Authentic Thai food in Central Stockholm

Thai Elephant is located in Norrmalm, Stockholm’s most central and busiest neighborhood, on Gamla Brogatan. The restaurant is run by a Thai family. Two ladies work in the kitchen, while a lone Thai waitress manages the front. Though the service was a bit slow due to the limited staff, the waitress was warm and apologetic, hoping for understanding. The restaurant serves classic Thai dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai, and curries. The interior is simply decorated with Thai wall art and pictures.

As always, I started with the Thai papaya salad, a must-have dish whenever I visit a Thai restaurant. While the salad had the right textures, it leaned a bit too much on the sweet side and could have used more spice to balance the flavors.

The Pad Thai, on the other hand, was a standout. It hit all the right notes—savory, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness, with a refreshing hint of tang from the lime. The prawns were fresh, and the bean sprouts added a crisp bite that lightened the dish.

Overall, despite the minor service hiccups, I was pleasantly surprised by the authenticity of the food. I would definitely return to explore more of the menu.

Thai Elephant

Gamla Brogatan 11, 111 20 Stockholm, Sweden

Persian food in Stockholm

Malakeh Restaurang

Malakeh is a family-run restaurant. The decor had a Persian feel with Persian rugs and decorative carved wood panels. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the fragrant aroma of Persian herbs.

I ordered the Ghormeh Sabzi, which came with a side of yogurt and a Shirazi salad. Ghormeh Sabzi considered the national dish of Iran, is a hearty stew made with a mix of fresh herbs, kidney beans, dried lime, and tender lamb. This dish boasts a unique and complex flavor profile—its earthy aroma and savory yet sour taste make it truly special.

The Ghormeh Sabzi was absolutely delicious. It tasted homemade and comforting, just like something you’d enjoy at a Persian family gathering. Every bite was rich and flavorful. It felt like a warm hug from the kitchen. If you’re in the mood for a truly authentic Persian dining experience, Malakeh is definitely a place to visit!

Drottninggatan 77, 111 60 Stockholm, Sweden

Tajrish restaurang

Tajrish is a cozy, small, family-run restaurant located in the Vasastan neighborhood on Torsgatan. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with a homely touch in every corner. The owner’s wife, a sweet and kind lady, came out of the kitchen to inquire about how the food was, adding a personal touch to the experience.

It’s a casual spot where the salad and coffee are self-serve. I ordered the Fesenjan, a traditional Persian dish made with pomegranate and walnut chicken. Fesenjan is a tangy-sweet chicken stew cooked with ground toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses, and this version tasted just like the ones my Persian friends make — rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting.

The dish had a perfect balance of sweet and sour, showcasing an authentic, homemade flavor that you could tell was cooked with a lot of love and care. It’s one of those meals that brings you back to special memories, and the attention to detail in both the preparation and the flavors was outstanding.

This place is a gem if you’re looking for a true taste of Persian home cooking. I highly recommend it!

Torsgatan 31, 113 21 Stockholm, Sweden

Fiskeriet Youngstorget

Fiskeriet Youngstorget is a popular seafood restaurant and fish shop in Oslo, renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood. Located in the vibrant Youngstorget area, it offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes or purchase fresh seafood to take home. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing its ingredients sustainably.

Snow crab

The snow crab was absolutely delicious. It was fresh, delicately sweet, and subtle in flavor. The sweet, tender crab meat paired perfectly with the rich, smooth butter and warm, aromatic garlic. The way it was broken up made it easy to extract the meat.

Fish & Chips

The fish was too thick, with a crust that wasn’t crispy and became soggy quickly. It also had a slight fishy aftertaste. While the fries were good, unfortunately, the fish was disappointing.

Fiskeriet Youngstorget

Website: https://www.fiskeriet.net/
Opening hours:

Monday – Friday 11.00 a.m. – 22.30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 12.00 p.m. – 22.30 p.m.

Address: Youngstorget 2b, 0181 Oslo, Norway

A Cozy Bite at Koie

Koie Ramen is a straightforward, no-frills ramen shop that offers friendly service and solid comfort food. The menu features eight different types of ramen and four sides. I decided to try the Shoyu ramen (soy sauce ramen).

I prefer my ramen noodles softer than al dente, and Koie Ramen is the only restaurant that has met this preference. The attentive waitress even asked how many extra minutes I wanted my noodles cooked, and they came out with the perfect texture.

The broth was light yet flavorful, balancing sweet and salty notes, while the chashu pork was tender and satisfying.

Koie Ramen is a great spot for a quick and simple meal.

Koie Ramen

Website: https://koieramen.no/
Opening hours:

Monday to Friday – 11:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday – 12:00 p.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Osterhaus’ gate 13, 0183 Oslo, Norway

Authentic Cantonese food in the heart of Copenhagen

Hidden Dim Sum is a family-owned Cantonese restaurant run by two siblings. It’s situated in the heart of Copenhagen, right next to the courthouse.

Lunch is served in the dining bar beneath the main restaurant on weekdays, which opens after 5 p.m. The dining bar exudes a distinct Hong Kong ambiance, complete with red lighting, neon signs, and wooden furniture that create an authentic feel.

The simple menu features signature Cantonese classics such as BBQ pork buns, wonton noodle soup, and Cantonese egg tarts.

I opted for the cucumber salad and the sweet and sour pork (Gu Lo Yok).

While refreshing, the cucumber salad could have used a bit more depth in flavor—I mostly tasted soy sauce.

Sweet and sour pork has always been one of my favorite Cantonese dishes from childhood, and I consider myself somewhat of a purist when it comes to its flavor. It had been years since I’d experienced that nostalgic taste, but those memories came flooding back with my first bite. The dish was served with a side of perfectly cooked long-grain rice.

Overall, I was very satisfied with my meal and would definitely recommend it.

Hidden Dim Sum (Main restaurant)

Website: https://www.dimsum.dk/
Telephone: +45 33128828
Opening hours:

Monday – Friday
17:00 p.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

12:00 p.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Nytorv 19, 1450 København, Denmark

Masala Politics

Masala Politics isn’t your typical Indian restaurant that centers on a single regional cuisine. Instead, it offers dishes from various parts of India, bringing diverse flavors to the menu.

As soon as you enter the restaurant, you’re welcomed by the fragrant aroma of Indian spices.

The open kitchen faces the entrance, and you can see the entire staff and cooks, all of whom are Indian.

One notable detail is that the waiter asks about any food allergies before taking your order.

They also offer gluten-free naan, which I’d never encountered at an Indian restaurant.

The owner makes rounds, personally checking in with each table to ensure everything is satisfactory.

While waiting for my food, I was served a light snack: papadum accompanied by mango, mint, and coconut chutneys.

I opted for a mango lassi, which was pleasant but slightly too thick and sweet, overshadowing the yogurt’s flavor.

I ordered two dishes:

Samosa Chaat: Punjabi-spiced potatoes, green peas, honey yogurt, tamarind, mint, and chickpeas.
Dosa: Crispy fermented rice pancake served with sambar, coconut, and tomato chutney.

The Dosa had a perfectly crispy outer layer with a soft interior, but it lacked the tanginess of a fermented batter. There was also an excessive amount of ghee. The sambar was pleasant but could have used more depth of flavor, and the chutney was a bit too salty for my liking.

The Samosa Chaat was flavorful, but it had too much sauce and was a bit too sweet for my palate.

Overall, the food was good, though a bit too sweet for my taste, as I’m more accustomed to savory flavors. Still, it’s a worthwhile spot if you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine.

Masala Politics

Website: https://www.masalapolitics.no/meny
Telephone: +47 96737320
Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday 15:00 p.m. – 23: 00 p.m.
Sunday 15:00 p.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Karl Johans gt. 13, 0154 Oslo, Norway

Cozy Japanese-Inspired Café

Hakone Coffee is a minimalist coffee shop with a Japanese-inspired design reminiscent of cozy cafés in Japan. Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, it’s the perfect spot for an early morning start, opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays.

The café offers a range of coffee drinks and traditional Japanese teas like Hojicha and Matcha. You’ll also find a selection of pastries for a light breakfast or salads and sandwiches for a simple lunch. The staff are welcoming and friendly, adding to the pleasant atmosphere.

I ordered a flat white and a pistachio croissant. The flat white was rich and bold, with a smooth, creamy top and a slight bitterness. The croissant was beautifully flaky, topped with a nutty pistachio coating, and filled with a sweet, creamy pistachio filling—a delightful pairing with the coffee.

Hakone Coffee

Website: https://www.hakone.no/
Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 18:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.

Address: Storgata 23c, 0184 Oslo, Norway

Chocolate break at Fjåk

Fjåk is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Norway, and their coffee shop is located in Bergen Old Town. You can sit in front of the store, indoors, or in the charming backyard. The shop serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, cookies, and popsicles.

You can also purchase their unique chocolate bars. In addition to selling regular dark chocolate, they offer a Nordic twist with unique local ingredients such as brown cheese and reindeer moss, bringing a taste of Norwegian tradition into their creations.

I visited a little after opening, and there were just a few customers, which added to the relaxed vibe. The service was absolutely phenomenal. The guy behind the counter was courteous and patient, explaining everything in detail and even making thoughtful recommendations.

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I got the Haiti 60% chocolate with whipped cream.

It had a unique aftertaste—smooth yet not overly sweet, with a lighter consistency than most hot chocolates.

It’s not your typical sugary hot chocolate but more of an artisanal experience.

Fjåk chocolate shop & café

Website: http://www.fjaak.no/
Telephone: +4740851893
Opening hours:

Monday	8 am–7 pm
Tuesday	8 am–7 pm
Wednesday	8 am–7 pm
Thursday	8 am–7 pm
Friday	8 am–7 pm
Saturday	10 am–7 pm
Sunday	10 am–7 pm

Address: Skostredet 5, 5017 Bergen, Norway

Fjellskål: Where Bergen’s Seafood Tradition Meets Modern Flavor

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Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant is located in a fish market next to the Bergen port. Founded in 1976 by brothers Øystein and Ragnar at Bergen’s Fisketorget, Fjellskål has grown from a small fish stall into a seafood destination. For over 40 years, they shared their passion for seafood, making Fjellskål a part of Bergen’s cultural history. In 2012, the family formed Fjellskål Fisketorget AS, expanding their legacy.

At Fjellskål, you can choose to buy fresh seafood to take home or enjoy a meal on-site. The market offers an enticing selection of the region’s finest seafood, including king crab, salmon, cod, shellfish, langoustines, and more. The restaurant features three outdoor seating areas overlooking the wharf, though it can get busy and noisy when cruise ships dock.

The menu includes both à la carte options and set menus, offering a variety of seafood and meat dishes.

Bergen is famous for its fish soup, so I had to try it. The soup featured a mix of white and red fish combined with carrot and leek and finished with parsley and chervil oil. It was creamy and, to my surprise, not overly fishy. The flavor was mild and comforting.

Since I’m not a fan of cod, I opted for the fish and chips of the day, which was Wolffish. The fish had a golden-brown crust with a satisfying crunch, while the inside revealed the juiciest, freshest fish I’ve had. Its texture was firm, with a neutral flavor. This was some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever enjoyed. The fries were perfect, too—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I ended my meal with a rich and creamy creme brulee with a sweet custardy flavor—the perfect end to an amazing meal.

Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant

Website: https://www.fjellskaal.no/
Telephone: +4798905898
Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Address: Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen, Norway

Fuel Up at Shake Cafe

Shake Cafe is a trendy spot with a bright space and a relaxing courtyard. With five locations in Florence, I visited their flagship store on Via Cavour, just a stone’s throw away from the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s David. It’s the perfect place to stop by after visiting the museum.

The extensive menu offers freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, tea and coffee, freshly baked pastries, a brunch menu, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, bagels, and more. There are also vegan and gluten-free options.

We enjoyed a custard donut, a bottle of kombucha, a cappuccino, and two refreshing juices: I AM STRONG (carrot, orange, lemon, ginger) and DETOX (celery, fennel, spinach, kale, parsley, apple, lemon, ginger).

Each item was delicious, especially the vibrant and refreshing juices. Shake Cafe is a perfect spot for a nutritious meal or a quick snack in a welcoming atmosphere.

Shake Cafe (Via Cavour)

Website: http://www.shakecafe.bio/?lang=it
Telephone: +390550515418
Opening hours:
Mondays to Saturdays 7:00 a.m. – 19:30 p.m.
Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 19:30 p.m.

Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 67/69R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy