Keep calm and brunch on
There are only two reasons to get out of bed on the weekend: Scheduled laundry & Brunch.
Oh the glorious brunch, the young hipster’s favourite meal of the day. It is simultaneously the perfect cure for that ‘one rum coke too many’ hangover and a much needed push to start the dissertation writing day. Luckily for us, Stockholm has quite a decent number of lovely brunch spots. Here are some suggestions:
The popular one: Greasy Spoon
Tjärhovsgatan 19, 116 28 Stockholm
Warning: This British hipster brunch spot at the heart of Södermalm is insanely popular and also happens to not take reservations. About 50% of the times I go, the wait is about one hour. To avoid this scenario, it is best to either show up before 10 am, during the week, or befriend someone living nearby who can pop down and put their name on the waiting list. I have yet to achieve the latter. Luckily, with a second restaurant recently opened at Hagagatan 4, the chances of getting a table within the hour might increase.
Although this may be an inconvenience, the menu is definitely worth the early wake-up. There are very few places in Stockholm that can offer fluffy American-style pancakes, or a typical full English breakfast (bacon, sausages and eggs). If you also enjoy being immersed in absolute hipsterland, you will be happy to know that the waiters wear overalls, the wallpaper depicts vintage scenes of social inequality in London and the jukebox stands prominently in the corner of the room.
My recommendation: The decadent banana maple French toast with freshly pressed orange carrot juice; guaranteed to keep my blood sugar and spirits high throughout the rest of the day.
The fancy one: The Mosebacke Jazz brunch, Södra Teatern
Mosebacke Torg 1, 116 46 Stockholm
A brunch with live jazz music? Is this heaven? Oh yes. But 275 SEK per person? Is this hell? Maybe a little. Joking aside, the amount and diversity of the food offered is enough to fill you up for the next six meals. So you can see the high price as a good long-term investment. The never-ending brunch buffet includes the classic pancakes, waffles, breads, cheeses, meats, and eggs in all their forms. Even the coffee and tea selections are fancy. It is decadence at its very best, all of it enjoyed to the sounds of breezy live jazz tunes played by local bands.
Unlike most brunch places, this one requires a reservation. You can book a table either in the Cornelis room or the Matsalen. We opted for the luminous Cornelis room, which is all windows and impossible views, but unfortunately, the jazz tunes emanating from the Matsalen barely reached our eager ears. I would definitely try the latter next time.
My personal preference: Everything! Try everything! Eat everything!
The healthy one: Café Pom & Flora
Bondegatan 64, 116 29 Stockholm
This cozy brunch spot lost in a corner of Södermalm may be my ultimate favourite. Although tiny inside, its ‘off the beaten trail’ location and the staff’s ability to fit a space-defying amount of tables and chairs means there’s always a spot free for you. They usually have a decent breakfast menu deal, at around 110 kr. During summer, this included poached egg and avocado on full cereal bread, yoghurt topped with different berries and nuts as well as bottomless cups of coffee and tea. The menu, scribbled in permanent marker on a long roll of paper, will vary from season to season, but always includes a delicious variety of healthiness and hipsterness: from grilled cheese and ham croissants to more health conscious chia puddings. Due to its popularity, the café will open a second place in Odengatan 39 this coming November.
My personal preference: avocado and cream cheese on Levain bread. This combined with a ‘superbowl’ of yoghurt topped with honey will help me survive any hangover or impending deadline. •
Written by: Olivia Miossec
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