Catering in Sälen has evolved as more and more people opt for the cottage or lodge over traditional hotel accommodation. For those who want restaurant quality in the comfort of their own home, there are two main options: either a pure delivery service with pre-prepared dishes, laid out for easy heating and serving, or a complete “home restaurant” where a private chef takes over the kitchen, cooks the food on site and often also takes care of serving, wine recommendations and washing up. Which is best depends on the size of the party, level of ambition and budget, but both options are fully established in Sälen - especially around Lindvallen, Sälfjällstorget, Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and also in Stöten.
Delivery solutions for catering in the mountains
For simpler delivery solutions, you can usually choose from seasonal menus adapted to the mountain environment: hot stews, slow cookers, Arctic char, prime rib, roast lamb or vegetarian casseroles that stand up well to transport. The food comes in heat-resistant moulds with clear instructions, and many people add bread, salad, dessert and a breakfast basket for the following morning. This is particularly useful for families with children and larger parties who want to eat when it suits them, without time management. The advantage is price and flexibility; the disadvantage is that someone in the party needs to heat, set up and clear the table.
Private chef and home restaurant in Sälen
If you choose a private chef, the experience is more about the whole. The chef plans the menu together with you - often three to five courses - brings ingredients, cooking equipment that is missing, and arrives in good time for the mise en place. During dinner, dishes are often briefly explained, allergies and preferences are discreetly managed, and the pace of service is adjusted to suit the evening. Afterwards, the kitchen is left cleaned and washed. For couples and small groups, it's intimate and personalised; for larger parties (10-20 people), it works well if the kitchen is spacious and the house has a good serving flow. Many also offer a children's menu in parallel, allowing the youngest to eat earlier and adults to continue with a longer meal.
Food styles, menus and drink packages
The style and focus varies from rustic mountain cuisine with local ingredients - char, reindeer, moose, mountain mushrooms, cloudberries - to modern Nordic or international fine dining. Vegetarian and vegan options are now standard, as are gluten- and lactose-free options. If you want to add drinks, the supplier can often arrange a sommelier, wine package or recommendation list tailored to Systembolaget's range in the region; some will even arrange glassware, crockery and linen if the chalet doesn't have enough. For breakfast and lunch, popular options include breakfast baskets, après-ski picks, child-friendly pasta dishes and barbecue packs for sunny spring-winter days.
Planning, logistics and price levels
When it comes to planning, timing is key. During the high season - Christmas/New Year, sports holidays and Easter - times get booked up early, and picking up ingredients, staff and logistics around the mountain require advance planning. Expect to make a provisional booking as soon as you have confirmed the date and party size; fine-tuning of the menu can come later. Communication saves time: include address, gate code/key and parking facilities, kitchen standard (oven, hob, oven volume, number of pots, serving dishes), number of seats and whether you need glassware/ crockery. A good rule of thumb is to ask for a menu that matches the capacity of the kitchen - rather fewer dishes with precision than a marathon that becomes logistically heavy.
Prices vary according to season, ingredients, number of guests and level of service. As an indication, a well thought-out three-course meal often starts around a few hundred dollars per person, while a private chef with several courses and service typically ends up at around SEK 900-1 500 per person, sometimes more for exclusive ingredients or extra staff. For larger parties, the cost per person is often lower as kitchen time and logistics are spread over more guests. Evening supplements, travel allowances and equipment hire may apply; always ask for a clear quote detailing everything, including any cancellation fees or changes in guest numbers.
Practical tips and sustainability
To make the evening run smoothly: synchronise arrival times, avoid frequent sauna or jacuzzi sessions just before serving (a steamy dining room makes for a less enjoyable experience), and plan the place for serving and setting up. If you have children - decide whether they eat at the table with the adults or before, and whether any tableware should be childproofed. If you want to surprise someone in your party, the catering team can often help with a cake, a speaking mic or a discreet presentation.
Finally, sustainability and localisation is a strong trend in Sälen. Many operators work with Dala producers, local game and seasonal produce. If this is important to you, let us know in your enquiry and the menu will be tailored accordingly. Whether you opt for simple delivery or a full-scale chef's set-up, catering in Sälen provides a carefree evening where you don't have to shop, cook and wash up - and can focus on the company and the view. If you want help setting menus and times based on your address and dates, I can suggest a ready-made arrangement directly.
Summary & related experiences
Catering in Sälen offers everything from pre-prepared menus to exclusive dinners with a private chef in your own lodge. Whichever option you choose, an experience that combines comfort, flavour and world-class views awaits.
Explore more culinary experiences and private dinners with chef or the book catering for your event directly through us. Combine the evening with relaxation in Relax & Spa or let the party continue with Birthday celebrations in the mountains. For larger groups or companies there is also the possibility of corporate retreat with dinner on site in the cabin.