Adventure
Stockholm 2025
I was always amazed when visiting Scandinavian countries—everything was spotless. No litter, no overflowing bins—just an overwhelming sense of civic pride. It was so noticeable.
Discover Stockholm through its top cafés, Nordic dishes, food halls, and historic streets in this friendly and engaging travel guide.
Scandinavian Cleanliness and Coffee Cravings
Stockholm had a cool, calm energy that I loved. I’d been about a year earlier and was keen to check out some new places to eat and drink over the next couple of days.
Being an early riser, I headed into town in search of good coffee. Despite it being mid-May, it was chilly with a biting wind, so I layered up—baseball cap included. (That was mainly due to being “a bit thin on top”, as my dear mother affectionately put it after seeing me on TV recently.)
A couple of coffee shops had caught my eye, especially after last year’s visit to Café Saturnus (see blog), which had been excellent. First up this time was Café Krans, located in the historic Gamla Stan district across the bridge from the Royal Opera House. I wandered past the Royal Palace and into the charming maze of streets and alleyways I remembered from a previous walk to a meatball restaurant (see blog).
This area was filled with quirky shops, cosy cafés, and intimate restaurants. Café Krans was a small and welcoming establishment, with lovely staff. I ordered a coffee and settled in to watch the world go by. The scent of cinnamon and cardamom was irresistible, wafting from the display of Kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns) in the window. These buns are so beloved in Sweden that they even have their own national day on 4th October—and the average Swede eats about 230 a year, apparently.
I resisted temptation this time, as I had another coffee shop in mind and didn’t fancy two buns before noon.
Weather
I recommend visiting between June and August.
Month High / Low(°C)
January 1° / -3°
February 1° / -3°
March 5° / -1°
April 11° / 3°
May 17° / 7°
June 21° / 12°
July 22° / 15°
August 22° / 14°
September 17° / 110°
October 10° / 6°
November 6° / 2°
December 2° / -1°
January 1° / -3°
February 1° / -3°
March 5° / -1°
April 11° / 3°
May 17° / 7°
June 21° / 12°
July 22° / 15°
August 22° / 14°
September 17° / 110°
October 10° / 6°
November 6° / 2°
December 2° / -1°
Buns, Bakeries and Food Halls: Stockholm’s Culinary Delights
Once the sun broke through, things quickly warmed up, and I set off back into the city centre, walking along the harbourside towards my next stop—Fabrique, a well-known Swedish coffee chain renowned for its wood-fired bakeries.
Founded in 2008 by David and Charlotta Zetterström, Fabrique has expanded internationally, with locations in London and New York. Every branch I saw was charming, with impeccable displays and top-tier baked goods. If you’re in the UK, think of it as Sweden’s answer to Gail’s.
I ordered another coffee and, this time, gave in to a warm Kanelbulle. It had a chewy, spiced kick and was utterly delicious—exactly what a bakery should deliver.
Later, I visited Östermalms Saluhall, one of the finest food halls I’ve ever experienced. The quality of the produce, especially the fish, was extraordinary. Last year, I’d had a great lunch at Lisa Elmqvist (see blog), and on revisiting, I found the place just as popular.
I glanced at the menu and immediately spotted the day’s special: Arctic char with asparagus and ramson velouté. This fish happens to be a favourite of mine, with its fine flesh and slightly oily texture—flavour-wise, somewhere between sea trout and a wild English chalk stream brown trout.
I first cooked Windermere char in the Lake District back in the early ’80s and have never forgotten it. I walked away at first, but couldn’t get it out of my head. So, I went straight back in. Sod it. I could find another lunch place tomorrow.
“Stockholm impressed with spotless streets, rich coffee, and unforgettable Scandinavian flavours.”
A Memorable Meal at Saluhall
I ordered a local pale ale, some crusty bread, house-made crispbread (think gourmet Ryvita), sparkling water, and a glass of Minuty. And yes—six oysters. I always feel like they’re doing me some good, and if you’ve read my blogs before, you’ll know I love them.
The char was exquisite—slightly undercooked, allowing the natural oils to release and create a rich, creamy texture. The addition of salmon roe heightened the richness. The asparagus and green beans were fresh and perfectly cooked, while the velouté brought everything together seamlessly.
What a fabulous lunch, enjoyed in one of the most visually stunning food halls I’ve ever seen.
A Final Bite: Reindeer Tacos in Gamla Stan
On my last day, I wanted to try something completely different. No more coffee, oysters, or Arctic char. I headed back into Gamla Stan to find The Hairy Pig. What caught my eye on their menu was the reindeer taco with fries.
It didn’t take long to find—the restaurant was on a street running parallel to Café Krans. The outdoor tables were packed, as it was a beautiful, warm day. I grabbed a local pale ale and waited for the food to arrive.
To be honest, it wasn’t quite what I’d expected. I had imagined soft flour tortillas with a drizzle of sour cream and coriander (see Puerto Rico blog), but instead, I was served a single fried tortilla filled with braised reindeer mince, topped with lingonberries and fries.
It was okay—flavourful enough—but not quite the experience I had imagined. Still, I loved the boldness of offering something so distinctly Nordic.
Already looking forward to my next visit. Stockholm always leaves me wanting more.
must see places
Stockholm blends history, design, and food culture into one extraordinary city. Here are three highlights not to miss.
Gamla Stan
Stockholm’s charming old town, full of cobbled alleys, historic buildings, quirky shops, and inviting cafés. A must-stroll district for first-time and returning visitors alike.
Östermalms Saluhall
This food hall is a feast for the senses—world-class produce, elegant architecture, and high-end restaurants. Ideal for exploring Swedish gastronomy in one spot.
Royal Palace
Situated near Gamla Stan, this official residence of the Swedish monarch is grand, imposing, and full of historical interest. Great for a cultural detour between cafés.
Places to Eat
From traditional Swedish fare to modern culinary twists, these eateries stood out on this trip.
Café Krans
A cosy café in Gamla Stan with great coffee, friendly staff, and irresistible cinnamon-scented air.
Website: https://cafekrans.com/
Fabrique
Artisan bakery chain known for its wood-fired buns, top-notch coffee, and excellent quality throughout. There’s also one in London!
Website: https://fabrique.se/
Lisa Elmqvist
A standout seafood restaurant inside Saluhall serving elegant dishes like Arctic char and oysters with Scandinavian finesse.
Website: https://www.lisaelmqvist.com/
Inspired Recipes
Some recipes inspired by my brief trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Hot Smoked Salmon Blinis with Rocket
Originally, Russian-style pancakes, Blinis make excellent party food or even a starter. However, the combination of tastes ensures they're incredibly moreish. And all prepared in ten minutes!
View RecipeOyster and Smoked Haddock Broth
This is a very simple soup but nevertheless with an extremely powerful flavour.
View Recipe
