But first, who is Johan Östling? In Sweden, Johan is a beloved actor, musician, and TV personality with deep roots in Värmland. He also happens to be a passionate baker who won the celebrity edition of The Great Swedish Bake Off. With his genuine love for pastries and coffee, he is the perfect guide to the region’s café culture.
Having a fika is in every way underrated. There is probably not a single person, living or dead, who has ever regretted taking a break accompanied by coffee and a bun. You should treat yourself to a restart and reboot your system as often as you can. Preferably with the help of cardamom, cinnamon, and sugar. Moreover, fika makes you genuinely happy. Especially when you linger over it. You clear the air, talk things out, think things through, and bring focus to scattered thoughts.
Ever since sugar became available to all households, and not just a luxury item for royalty, we have built an unstoppable fika tradition. The buns are growing, and the coffee cups are getting bigger. And even though I personally love classics like the Napoleon pastries and Budapest roll, the fika break is still a perfect opportunity to let yourself be surprised. How about a poppy seed roll with mango, or butter-fried sponge cake with ice cream and fresh berries?
Here are five of my favorite cafés and pastries in Värmland (in no particular order)!
1. Bun from Swenströmskas Stenugnsbageri, Karlstad
A classic cardamom bun can be magical, and theirs truly is. If they know their craft, the bun is the first thing that should be tasted. If it is good, you can count on the rest of the selection being good as well.
2. Skrädmjölsdröm (Roasted oat flour dream cookie) from Sunne
The skrädmjölsdröm is a Värmland classic with a lovely, slightly nutty roasted flavor. You can find it at both Sundsbergs gård and Selma Lagerlöf’s Mårbacka, both located in Sunne.
3. Värmlandstårta from Naturum, Mariebergsskogen in Karlstad
It has been considered the most delicious cake in the world! No further description needed.
4. Pralines from Naturpralinen in Sysslebäck, Torsby
All of these thrilling flavor pairings that send your taste buds on a double rollercoaster ride.
5. Mollusk from Wienerkonditoriet, Torsby
Chocolate and coffee in an unbeatable combination. A great choice when you want to take your time and fika for a while.
The art of fika is completely underrated. There is probably not a single person, living or dead, who has ever regretted taking a pause with coffee and a sweet bun for company