Chefs Know Best—Malmö
When it comes to experiencing a city through its food, local chefs know best. That’s why we regularly tap the address books of some of the world’s most renowned chefs to guide you through the culinary scene of their city.
TITTI QVARNSTRÖM’S MALMÖ
Born in Malmö, Titti Qvarnström trained in renowned Danish and German kitchens before returning to her hometown where in 2015, she became the first female chef in Sweden to receive a Michelin star for her work at Bloom in the Park. With the farm-to-fork experience “Pure Food Camp,” she brought the Skåne region to life on the plate for international visitors. She is currently working with the Kullabergs Vingård winery to develop culinary experiences that combine southern Swedish produce with the growing local wine industry.
- LUNCHRestaurang Mat
- INTERNATIONALRestaurang Quê
- TRADITIONALBrösarps Gästis
- CAFÉLilla Kafferosteriet
- DRINKSPaddy’s Vin & Ginbar
MAISON Ë Which Malmö restaurants or food stalls are high on your list?
TITTI QVARNSTRÖM When in Malmö, I would never miss a lunch at Restaurant Mat near Nobeltorget. Here chefs Rasmus Johansson and Kalle Berggren create wonderfully fresh and creative dishes. Falafel are available everywhere and at all times in the city, they are the perfect quick meal. Be sure to add vitost (cow’s milk cheese) but be careful with the stark sås (hot sauce) unless you are into very spicy foods. Chef Quan Pham at restaurant Que near Central Station mixes his Vietnamese food heritage beautifully with local produce and classic Scandinavian techniques.
M.Ë Do you have a favorite Fika café in Malmö?
T.Q. My absolute favorite coffee place in Malmö is Lilla Kafferosteriet on Baltzargatan, just because they simply have the best coffee, roasted in their own roastery in the city.
M.Ë What tip do you have for visitors who want to explore Skåne’s culinary heritage?
T.Q. Brösarps gästis has by far the best äggakaga, a sort of very thick pancake served with crunchy smoked and fried pork, and of course lingonsylt. Come hungry and do not plan any other meals for the same day. True to the Gästis tradition, they offer rooms if you want to stay overnight.
M.Ë What’s your favorite Swedish comfort food?
T.Q. My favorite comfort food is Pyttipanna (Swedish hash) served with pickled beetroot and fried eggs. It’s rarely served in restaurants so my advice would be to make some Swedish friends invite you for dinner. It’s customary to bring a bottle of wine and this is greatly appreciated as alcohol is somewhat hard to come by, thanks to the state monopoly. This would also give you reason to experience Systembolaget—just don´t go on a Friday (adds with a smile).
M.Ë Where do you go to enjoy a glass of wine with friends?
T.Q. Paddy’s Vin & Ginbar in the alley behind Stortorget has the right atmosphere and very knowledgeable staff. Why not take the opportunity to try a wine from Gothenburg-based Wine Mechanics?
M.Ë Is there anything else you shouldn’t miss in Malmö?
T.Q. Every season has its own pastry. Be sure to try a lussekatt in November and December, a semla from January to March, påskbakelse in April, rabarberpaj in May, jordgubbstårta in the summer, and äppelkaka and kanelbulle during fall.