Right around the center square off Helsingborg, Sweden, are a bunch of fantastic quality gourmetshops within steps of each other. Each little shop has a different specialty, too. There’s a fishmonger that carries the most prized local lobster and a butcher shop that sells game bagged by local hunters, including baby ducks, elk and pigeon.
One place that’s a gourmet store attached to a restaurant, presided over by a master chef (maybe a little like the Swedish version of Eataly?) is Lagmark. The famous master chef in charge of everything is Torbjörn Lagmark, who’s also an author. Lagmark’s cookbook, Food for a Balanced Life, has also been printed in an English version. It uses English spoon measurements, but liters for liquid amounts. There are actually lots of practical and health-conscious suggestions in it. His special dinners sell out within minutes. Lagmark sells everything from local produce and eggs to imported fois gras.
Chocolatte used to be just a popular chocolate boutique, but now they’re making their own luscious, creamy chocolates on site. They use a French chocolate base (Michel Cluizel) and doll it up with favorite Swedish flavors. They also sell the regionally made – but coveted all over – licorice, Lakritsfabriken. It comes in sweet, salty and super salty. There’s not a great deal of salt difference between salty and super salty . . . they’re both maybe a bit of an acquired taste. I’ve heard that back in the day, salty licorice was very popular in the US. Has its day come back for those looking for a taste sensation? Only time can tell.
Is it my imagination that bread bakers tend to attract a hippie/crunchy/granola type employee? No matter, the products of Brodkultur lure in customers from all walks of life, including the upper crust – if that’s not too much of an annoying pun. Even if you know you won’t be returning home for a few days (thus, not being able to bring home freshly baked bread), they have addictive parmesan crackers and other treats that hold up well while traveling.
The Zoegas family started roasting coffee in Helsingborg in 1886. The shop, in its current location since 1901, includes a café that’s a hidden secret with locals. There’s a vintage phone booth from back in the day. The coffee itself is always freshly ground and has a perfect balance. The flavors have a natural taste, too. I bought a couple of bags of beans. I grind them myself and use them in a French press. All I can say is, Zoegas coffee has made my coffee very popular at my house!
If you like reading about my foodie adventures, please click the button above to subscribe for FREE! Stories will end up conveniently in your inbox.
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 