Stockholm is getting a taste (literally) of a very Norwegian tradition this February as Skreifestivalen comes to the city’s fish restaurants. Skrei is the Norwegian term for young Atlantic cod, which come down from the Barents Sea in the far north to the their spawning grounds off the Norwegian Lofoten Islands from January to April every year. Cod in this condition have a firmer texture and better flavour, and are regarded by the Norwegians are being at their best. Traditionally important for being a source of vitamin D during the dark winter months, the arrival of the year’s first Skrei is a big celebration in the local calendar in the Lofoten area.

And this year, Stockholm is getting in on the act. Eight restaurants across the city have gotten their chefs to put together special Skrei menus for the festival. Sjöpaviljongen, Konstnärsbaren, Ulla Winbladh, Stockholm Fisk, Melanders Dalagatan, Täby and Söderhallarna, and Edsbacka Wärdshus are the participating restaurants, serving up everything you could imagine cod to be. The festival runs for ten days, from February 15 to 25.

Skreifestivalen, Feb 15-25, For more info see www.skreifestivalen.se