Forget the usual Philly fare. High above the Arctic Circle, in Kiruna, Sweden, a unique culinary experience awaits: the Arctic cheesesteak. This isn’t your typical beef and Cheez Whiz concoction; instead, it features locally sourced moose and reindeer meat, offering a distinctly Swedish twist on the American classic.
Stejk Street Food, owned by Zebastian Bohman and Cecilia Abrahamsson, is the epicenter of this Arctic culinary innovation. Located approximately 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, this food truck has gained popularity for its creative take on the Philly cheesesteak.
The town of Kiruna recently underwent a significant event: the relocation of the historic Kiruna Church. The church was moved 5 kilometers east to accommodate the expansion of the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine. This relocation drew thousands of visitors to the region.
Many of these visitors patronized Stejk Street Food, including tourists from the United Kingdom, Don and Anita Haymes, who have made it a tradition to visit during their annual trips to northern Sweden. They enjoyed the reindeer meat, prepared and served by staff sporting shirts with a playful, albeit dark, message: “I’m glad Rudolph is dead!”
The traditional Philly cheesesteak, a staple in Philadelphia, typically consists of thinly sliced beef, cheese, and onions. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a cultural icon. There are specific rules and customs associated with ordering, including the “wit’ or ‘wit-out'” (with or without onions) query. Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, is generally considered an essential ingredient.
Iconic cheesesteak establishments like Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks, located across from each other, are must-visit destinations for cheesesteak enthusiasts and politicians alike. Presidential candidates frequently visit these establishments during campaign stops, eager to connect with voters in this crucial swing state. A memorable example is John Kerry’s infamous 2004 order of Swiss cheese on his cheesesteak at Pat’s, a culinary faux pas that drew widespread ridicule.
In Kiruna, Bohman and Abrahamsson set out to create a dish that would appeal to tourists and local miners alike, providing a satisfying meal for those working long hours. According to Abrahamsson, the initial inspiration came from the locals’ preference for Subway sandwiches.
Despite never having visited Philadelphia, the couple decided to create a sandwich inspired by the Philly cheesesteak, using locally sourced moose and reindeer meat. The use of reindeer is a nod to the Sami Indigenous people, who have a long history of reindeer herding in the region.
One of the biggest challenges was finding the right type of roll. The soft, large hoagie roll, common in Philadelphia, was difficult to source in Sweden. Now, the rolls are delivered weekly from central Sweden.
Since opening in 2015, Stejk Street Food has expanded its menu to include burgers, salads, and French fries, all of which can be topped with moose or reindeer meat. This provides options for those who prefer not to eat an entire cheesesteak.
Bohman noted that locals tend to prefer the burgers, while visitors from Stockholm often choose the salads.
The Arctic cheesesteak offers a unique flavor profile. The reindeer and moose provide a slightly sweeter taste compared to beef. The business uses 100 kilograms of ground moose and 50 kilograms of smoked reindeer each week, enough to make approximately 500 cheesesteaks and 500 meat-and-fries orders.
Due to the cost of the meat, the Arctic cheesesteak is more expensive than its Philly counterpart. While a Philly cheesesteak costs between $16 and $18, an Arctic cheesesteak costs around $26.
The Haymeses, the British tourists, believe the unique flavor is worth the price. Don Haymes explained that the reindeer meat has a distinct flavor, unlike the game meats found in England. Anna Capoccia, an Italian tourist, found the reindeer and moose cheesesteak to be sweeter and better than the beef cheesesteaks she had tried in Philadelphia.
While Bohman and Abrahamsson have never tried a Philly cheesesteak, they cannot imagine adding Cheez Whiz to their Arctic version. According to Bohman, Cheez Whiz would be “a little bit too greasy for Sweden.”