Super Special One with TID @ Stockholm

Straight from FIKA Head Quarters

Call it the city of hope and ambition or a city of Nordic beauty and charm, for me it’s the official HQ of FIKA.

It’s a gorgeous city that serves up a balanced mix of open-mindedness and forward-thinking optimism. And for these qualities it always attracts newcomers. That’s how my coffee friend Tanu aka TID arrived in Stockholm earlier this year.

I was so looking forward to this collaboration with her, I requested Tanu to check in to the best specialty coffeeshops in this city and she did awesome work! The rest of the script & pics which follow are entirely hers.. from here onwards - over to Tanu! Way to go girl

#1 Cafe Pascal

Cafe Pascal has quickly become a favorite among locals for its stylish and ambitious approach to coffee and food.

Located in three charming spots across Stockholm - Norrtullsgatan, Sturegatan, and Skånegaten, Cafe Pascal is a must-visit for coffee lovers.

I am in love with their exhaustive coffee menu. I opted for a V60 Gesha (Bergamot Caramel and Pear) from Costa Rica which I was informed by the staff to be a limited edition. I can’t wait to go back and try other options.

The friendly staff and barista at Cafe Pascal deserve commendation for their exceptional service and dedication in patiently explaining the diverse coffee varieties, creating a welcoming and informative experience for customers. Oh did I mention they have won the prestigious Gulddraken award for best café in 2019! ☕

Also, I absolutely love their logo.

Visit them to experience the perfect blend of cozy ambiance, delicious pastries, and top-notch coffee that sets them apart. Indulge in a true Swedish Fika experience at Cafe Pascal!

#2 Johan och Nyström

Johan och Nyström’s commitment to Direct Trade coffee sourcing and small-batch roasting really shines through in the quality and flavor of their brews. Direct Trade means they work in close collaboration with farmers and empower the community while providing us with good quality coffee.

Their coffee is carefully hand picked by coffee farmers, and they roast their coffee in small batches with different temperatures and times for each coffee to develop their individual flavors, thus staying true to their motto, ‘Roasting better coffee for everyone’.

They also have brewing equipment and coffee accessories such as Aeropress, Chemex, Pour overs, etc and retail specialty coffee beans. You’ll be spoilt for choice but trust the staff to guide you.

So if you’re into home brewing then you’re sorted.

If you’re a tea lover, then you’re not missing out as well because they offer a great variety of tea options.

I opted for their ‘Bold Statement’ coffee’ - a natural coffee with notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and cherry. The origin changes according to harvest season but the bold and balanced flavours always remain. Absolutely delicious!

If you’re a coffee lover, this place is an absolute must-visit. The staff were so knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through their impressive selection of specialty beans, brewing equipment, and more. I’m already planning my next trip back!

You can visit their website if you have any questions or queries related to their coffee, roastery or just about anything :)

#3 Volca Coffee Roaster

Volca Coffee is one of the most recommended cafes in Stockholm that serves high-quality coffee and provides an immersive cultural experience.

This was the second cafe I visited after moving to Stockholm. Every nook of Volca Coffee oozes cozy and I was impressed by the vibrant atmosphere created by the art, plants, and friendly staff.

When ordering a pour over of Baru Black Mountain coffee from the Chiriqui Province in Northern Panama, the barista gave me a detailed explanation of the unique production process. This variant coffee is grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil under shade, the cherries are harvested selectively by hand and dried by dehydration using a system of African beds placed inside an oven. Now I am no coffee expert (yet) but I love when as consumers we are walked through the whole bean to cup journey. In fact, what impressed me about the entire experience at Volca Coffee is that they explain not just the varietal or species of the coffee but also about the region and the producer.

Almost 90% of the team that develop the project are immigrants from South America and Central America, some in North America before moving to Europe. The reason why Volca Coffee Roaster was founded is because this gave the team an opportunity to give their customers a unique experience to enjoy their coffee grains and help people in origin. In this process the team did not just limit their clients to coffee but also brought their culture, music, art and other artistic and cultural expressions.

The cafe also hosts coffee workshops and tastings for customers to learn more about specialty coffee.

Overall, Volca Coffee aims to make exceptional coffee accessible while providing a memorable sensory experience that celebrates the diversity of its coffee growers and roasters.

#4 Drop Coffee Roasters

Drop Coffee Roasters - this one is special because this is the first cafe I visited after relocating to Stockholm.

Drop Coffee is a renowned coffee roastery based in Stockholm, Sweden that has gained recognition for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

The café, located in the trendy Mariatorget neighbourhood, offers a warm and inviting Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere, with rustic tones complemented by the addition of vibrant tulips and stylish coffee stools.

The coffee served at Drop Coffee is organic, fair-trade, and sourced from trusted producers that the team has personally visited to ensure the highest quality. The cafe is known for its exceptional pour-over options as well as its delectable lattes, which pair perfectly with traditional Swedish pastries like kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and tea cakes.

The team at Drop Coffee maintains full transparency in their coffee trade and business practices, which is essential for the long-term viability of the industry. Both Joanna and Stephen visit all of the producers they work with to ensure the highest quality checks, and they roast coffee in small batches to avoid waste, thereby establishing meticulous standards for the brand in terms of sustainability, flavour, and craftsmanship.

Drop Coffee is run by the dynamic duo of Joanna Alm and Stephen Leighton, who are deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from procurement to roasting. In 2013, the roastery became the official supplier of Kalita brewing equipment in Sweden, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.

Drop Coffee has been recognised with several awards and PR features, and Joanna is a three-time Swedish Coffee Roasting Champion, repeatedly ranking among the top three roasters in the world. She has also authored the book "Manifest För Bättre Kaffe" (Manifest for Better Coffee). Despite these accolades, the team at Drop Coffee remains committed to continuous improvement and takes feedback, thoughts, and suggestions from their customers with the utmost seriousness.

#5 Slow Hands Cafe

Slow Hands Cafe - Slow Hands Cafe is one of my most favorite places in Stockholm.

If grunge and art had an address, this would be the place. Slow Hands represents everything they stand for - there's no pretence, no textbook formula. You can come with friends or by yourself, and you're guaranteed a good time. And they're pet friendly too! I love their simple menu and selection of coffees, but I must admit that I had their IPA (India Pale Ale) and their sandwich, and both were delicious.

The owner, Franc, was super kind and warm, and we chatted about our mutual love for coffee - I even shared with him about Indian specialty coffee, and he gave me some great recommendations for other cafes and bakeries, which just shows how tight-knit the coffee community is here.

The day I visited, they were playing the Grammy-awarded Zakir Hussain, who is widely considered one of the greatest Indian tabla players of all time. And the place has an impressive collection of vinyl records. What I love most about Slow Hands Cafe is their collaborative mindset and the support they extend to other artists and businesses - they frequently organise events like stand-up comedy, book readings, and live music sessions, and offer snacks or food from other popular Swedish cafes. It's a super inclusive, relaxing, and chilled environment.

Do yourself a favor and visit this cafe as soon as you can!

#6 Lykke (pronounced Loo-kah & not anglicized Likkey!!)

Lykke - a place where music, people, food, drinks and coffee come together and create a fun and wholesome experience.

As I stepped through the doors of Lykke, I was immediately struck by how different the atmosphere was from the typical Scandinavian cafes I'm used to. The architecture, color palette, and overall vibe had a distinctly eclectic and vibrant feel that piqued my curiosity. This, I soon discovered, was no ordinary coffee shop.

Lykke bills itself as a "cookie mix of the best things in life” - music, people, food, drinks and coffee, and after sampling their offerings, I couldn't agree more. From the well-crafted food and delectable baked goods to the amazing cocktails and wide selection of beer, this place has it all. But the real star of the show is their coffee.

Sourced directly from organic, sustainably-grown beans and cutting out the middlemen, Lykke ensures their coffee is not only ethically produced, but also of the highest quality.

For my first visit, I opted for a classic cortado and a tasty sandwich. But I'll definitely be returning to explore their coffee-based cocktail menu. Despite the casual, laid-back atmosphere, it's clear the team at Lykke is serious about their craft and dedicated to providing an exceptional experience. This is no ordinary coffee shop - it's a true celebration of the best things in life.

#7 Komet

Komet - It was an extremely cold and windy day, with a light drizzle in the air. I was tired, and my soul desperately needed a pick-me-up in the form of a good cup of coffee. Komet Café was a place I had in mind to visit, and I thought the weather seemed apt for a cozy coffee break.

As soon as I stepped inside, the aroma of freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and the very traditional kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns) was so inviting. It was at that very moment that I realized I had made the right choice.

The staff was super kind, taking the time to walk me through the different coffee options and explaining what would pair well with each. We ordered a hot chocolate, a mocha, and I opted for a guest brew. I'm told their lattes are a must-try, so that's definitely on the list for my next visit.

We paired our beverages with a pain au chocolat and a kanelbullar, and the combination was simply divine. The cosy ambiance of Komet Café made it the perfect place for a Fika (the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break) or a work-from-café option.

If you do decide to work out of Komet, just be mindful and respectful of their laptop rules. As for me, I can say with certainty that I will be returning to Komet again. The delicious coffee, the mouth watering pastries, and the welcoming atmosphere make it a true gem in the city.

#8 Fabrique

Fabrique - As I step into Fabrique, the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries envelops me, transporting me to the heart of Sweden. This global bakery, with locations in Sweden, London, and New York, is a true labor of love. Founders Charlotta and David met and fell in love while working part-time at a bakery, and their passion for artisanal sourdough bread has blossomed into a thriving business.

Fabrique offers a carefully curated selection of rye and sourdough breads, as well as an array of buns and pastries that cater to the needs of their discerning customers. While the classics have found a permanent spot on the menu, the bakery also features seasonal specials, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation.

I particularly enjoy pairing a traditional cake with their rich, velvety latte – a perfect combination that never fails to delight my senses. And although I'll have to wait for the semlas to return in season, I know that when they do, they'll be worth the wait, as Fabrique's core values of quality, patience, genuineness, and authenticity are evident in every bite.

#9 Vetekatten

Vetekatten - As someone who usually avoids chain cafes, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Vetekatten in Stockholm. This legacy brand, founded in 1928 by Ester Nordhammar, has rightfully earned its reputation as Stockholm's most classic patisserie and café.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The skilled staff greeted me with genuine hospitality, and I was immediately drawn to the wide array of tempting food and beverage options. From traditional Swedish buns and pastries to hearty salads, soups, and sandwiches, the menu offered something for every craving.

Eager to immerse myself in the local culture, I opted for the classic Swedish shrimp sandwich and a creamy hazelnut latte. Both were absolute delights, showcasing the café's commitment to quality and attention to detail, even after decades of operation.

Despite Vetekatten's legacy status, it has managed to maintain its high standards, delivering a truly memorable customer experience. As I savored each bite and sip, I couldn't help but feel grateful for stumbling upon this hidden gem, which has completely changed my perception of café chains.

#10 Svedjan Bageri

Svedjan Bageri - Franc from Slow Hands Cafe was spot on with his recommendation of Svedjan Bageri. I'm continually amazed by the wonderful sense of community among cafes and bakeries, with everyone eager to share their favorite spots.

As soon as I stepped through the door of Svedjan Bageri, I was enveloped in the most heavenly aroma imaginable - a blend of freshly baked breads, rich brewed coffee, and decadent pastries. I took a few blissful seconds just basking in the scents before being warmly greeted by the friendly staff. We ordered a perfectly brewed flat white, some coffee, and the delectable Kanelbuller. All buns and breads here are made with organic flour. The owners' eponymous family farm supplies all the dairy products. The cozy ambiance is perfect for experiencing the Swedish fika culture. I can't wait for Semla season to try their renowned version of these cream-filled buns.

Enjoy your FIKA moments while I brew another fab story! Tak Tak