Bark Mat: A Blend of Local Flavors and Modern Elegance in Bergen

Bark Mat is a bright and modern restaurant and wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere. It is conveniently located near the National Stage Theatre in Bergen.

Since the restaurant didn’t have an English menu, the waiter patiently walked me through each item. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the seasonal availability of ingredients sourced from local fishermen, divers, hunters, and farmers.

I opted for a starter, main course, and dessert.

For the starter, I had potato pavé with cured meat. The pavé was slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside, offering a blend of fruity, tangy, and savory flavors. The cured meat was particularly impressive—rich in umami with a smooth, satisfying texture.

The main course was a beef sirloin served with mushroom sauce, spinach purée, and charred greens. The sirloin was perfectly tender, and the charred greens added a smoky, earthy depth with a hint of sweetness. Each component of the dish was delicious on its own, but together, the flavors harmonized beautifully.

For dessert, I enjoyed fresh strawberries topped with cream and a warm caramel sauce. The dish had a nice balance of flavors— the strawberries were slightly sour, the caramel added a touch of saltiness, and the cream had a mild, slightly sweet taste that brought it all together.

Baneveien 16, 5010 Bergen, Norway

Sweets By Camilla, Stockholm

Sweets By Camilla is a charming and chic café run by Swedish pastry chef Camilla Hamid. I discovered it by chance after dining at a nearby Persian restaurant, hoping to satisfy my sweet tooth. The place was bustling, which made me optimistic about its offerings.

Stockholm has two locations: one on the first floor of Sturegallerian and the other on Torsgatan. I visited the Torsgatan location.

The café features a variety of treats, including palm-sized cookies, mud cakes, buns, carrot cake, and a unique “crookie” (a croissant-cookie hybrid), along with a selection of coffee and cold beverages.

I opted for a slice of carrot cake and a Matcha latte. The cake was soft and crumbly without being dry, topped with a cream cheese frosting that had a nice texture. However, I found the frosting a bit too sweet, especially since the cake itself was already quite sugary.

If you’re a fan of sweets, this cozy spot is definitely worth a visit.

Torsgatan 31, 113 21 Stockholm, Sweden

South Indian food in Stockholm

Saravanaa Bhavan

Saravanaa Bhavan is a globally renowned South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. Founded in Chennai, India, it has expanded internationally and offers a wide variety of traditional South Indian fare, such as dosas, idlis, sambar, and chutneys.

Saravanaa Bhavan is located on St Eriksplan. It’s a small restaurant with a few tables. While the small space provides a cozy setting, the decor feels somewhat outdated and could benefit from a modern refresh to create a cleaner, more vibrant ambiance.

I ordered a rasam soup, vada, and plain dosa.

The rasam soup was spicy, tangy, and packed with a variety of bold spices, offering a warming and flavorful start to the meal.

The vada had a thin, crispy layer with a soft, pillowy interior, mildly spiced but perfectly balanced and delicious.

The dosa was served with sambar and two variations of coconut chutney, one more traditional and the other slightly sweeter. While the dosa was well-prepared and crispy, it lacked the distinct sourness typically associated with fermentation. However, the accompanying sambar and chutneys complemented the dish well and were flavorful.

Sankt Eriksgatan 66, 113 20 Stockholm, Sweden

MahaBelly Taste Of Kerala

MahaBelly is a South Indian restaurant specializing in Kerala’s rich and diverse cuisine. The lighting inside was somewhat dim, but as soon as I entered, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of Indian spices, immediately setting the tone for a flavorful experience.

The service was warm and welcoming, with the waiter offering a friendly smile and attentive hospitality.

The extensive menu features a wide selection of seafood and meat dishes, biryanis, various dosas, breads, and the traditional Kerala Thali. After hearing about Thali but having never tried it before, I decided to go for the non-vegetarian option. The Thali included an assortment of chicken, fish, and vegetable curries, soup, pickles, and a sweet dessert, all served with red rice and pappad.

Each dish on the Thali was bursting with flavor, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes that complemented one another perfectly.

I also couldn’t resist ordering a masala vada—crispy, deep-fried lentil fritters made with chana dal, onions, curry leaves, and spices. The vada had a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a dense, crumbly inside, delivering a burst of flavors with a subtle hint of spice.

The restaurant is clearly a favorite among the Indian community. By the end of my meal, every table was filled with Indian diners, further testament to the authenticity of the food.

I’m truly glad I had the chance to enjoy such authentic South Indian cuisine right here in Stockholm.

Mahabelly-Taste of Kerala, Hantverkargatan 65, 112 31 Stockholm, Sweden

Popl: Noma’s Famous Burger Experience in Copenhagen

Noma, one of the world’s top restaurants, began offering takeout burgers during the pandemic closure. As the burgers gained popularity, the Noma chefs decided to open a permanent burger shop, and thus, Popl was born.

Popl is situated in the trendy Christianshavn neighborhood, with a dedicated takeout spot right next to the restaurant.

During my visit, I discovered from a waiter that some side dishes served at Popl mirror those at Noma, with the same dedication to quality. However, the service left much to be desired, as I had to track down a waiter to place my order and request the bill. Despite the delays, when I did manage to speak to my waiter, he was friendly, eloquent, and patient, making the experience more pleasant.

I ordered the Danish tomatoes as a side dish, fries with a side of black truffle mayo, and a regular cheeseburger for my meal. The Danish tomatoes were served with dashi reduction, berries, pumpkin bushi, and seasonal herbs. While the dish was refreshing, it leaned a bit too salty for my taste. Coated with Popl’s signature spice mix, the fries were a highlight. Even without the black truffle mayo, they were flavorful and satisfying, thanks to the spice blend that enhanced their taste.

I originally wanted to try the dry-aged burger, but since it couldn’t be cooked well done, I opted for the regular cheeseburger instead. The bun was incredibly soft, the ingredients were high-quality, and the patty was cooked perfectly—well done and still juicy. Unfortunately, the patty was overly salty, which was disappointing.

At 150 Danish kroner (about 22 USD) for just the burger, it was the most expensive one I’ve ever had. The regular cheeseburger was quite simple, consisting of just beef, red onions, and cheddar. I would have expected more ingredients or at least a few sides for the price to make it feel more worthwhile.

Popl Burger

Strandgade 108, 1401 København, Denmark

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, Oslo

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, Oslo

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 pork was crisp and deep-fried, with a satisfying texture that paired beautifully with the sauce. The balance between sweetness and sourness was just right, making the dish incredibly appetizing without being overly heavy. 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, Oslo

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