Fikadrottning

Hej alla kära lyssnare!! We are closing series 5 with a dessert worthy of a royalty. Prinsesstårta!!! Prinsesstårta is a traditional Swedish cake served during a birthday celebration. Did you know that it was called "Green cake" once upon a time?And because it is summer in Sweden now, in our "Words of the Day" segment we will look at how to appreciate the beautiful sunny weather. Åh, vilket fint väder det är idag!What a nice weather it is today!Do check out our previous episodes from our previous series....! A big thank you to everyone who has been supporting this podcast since the very beginning. WE will see you again in Series 6...so don't go anywhere!! Puss och kram från mig, Tini....! VI SES!!Artwork: Photo taken from my own personal photo album during my trip to Rättvik.Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by Fricks Konditori for this cover artwork nor am I sponsored by the product mentioned in this episodes or in all my podcast episodes.

Berries! Berries! Berries!! Such super fruits they are. High in vitamins and antioxidants. Lingonberry is the most common berry that you will find in a Swedish dish. Almost everything and anything goes with lingonberry jam. But of course, there are other berries in Sweden.In "Words of the Day" segment, we look at how a waiter takes your order and how you, as a customer, responds. Waiter: Är du redo att beställa?Customer: Jag skulle vilja ha...... tack.Remember to tag us on instagram, @fikadrottning_podcast on your Fika stories. Do join our emailing list and get the latest blog updates on www.fikadrottning.com .

It's Saturday and all the children in Sweden are extremely happy because it's LÖRDAGSGODIS!! This is yet another phenomenon in Sweden. 'Lördag' is Saturday and 'godis' means sweet or candy. So, you figured it out! Saturday Candy!! There is an interesting history behind Lördagsgodis which will surprise you.In "Words of The Day" segment, we will be looking at several words. Do check out our blog page, www.fikadrottning.com, for the list of words featured in this episode.So what are you having for lördagsgodis? Tag us, @fikadrottning_podcast, on your Instagram!

Another tradition in Swedish homes is spending Saturday nights watching Melodifestivalen and Eurovision Song Contest in May each year. This year's Eurovision Song Contest was held in Rotterdam on 21st May 2021 (Saturday) after being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid19 pandemic. In this episode we looked into the beginnings of Melodifestivalen. In the "Words of The Day" segment, we learn how to say "I like to listen to music." If you'd like to catch this year's Eurovision Song Contest, go on to our blog page, www.fikadrottning.com .

There is one fundamental tradition that still lives on in Sweden. This tradition is called fredagsmys or cosy Friday. While most youngsters prefer to go out on Friday night, majority of the Swedes choose to cosy up at home with blankets,  comfort food and snacks, boardgames and binge watching Netflix or put on a good film on the projector. So when does this yet another social phenomenon came about?  Find out more in this episode!In the "Words of The Day" segment, we look at phrases used at the cashier at a supermarket.Cashier (Kassa): "Vad det bra så?"  (Anything else?) or "Något annat?" (Something else?)Customer (kund): "Det var allt, tack."  (That's all, thank you.)Try these phrases the next time you are shopping at ICA or Hemköp or COOP! Lycka till!This podcast is brought to you by Cavewoman Productions.

Hej hej! It's 11th May!!! It's CHOKLADBOLLENS DAG!! We are so honoured to have the Queen of Chokladbollar, the author of "In Search of The Best Swedish Chokladbollar", Ms Alaine Handa with us in this episode.Alaine shares her journey from being a dancer, choreographer to being an author. She also shares about how she got hooked on Fika and chokladbollar. If you'd like to grab a copy "In Search of The Best Swedish Chokladbollar", it is available on the following links:The MoonAmazonBook DepositoryGoodreads...and more....Thank you once again, Alaine, for joining us in this episode!This interview was recorded on April 10th 2021.This podcast is brought to you by Cavewoman Productions.

Hej alla kära lyssnare! We are back again on air. Have you ever wonder why Ramadan and Eid never falls on the same day every year? Do you know that gifts are given during Eid? In this episode we will sharing some 10 FUN FACTS about Eid Al-Fitri that you might not know about. In our "Words of The Day" segment, we will learn how to say "Kan jag få låna toaletten?" ("Can I use your toilet?"). It may seem weird that we are including this phrase on this episode. Well, you may get invitation for the first time from your Muslim friends to celebrate Eid with them so we feel it is appropriate to introduce this phrase to you. It is most polite to ask the host when nature calls. With that, we would like to wish all our Muslim listeners Eid Mubarak!Music Credit:Selamat Hari Raya (Saloma) - Karaoke versionThis podcast episode has been brought to you by Cavewoman Productions.

HEJ allihopa! Easter is just around the corner! In this episode, Fikadrottning will be sharing with you interesting facts and the food served at Easter in Sweden. Have you made any Easter decorations for your home? In our our "Words of the Day" segment, we will learn how to say "Happy Easter" in Swedish. 

Chinese New Year is just around the corner! In this special edition, Ting Wei shares with us some of the traditional Chinese customs and traditions during Chinese New Year celebration, Ang Bao (red packet), his Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore and Malaysia, and celebrating this joyous occasion during his school years (we exchanged "notes" on this one!). Of course, we did not forget to talk about Chinese New Year food and goodies...!We, at Fikadrottning, would like to wish all our Chinese listeners a Happy Prosperous Chinese New Year! AH HUAT!

Ting Wei joined us again this week, sharing his food stories from his army days and of course, LUNCH..... What does his typical lunch look like? What do the Swedes have for lunch? What DO YOU have for lunch? Do share with us by taking a photo of your lunch and tag us on our Instagram or our Facebook @fikadrottning_podcast . 

Hej allihopa! How was your New Year's celebration? Hope the weeks have been kind to you. This is Series 5 Episode 1!! Yippee!!! In Series 5, we will explore more about Swedish culture and traditions.In today's episode we will talk about meals (måltider) in Sweden specifically breakfast (frukost). So what do the Swedes eat for breakfast? Havregrynsgrött with lingonsylt, knäckebröd, muesli, filmjölk, to name a few, are breakfast food on a Swedish table. Do check out more about måltider in Sweden on our blog page, www.fikadrottning.com.SMAKLIG MÅLTID! 

God fortsättning! Gott Nytt År !! Gott Slut!! These are the many ways of bidding farewell or wish anyone a Happy New Year..So 2020 is finally coming to an end. In this special edition, I will be sharing fond memories of my first New Year's Eve celebration in Stockholm. Ting Wei will share his memories of firecrackers or fireworks. In Singapore, it is illegal to have any form of firecrackers or fireworks in your possession. If you would like to dive further into Swedish, here are some of my recommendations:1. Say It in Swedish podcast This podcast is great for all levels (Absolute beginner to Advanced level).  It has even "Pronunciation" episodes where you will learn how to pronounce the letters and combination letters properly so that you will sound like a Swede! Check out their webpage at www.sayitinswedish.com to find out more.2. Simple Swedish PodcastThis podcast is more for anyone who has passed the beginner's stage and are still working on grasping the language. Fredrik Arhusiander speaks at slower pace and uses simple every day vocabulary in his podcast episodes. So, don't worry about that!3. Radio Sweden på Lätt SvenskaThis is more of daily news in simple Swedish. Good for training your listening comprehension.4. Swedishpod101.comYou can bring your lessons anywhere with this mobile app. All you need is Wifi or 3G/4G connection. You can choose a free account or paid account with them. DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored or paid by any of these to advertise for them. I am merely sharing with you what I am using because these are very good resources to start learning Swedish. Thank you everyone for your support since the very beginning. With that, I wish you Gott Nytt År and vi hörs om två veckor!Puss och Kram från mig, Tini, YOUR Fikadrottning! 

In this last episode of Series 4, I will be sharing with you fond memories of my very first Christmas experience in Stockholm. From getting my first julgran and meeting Jultomte for the first time. So how do you say "Merry Christmas" in Swedish? Learn to say this in our "Words of The Day" segmentWhat was it like for you to celebrate Christmas in Sweden for the first time? DO share with us your experiences.We, at Fikadrottning and on behalf of Cavewoman Productions, would like to wish you EN RIKTIGT GOD JUL! 

Did you know that tea was never the beverage in England until the women folk slowly caught on it slowly as they perceived it to be a genteel drink (according to Peets.com) and that Ireland was the second-biggest per capita consumer of tea in the world?!!This week's phrase is the follow up to last week's "Behöver du hjälp?" (Do you need help?). If you are just window shopping or looking around, you say "Jag tittar bara." which means "I'm just looking." or "Saya tengok saja." in Bahasa Melayu.Wanna find out more about tea? Check out https://www.peets.com. 

Lucia or Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated annually on the 13th of December. This is one tradition in Sweden that I certainly look forward to (even though I do not celebrate Christmas).  I remembered the first Lucia procession I witnessed at Skansen with my kompis in 2010.  I also witnessed the crowning of Lucia in Gothenburg in 2013.  Both experiences were magical. As we are still shopping for julklappar (Christmas gifts), we are looking into a useful phrase that you may hear from a sales person. The phrases are: "Vill du ha hjälp?" or "Behöver du hjälp?". Both phrases means "Would you like help?" or "Do you need help?"Remember to drop by our webpage, www.fikadrottning.com, to find out more about Lucia and the LIVESTREAM of Lucia procession in Singapore.

This episode is dedicated to all my TEA drinking listeners. Yes, for the next few episodes we will be exploring TEA. So, what is your favourite tea? Do share with me by commenting on our Instagram fikadrottning_podcast. In the "Word of The Day" segment we will learn not one but THREE words which will come in handy since Christmas is just around the corner! The words are:SE: REAENG: SaleMalay: Jualan Murah SE: RABATTENG: DiscountMalay: Potongan HargaSE: ERBJUDANDE ENG: OfferMalay: ??? (There isn't really a Malay word for this.)So do look out for them when you're shopping!

Disclaimer:Today's content is for informational purposes only and it is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always consult your doctor or other professional qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical condition, procedure, treated and/or before starting a new nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness or wellness program.Oh YES! Chocolate is good for you when taken in moderation. Chocolates have been suggested to have high level of antioxidants however chocolates, also, have been associated with diabetes and heart diseases. Whatever you do, enjoy your sinful indulgence in moderation. LAGOM.For more information, check out these links:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270272https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolatePeter joins us today in our "Words of The Day" with warning phrases:Akta dig!Var försiktig!Se upp!which they mean "watch out" or "be careful" depending on the context of the situation.In Malay, we say "jaga-jaga".So...AKTA DIG! 

Have you ever wonder why chocolate goes so well with coffee? Or have you ever wonder if chocolate goes well with tea? In this episode we will look into why chocolate goes well with coffee and/or tea. We will also explore how and why should you pair your chocolate with coffee and/or tea. In the "Word of The Day" segment, we learn a new Swedish word/expression, "Mumsigt". Mmmmmmmm.....For more information about chocolate pairings featured in this episode, check out these links:www.coffeefriend.co.ukwww.teamuse.com

CHOCOLATES! CHOCOLATES! CHOCOLATES!You can never go wrong with chocolates unless, of course, if you're not a chocolate fan. However, even if you are not a total fanatic over chocolates I'm sure you do eat chocolate. So, what is your favourite chocolate?In "Words of The Day" segment, we are joined once again by Peter and Ting Wei as we look into the use of the expressions "jaha" and "jaså". 

This episode is an introductory to Series 4 where we will be sharing with you what to expect in the upcoming episodes. Yes, we have decided to move our podcast on Wednesdays instead of Mondays as Wednesdays are seen as a mini weekend in Sweden (so I have observed). Well, perhaps in the near future, Fikadrottning will be aired on both Mondays and Wednesdays. Who knows! SO this week we dive straight into our "Words of the Day". Well, "Phrase of the Day" to be more precised. Yes, we will still be introducing simple Swedish phrases with the usual English and Bahasa Melayu translations PLUS an additional Chinese translation. So hope you enjoy the episode..Stay safe!

Well..well...well....We have come to the end of Series 3. In this episode, we will find out about Kanelbullens Dag and how the celebration started. So, how did YOU celebrate Kanelbullens Dag? Did you bake any or did you buy some from the konditori? Either ways, it is certainly a day to celebrate home baking. With that, see you in TWO WEEKS! HA DET SÅ BRA...! Vi hörs om två veckor! Click here to find out more about Kanelbullens Dag.

Soon the Chinese community in Singapore will be celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival. What is a festival without festive foods!! One thing that my friends look forward to on this joyous occasion is the mooncake. A round, flower-like pastry packed with either lotus seed paste or red bean paste with either single or double salted egg yolk. Mmmm...In the "Words of The Day" segment we will learn how to say "Nice to meet you" in Swedish. Oh, do take note of the celebrations in Sweden this week! 

This week Fikadrottning caught up with Farisah and Ashley, two ladies who love their prata. Prata is a South Indian pancake which can be eaten with curry or just sugar. Its origin is quite interesting as there are a few versions. No matter where prata originated from, it is a quick, delicious meal for any time of the day. It is interesting that the spelling of this dish is the same as the spelling of a word in Swedish, (att) prata which means "to speak". If you're thinking of getting some prata, here is a link to Sprigleaf Prata: https://spplace.com/Co-Content Creator: Goh Mui EeDISCLAIMER:This episode is not sponsored by Springleaf Prata. We, at Fikadrottning, are always happy to give our recommendations of places we see fit for our listeners.

This week I am joined by one of my good friends, Peter Lindbland. We will talk about what's happening this week in Sweden as according to Temadagar Kalender, surkål and we will be sharing with you ways to say "Hello" in Swedish in our "Words of the Day" segment.Useful links:Temadagar: https://temadagar.se/kalender/More about Sweden and the Swedish culture: https://hejsweden.com/en/

What is it like being lactose intolerant? This week I am sharing what is lactose intolerance and what causes lactose intolerance, and my personal experience being lactose intolerant. In the "Words of the Day" segment, we look at ways to use the word or phrase "tack". Disclaimer: Today's episode is for informational purpose only and no part of this episode should be treated as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do consult your physician or family doctor should you have any concerns about your health. 

There is one common ingredient in these delicious snacks is the rice flour. They are prepared and cooked in almost similar method but they taste differently from each other. These are some of the dessert that Singaporean have when they fika. I think I need to lie down now from all the putu piring, putu bambu, putu mayam and kueh tutu that I had while making this episode.  Co-Content Creator: Goh Mui Ee (Winner of Best Review Contest 2020).

Fika in Singapore!! Let's go local!! In this Series 3, I will be exploring around my birth country to find out how Singaporeans fika. Coincidentally, Singapore Food Festival is happening now. In fact, it started on 21st August and ends on 30th August 2020. What more appropriate timing to kick off this episode with one of Singaporeans's favourite dessert, THE peanut pancake!This week I will be introducing the Swedish phrase, "I love you".Resource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apam_balikCo-Creator: Goh Mui Ee.

August is filled with food celebration! We begin our gastronomical journey with kräftskiva or crayfish party. We take a look at how to celebrate kräftskiva and what are the items you need in order to have a successful crayfish party. If you know other snapsvisa (drinking songs) other than 'Helan Går', do send us a video of you and your friends singing them to our IG fikadrottning_podcast. The most creative video will receive an exclusive merchandise from us! Co-Content Creator: Goh Mui Ee (Winner of Best Review Contest)

What a way to wrap up Series 2 with some juicy Watermelon. Yes, it's WATERMELON DAY today! Have some watermelon today and we see you in Series 3 in two weeks' time. Do follow us on our IG https://www.instagram.com/fikadrottning_podcast/ and our blogpage www.fikadrottning.com. Take care. Puss och Kram!Here's the link to finding a good watermelon...How to pick good watermelon:https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/how-to-pick-a-superstar-watermelon/

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Log on to www.fikadrottning.com to get the full Fikadrottning experience.

Rålambshovsparken. I always have trouble pronouncing the name of this beautiful, serene park. In summer, many people would visit this park to enjoy the scenery, to picnic, to play ball..even to join in an aerobics session! This week, three more places are introduced to have fika and we will learn another new Swedish word - LUST. A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to fun_swedish for the fun ways of learning Swedish. Do check them out on their IG @fun_swedish (https://www.instagram.com/fun_swedish/). 

Fridhemsplan! The one place that I like to hang out away from city central. In this episode, I will share a brief history of Kungsholmen, going down memory lane at Campus Konradsberg, and Rålambshovsparken. I will be recommending cafés around Fridhemsplan that you should go for your next fika. In the segment "Words of The Day", we will be introducing a word that may shock you BUT you will be pondering over how surprisingly it holds a different meaning in Swedish! Hang on to your seats!! 

13th July is Paltdagen!! A day to celebrate dumplings made from raw potatoes. This Swedish dish is very common in the north part of Sweden. Not to be mistaken for kroppkakor though! They are similar. Palt is served with the tangy lingonbärssylt, butter and a glass of cold milk on the side. I have never tried palt. Today, I made some for myself with the help of my youngest son. In this episode, we will look into the brief history of potatoes in Sweden, the variety of palt and we will explore the word "fart". Yes, a word that has a totally different meaning in Swedish. How to make palt? Go to www.fikadrottning.com to get my version of the recipe. Glad Paltdagen!

Gamla Stan, The Old Town, is the one of my favourite places to go whenever I am in town. There are loads of cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops as well as handcraft shops. In today's episode, I will be sharing my GO-TO spot for fika at Gamla Stan. This café is located at Stortorget, a public square that has a dark past. In the 'Word of The Day' segment, we will be learning the word "Chef". Win a rare chance to be our Content Creator by entering our Best Review Contest. Contest ends on 24th July 2020. Submit your reviews for this podcast today! Details of the contest can be found on https://www.fikadrottning.com/ LYCKA TILL!Credits:Many thanks to @fun_swedish for the fun ways of learning Swedish. Do follow them on Instagram.

Whenever you bring a punnet of strawberries to a party, chances are you will be asked if they are Swedish. The Swedes are obsessed with these Earth's rubies that a shortage of them is seen as a major catastrophe. The Swedish strawberries are the "celebrity" fruit during summer as you may have noticed the midsommartårtor or gräddtårtor med jordgubbar in every social gathering at the recent midsummer celebration. They are the key ingredients in many Swedish desserts, too. What makes them so special? They are bite-size; easy to pop them in your mouth, sweet, divine and flavourful, unllike those that I have eaten before. Smultron is a wild strawberry that you can only find them in the forest if you have bionic eyes because they are tinier than the Swedish strawberries. All these talk about strawberries is making me hungry. Enjoy listening to today's podcast while I'll go and pick some smultron before they all run out!

SUMMER!! I always look forward to Summer because not only it is beautiful, I get to enjoy punnets and punnets of fresh Swedish strawberries! There is ONE thing that excites me in Summer and that is MJUKGLASS! Yes, that soft, silky smooth, whiter than white soft serve ice-cream. So who invented mjukglass? Click the play button and find out!

This Friday (19th June), we will be celebrating Midsommarafton (Eve of Midsummer), the second biggest celebration in Sweden! There'll be lots of food, booze, games, singing and dancing around the midsommarstång (maypole). In today's episode, I will be sharing my experience celebrating midsommarafton. We'll be singing "Helan Går", one of the many Swedish Drinking songs. So, what are the food served during this celebration? If you'd like to be part of the Midsummer celebration virtually this Friday, log on www.fikadrottning.com and head over "Celebration" to find out how. Here's to everyone..GLAD MIDSOMMAR!

Hej mina kära lyssnare!! Welcome to a BRAND NEW SERIES of FIKADROTTNING. We open this series with Swedish Coffee. What kind of coffee do Swedes enjoy apart from latte, americano, mocha, etc.....? One kind of coffee that stood out for me is the SWEDISH EGG COFFEE. Sounds strange? Curious about how Swedish Egg Coffee is brewed? Go to www.fikadrottning.com to get the recipe.

6th of June marks a significant day in Sweden whereby this is the day in history when Gustav Vasa was elected as king after the dissolution from the Kalmar Union in 1523. The day which was originally celebrated as the Swedish Flag Day (Svenska flaggans dag) is now a day to be celebrated as a national day. Don't be alarmed if your Swedish friends may not seem patriotic. They are indeed patriotic as you can see at events such as during a football match or Eurovision Song Contest. Skansen will usually be packed on this day as the Swedes wait eagerly for the arrival of the Royal Family (who don on the traditional costume), followed by a concert by homegrown artists. This is also a day where the Swedish flags are permitted to be displayed. The Swedes celebrate this day with fläderblomssaft bubblies and some gräddtårta med jordgubbar. Happy National Day!!

We end Season 1 of Fikadrottning with Uncle's antics at the kopitiam, a continuation from Episode 6 (Singapore Coffee). So what is "tak kiu"? We also explore the Capital of Fika in Sweden. Which part of Sweden is this? We take this opportunity to thank all our listeners who have been tuning in since the first episode. TACK SÅ MYCKET! We will be back in two weeks with more exciting segments. Thank you for all your feedback about the podcast. In the meantime, do remember to check out www.fikadrottning.com. VI SES SNART!

That coffee in your hand now? It dates all the way back to the early 15th century in the monasteries of Yemen. Did you know that there are several accounts of the origin of coffee drinking? Perhaps these historical chronicles showed us that good things are the results of curiosity and problem-solving. Do remember to share with me your favourite mug and the story behind it. Send your photos to contact@fikadrottning.com. Hope to hear from you soonest!

So when did coffee arrive in Singapore? Who brought these beans over to Singapore? What makes Singapore coffee unique? In this episode, I will give you a guide to Singapore coffee and how to order them at your local kopitiam.

KABOOM! Trending at this moment a special treat dated all the way back from the 70's and the 80's. Yes, I am referring to DALGONA COFFEE! I have tried making it, have you? If you have, send me a photo of your version of Dalgona coffee to cavewomanproductions@gmail.com. Am so looking forward to hear from you soonest!This podcast has been brought to you by Cavewoman Productions.

We all heard of decaffeinated coffee. Have you ever wonder how decaffeinated coffee is made? The answer may surprise you. This podcast has been brought to you by Cavewoman Productions.

Can you imagine a world without coffee??? There had been attempts to BAN COFFEE!! Phew!! Fortunately, coffee is still around for all of us to enjoy. Share with me what do you think about these events? Email me at cavewomanproductions@gmail.com and remember to include what is your favourite coffee. I would love to hear from you.Original opening and closing theme by Cavewoman Productions.

Did you know that coffee was banned 5 times in Sweden? How is this even possible? Listen through this episode to find out why.YES! I am still wondering what is YOUR favourite coffee? Do share with me what they are and I will read them out in the next episode. All you need to do is email me at cavewomanproductions@gmail.com with the title subject: My Favourite Coffee. Hope to hear from you soonest! Take care and Stay Safe.Recording venue: Cavewoman StudioRecording gear:RODE NT-USBFocusrite Scarlett 2i2MacbookPro Mid-2009Software:Logic Pro X 10.0.1Cover Art: Hartini IsmailOriginal music by Cavewoman Productions.

Hej and welcome to the very first episode of Fikadrottning! In this episode, you'll get to know a little about me and why I decided to do this podcast after so many years of pondering about it. You would also discover what is fika and some fun facts about the coffee culture in Sweden. I would also be recommending a few konditorer or coffeehouses in the next few episodes.Do share with me about your favourite coffee or a coffeehouse you love to go or your fika experience. I would LOVE to hear from you! Email to cavewomanproductions@gmail.com with the heading: "My Fika Experience". Hope to hear from you soonest!THANK YOU for tuning in.Recording venue: First Dance StudioRecording gear:Shure SM58-LCFocusrite Scarlett 2i2MacbookPro Mid-2009Software:Logic Pro X 10.0.1Cover Art: Hartini IsmailOriginal music by Cavewoman Productions.