Though leisure travel is on the back burner for the time being, it just urges us to make the most of what Singapore has to offer. For those of you who want to take a Scandinavian vacation, we’ve prepared a list of activities you can do in Singapore.
From expected stops at Scandinavian furniture stores, to indulgent breaks like a trip to a Salt Room, and a dessert-tasting at Denmark’s cult patisserie. This entire list is the definition of hygge, a little of what we need more of this year especially. Hygge is a Danish word that acknowledges a moment, whether you’re alone or with company, that feels cosy and special. And there’s nothing more hygge than making your own Scandinavian vacation in Singapore.
If you haven’t been to Mother Dough yet, you’re missing out on one of the best bakeries in Singapore. This halal bakery has a variety of fresh-baked goods daily. Start with Danish pastries if you want to stick to the Scandinavian theme, but any item of your choosing is going to be pleasing. We love the cosy interior that’s accented with greenery. There’s also a glass door at the back so you can see the magic happen in real-time.
Mother Dough Bakery is located at 749 North Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 198717, tel: 6909 6604
Scandinavian furniture has had a hold in Singapore for years, and we suggest you go furniture-store-hopping to see what the (rightly attributed) hype is all about. Start with ACTUS häuse by atomi and take a look at European-style furniture with Japanese philosophy. Every item is specially handpicked by the owners Andrew Tan and Mitsuko Murano. Imagine Muji designs with the Scandinavian aesthetics you covet so much on Instagram.
ACTUS häuse by atomi is located in the heart of Orchard Road: level 4, unit 26, 27 and 28 of Mandarin Gallery
Next on the list: Grafunkt. This lifestyle brand is for those who appreciate good design. Especially one where beautiful furniture and functionality meets. They’ve also ventured into F&B with Cafe Grafunkt, so if you’re feeling peckish you might as well ease into their beautiful corner for a snack or meal.
Grafunkt is located at 107 North Bridge Road #04-01 to 06 Funan Mall, 179105
You might have already seen Noden all over your Instagram feed. This independent store handpicks a range of authentic and beautifully crafted vintage Scandinavian furniture. Pieces here were crafted in the 1940s to 1960s. Consider it a more sustainable means of supporting design classics.
Noden is located at 211 Henderson Rd, #02-02, Singapore 159552
The last stop on your furniture-hopping-afternoon is Foundry. For Scandinavian cult brands like Secto Design, Hay, Kai Kristiansen, we recommend stopping by even if just for a week. The studio holds timeless furniture, lighting and accessories.
Foundry is located at #07-10 Tan Boon Liat Building
Singapore isn’t really known for our Swedish massage or Scandinavian spas, but the next best alternative (and a pretty good one at that) is Pablo Blau‘s signature Salt Room. This is Singapore’s first luxury spa that offers exclusive skin treatments in a salt room environment replicated after the beautiful salt mines and caves of Europe.
Salt room therapy holds multiple benefits. From helping with blood circulation, reducing inflammation, aiding in respiratory health, and even anti-ageing benefits. Just 45 minutes in their salt room alone will help expedite the benefits of their skin treatments.
For home-cooked and traditional Swedish food, drop by Fika. Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, their menu is peppered with nourishing and delicious Scandinavian dishes in all their simplicity. From mushroom crêpe ($17), Swedish meatballs ($19), Swedish lamb stew ($24) to other seafood classics like Herb-Crusted Salmon ($26) and a Smörgåsbord ($69). Their long menu will definitely have something for you.
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro is located at 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539, tel: 6396 9096
Newly opened in Singapore, Leckerbaer is a cult Danish patisserie. If you’ve been to Copenhagen, you’ve likely heard of the fame. Founded by Scandinavian pastry chefs, this cafe takes traditional Danish pastries and modernises them. From Smäkager ($2.80), Danish butter cookies, that are reinvented in meringue and jam, to Lemon & Sea Buckthorn tart ($7). We suggest you order a little bit of everything to try.
Leckerbaer is located at 350 Orchard Road, #01-K2 & #01-K3, Shaw House, Singapore 238868, tel: 6235 2069
Louise Werling Jasper, the founder of Jasper Living, is a Danish expatriate and clothes designer. With her influences drawing from Scandinavian designs and philosophy of comfort, it’s easy to see why many customers are in love with the silhouettes. Her pieces are all made in 100 per cent cotton, breathable and buttery soft Arabian Keffiyeh fabric.
Jasper Living is located at 163 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247933
For your little ones or the little ones in your life, Copenhagen Delights has classics that value Danish traditions and creative approaches. As a family business based on Hanoi, their brand uses exceptional designs and beautiful prints in their clothing. For those with kids, for those who love sustainable brands, this is one to add to the list.
Of course, Ikea was going to be on this list. Ikea’s Swedish Food Market is exactly as it sounds. Stocked with delicious Swedish savoury and sweets, we recommend stopping by to fill up your pantry. From frozen cinnamon buns, cured salmon, almond cake with Daim, frozen meatballs, rye crispbread, to cheese and jams. You’ll easily find everything you need for a Swedish feast at home.
Ikea is located at 317 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159965 and 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale and fancy than your usual Ikea necessities, try FISK Seafood Market. Opened by a Norwegian seafood distributor, their seafood is all freshly caught and air-flown straight to Singapore within 48 hours. From fresh salmon and smoked fish straight from Norway, Langoustine and trout roe from Denmark, you can easily get what you need for a luxurious Scandinavian dinner in the comforts of your own home.