. I had to stock up on everything while I was there. The bakery is wonderful, the world's best cake (it's both the name and it's the best cake) is a must try. It's absolutely unique and delicious. And clearly not something most of us would make. They have both sweet and savory traditional, fresh and frozen stuff. Also the fun crafts and other Scandinavian themed tchotchkes are fabulous. All heritages welcome lol. The folks are super nice. And there's a free parking lot!
Read MoreG G.
May 29, 2023
A very cool shop. The only place I know of in Seattle where you can get specialty items imported from Scandinavia and Finland. Yes, Scandinavian countries are different than Finland for a few reasons.
Read MoreHannah E.
Jun 11, 2021
I just love this place. This visit was actually my second time there, but I wasn't able to get food last time. This time I got my hands on some salmon quiche, hamburger on brown bread, and some lingonberry whipped cream in a cone (plus some Icelandic kelp and moss soap). Then we took it down to the Ballard Locks to enjoy.You'll never find me extolling the virtues of a warmed up hamburger patty sandwich ever again, I'm sure, but here I am doing it right now, so take a screenshot! And the quiche, chock-full of dill and salmon and with a flaky crust like a fruit pie.
Read MoreHong T.
Jun 23, 2024
We've ordered online a couple times for their Swedish candy. They've shipped out our order within 1-2 days each time. Always been satisfied!
Read MoreLindsay B.
May 15, 2024
My first time at Scandinavian Specialties did not disappoint! Great selection of Scandinavian goods - from kitchen wares, clothing, perishable and non perishable foods, cafe with baked goods, etc. Although I came to try the viral Swedish candy. They had a great selection that were all very interesting and intriguing. Ample parking which is always a nice surprise in Ballard. Store clerks were extremely friendly and helpful! Will be coming back soon once my stash runs out!
Read MoreJack E.
Apr 21, 2024
Great assortment of Scandinavian foods, particularly candy, plus knitted items, outerwear and books. One of the ONLY remaining shops specializing in Scandinavian goods in Ballard.
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