Cafés in Stockholm
Here it is, the long awaited round-up of my most loved cafés, bakeries and coffee shops from my trip to Stockholm this Winter! I was staying primarily in the neighborhood of Södermalm, exploring Gamla Stan, and spending a tiny amount of time in Norrmalm and Östermalm.
Fika is an important part of Swedish culture, so naturally I had to fully immerse myself in the practice (following recommendations from locals, of course).
Fika: a moment to slow down and appreciate good company; quality time; “coffee with friends”
The cardamom buns (kardemummabullar) are to die for at this cozy artisan stone oven bakery. There are twenty-two locations throughout the city, so there should be little trouble finding your fix.
Also incredibly good cinnamon (kanelbullar) and cardamom buns at this artisan bakery repping an extensive, somewhat exotic, salad bar. There are a bunch of locations throughout Stockholm, and it became a reliable stop for a healthy bite to eat and a satisfying latte no matter where I found myself.
Located in Södermalm, this one of a kind gem is the source of many simple, sweet mornings made of cappuccinos, overnight oats and traditional Swedish breakfast sandwiches. The menu also consists of fresh juice shots, chia pudding, homemade pastries, and plenty of vegan options. While most of the signage is in Swedish, the owner and his staff are incredibly friendly and open to translating.
This café came highly recommended from both locals and online travel guides for Stockholm, and I can confidently say that it has a well-deserved reputation. The vibe was quaint, the coffee was strong and the pastries tasted as incredible as they looked. Grab a stool in the window, watch the snow falling outside and start to wonder how you’re ever going to leave.
For those of you who crave incredibly strong espresso, S:T Paul Bageri is the place to stumble into during your mid-afternoon slump. It’s quite popular for fika, so there might be a line and there will most definitely be crowds of city folk circled up around every low lying coffee table, but the oat milk cappuccino will make it all worth it.
A quiet, out-of-the-way café with fresh juices, sandwiches, coffees and nourishing yogurt/ porridge bowls, as perfect for a morning spent in solitude as it is for one with friends. Gluten-free and vegan friendly.
Panem is a bistro located in Old Town, perfect for a fika while exploring the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan. There are large windows from the bakery facing the street, so passersby can watch the pastry chefs work their magic, and if you’re like me, get drawn in for a perfectly flaky chocolate croissant.
Near the Royal Palace, in the heart of Old Town, Chokladkoppen sits on the outskirts of the Christmas Market, if you’re lucky enough to visit in the Winter months. Here they dish out traditional glögg and pepparkakor (mulled wine and Swedish gingersnaps) from a picturesque window, perfect for an on-the-go treat, unless you find yourself coaxed inside for a hot meal and a chocolate-drizzled mocha.
