Deep in Sweden’s far north, a Philly classic is getting a frosty makeover. At Stejk Street Food in Kiruna, more than 100 miles above the Arctic Circle, cheesesteaks are served with a Nordic twist: instead of beef, the hoagie rolls come stuffed with moose and reindeer.
In Philadelphia, cheesesteaks are more than just food; they’re a ritual. Fans debate the right way to order with or without onions, while Cheez Whiz holds cult status as the ultimate topping. But in Kiruna, the specialty sandwich has taken on a new life. At about $26 a piece, these Arctic cheesesteaks swap out the traditional beef for locally harvested game meats, offering a flavor that reflects the region’s culture and history.
The couple behind Stejk Street Food have never actually been to Philly, but that hasn’t stopped their take on the cheesesteak from drawing a loyal following. For locals, the reindeer filling connects back to generations of reindeer herding in northern Sweden dating back to the indigenous. For visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime food experience—something you can’t find anywhere else.
The demand is serious, too. The shop goes through more than 100 pounds of reindeer every week, proving that this unexpected mash-up has struck a chord with both tourists and locals. With nearly 2,000 Google Reviews averaging about 5 stars, it’s hard to argue with their success.
So, what do you think: would you try a cheesesteak made with reindeer and moose?
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.