I've had surströmming. Twice. And it's not that bad. There's this pattern of people NOT RINSING it. First: You're supposed to open the can, submerged in a buck

I've had surströmming. Twice. And it's not that bad. There's this pattern of people NOT RINSING it. First: You're supposed to open the can, submerged in a bucket of water. That'll avoid the spilling AND rinse the fish. Second: You're supposed to eat it with other stuff. The traditional swedish way is: wrapped in soft bread (think swedish wheat tortillas), with lots of sour cream, mashed potatoes, chopped red onion, ... Consumed that way, the fish is surprisingly good (it's still a bit.. intensive.. but I'm sure that I'd love it, given enough time). It's the blue cheese of fish.