Thailand Festival 2026

21 July 2026

I am at Thailand Festival this year. I was here in 2018 and 2019. I enjoyed during those visits because I got some freebies and there were cultural tents too which are not related to food. Potpouri, fruit carving. I thought that I would get to experience something similar this year. No, unfortunately. There were MANY food tents which sell similar food - papaya salad, mango sticky rice, porkball skewers, noodles or rice with beef or pork, cold drinks and smoothies, Singa beer everywhere. The event is for 5 days! There were parasols, benches, tables in abundance for visitors to enjoy their meals. They really thought this event well! There is security too that requests to check your bags to remove any liquid. I suppose this is a method for them to encourage folks to buy drinks from the food tents. Singa beer 330ml for SEK93. Daylight robbery. I got mango smoothie for SEK99. Also daylight robbery. Not fresh mango, but frozen mango chunks from a sealed package (saw that the brand is Simply Good). Felt cheated by this.

Once the performances ended, two persons came up and sang loudly at the top of their lungs - seem like karaoke to me. So loud that my friend and I needed to leave the stage area to hear each other. 

Most of the food was pre-cooked and ready to be served. Except for papaya salad. The food was cold when we bought ours.

Mangosteens, rambutan and durian available too. Seems expensive for me. SEK130 for the rambutan packet.

Blueberry picking at Lovön

19 July 2026

Blueberry picking adventure continues to today. Yesterday, I was at Översjön, dissatisfied with my picking as I spent most of my time looking for blueberry bushes rather than picking them. Today, I cycled to Lovön. I was here in 2020 where we cycled to Lovön and passed by blueberry bushes with large blueberries. I did not get the chance to cycle back here as I found other places to pluck blueberries. Today's weather was not sunny but I was adamant to continue with my plan to pick blueberries. The weather forecast showed rain and it rained on my way to the island. My arms and hands were in physical pain and I questioned my decision. But I just went ahead because I know I am going to get good berries and I don't like to give up. Either I finish it or I don't start it. 

For the destination, I chose K2 Scoutstuga - Mälarscouterna, 178 93 Drottningholm, also another scout hut. I did not see any scouts. Distance is 19km and it will take 1 hour 5 minutes. So, the way to the destination took longer with a distance at 22km because I had a problem understanding the direction in Google Map. For the way back, it is 19km but still, it took me longer to get home as there are slopes. Also, Google Map did not give me a cycling path for the route back on Lovön (before I reached Drottningsholm Palace) and I cycled on the main road that has a speed limit of 70km/hour! Shit. I was stressed and prayed that I don't get hit by a vehicle. Thankfully, only 2 vehicles passed me and gave me ample of space. I tried to cycle as fast as I could but I am not a pro-cyclist and I had been doing squats for 2.5 hours picking blueberries. I did not use the same way back where I came from because I did not remember the way - sense of direction is bad in me. 

Stop at Drottningholm Palace on my way to the destination.

I stopped about 2km before reaching the scout hut as I saw blueberry bushes. I parked my bicycle, took a selfie for check-in point to my boyfriend.

A photo to show that my bicycle is locked and fastened to a tree trunk. Evidence to insurance in case my bicycle gets stolen. Home insurance covers household items, including a bicycle but it has to be purchased during the insurance period. But thankfully, there was no one in the area as it was drizzling and the rain came back after a pause. I saw a jogger when I was finished, 2.5 hours later. 

I did not have to move far to pick the blueberries. The bushes are everywhere! Hands were unfortunately in pain from the direct contact with the continuous cold rain. I did not have my gloves on me. Thankfully, I was wearing a thumb-hole dri-fit top and I pulled the sleeve over my thumb and covered the hand. Pain became manageable. 

I am happy today. 878g. Legs exhausted. Bum hurts because I did not wear my padded cycle shorts. My colleague commented that she did not wear padded cycle shorts when she was younger and it was fine for her. I said that my bum hurts if I don't and she mentioned it is dependent if the saddle is narrow or wide. I have no idea what my saddle is but a quick search on the Internet now explains that mountain bike (mine is a mountain bike) has narrow saddles. I thought I could manage without my padded shorts but I know now that I can't. And I know now that I have a narrow saddle on my bike. 

Blueberry picking at Översjön

This weekend on both Saturday and Sunday, I picked blueberries from the forest. I fill up the freezer with a one year's supply that will last until the next summer. I am extremely grateful that my knees are strong as I could squat sufficiently long to pick the blueberries. I did not have the blueberry rake that will speed up the picking and one need not squat too long. So, I picked the berries by hand. I must love picking berries because I did that when it rained today (Sunday) and I do not like to go out when it rains. But I was very adamant about my plan. 

I was very nervous initially as I was doing this alone and my sense of direction is very bad. So, I was worried that I might get lost in the forest but I was quite confident that Google Map will bring me out. I always have my boyfriend to lead the way as he has excellent sense of direction. He said that they learnt orienteering in school and he was often in the forest with his mum to pluck mushrooms when he was little. 

18 July 2026

Today, I cycled to Översjön (the Over Lake). I asked the Internet which nature reserve or forest in Stockholm has blueberries. I cycle 10km to work so I know I could cycle that distance and maybe slightly further. So, the Internet suggested this place, the east side of Översjön, amongst others and I looked at the map. I chose the Scout cottage (Översjön, Hässelby Scoutkår Hajkstuga) as my destination. It looks like a good route with 13.8km and about 45 minutes. 

I started my ride at 10am. When I reached the entrance of Norra Järvafältet (north of the Järva field - pronounced as Yar-va) nature reserve about half an hour later at KM10, I took a picture to send to my boyfriend to update him on my whereabouts. So, if I go missing, he has some information.

The path to my destination is a nice gravel road. I saw many families with children taking a walk or visiting the barns that have grazing animals (cows and sheeps). I thought that this is a safe place then. There are also many benches. I was not the only cyclist that day. I even saw tourists on bicycles. How did they even know of this place? Is this recommended to tourists too? 

Finally, I arrived at the scout's cottage about 10.55am. Right opposite the cottage is the lake. Another check-in photo to my boyfriend. 

I had no idea where to start to look for blueberries. So, I asked Chatgpt where I should start. I gave information on where I was by sharing a printscreen from Google Map. It suggested me to start northwest about 150meters as it is better to be further from the waters. 

So, I led my bicycle and looked around, and it was right. I saw some blueberry bushes! It was, unfortunately, up a slope. So, I hiked upwards and into the forest to be away from the walking trail. 

I borrowed my boyfriend's 2m security cable that is used to lock bicycles to objects that are not meant for bicycle parking. In this case, a tree trunk. I attached it to my bicycle lock. I took a photo to show that my bicycle is locked in case my bicycle goes missing and I can show this photo to the insurance company that my bicycle is locked with an insurance-approved lock. Sweden's home insurance includes loose items in the household but the items has to be bought during the insurance period. 

As I feared, I got lost as I wondered further into the forest. I got off the walking trail. So, Google Map helped me to get me back on the main trail. I checked the map to make sure my distance to the main trail is shorter and along the way, I saw the walking trail and finally, the scout huts. Phew. I was extremely nervous when I realised that I was lost. 

On the way back to my bicycle from the scout huts, I saw more blueberry bushes on a slope close to my bicycle which I missed! I could have stayed there and plucked many. Today's pick weighed about 600g. It was 2pm when I left the area.  

Ocean Bus Stockholm

15 July 2026

Finally, I get to experience the amphibian bus! I have always wanted to do this. I see it and I always thought that I have to try it. I booked this the day before because my colleague commented that it was boring for me to be at home after work on a sunny day. So, I checked out activities to do in Stockholm and came across this activity. And I thought, yes, I should do this tomorrow because it is going to be sunny. Not only was it sunny today, it was really hot. I could feel the intense heat from the road. 30 degrees today. I longed for this temperature during winter when it is -5 degrees wondering when summer will arrive. Now that it is here, it is really hot but I appreciate that I can wear shorts and be in sleeves. However, I applied sunblock and had a thin windjacket on to cover my arms. Also, had an umbrella with me. I walked from my workplace to Tres Taco Joint before the activity and I was the only one with an umbrella. 

The amphibian bus has a propeller and a rudder underneath it so it could move in the waters. The tyres do not fold upwards and are still under the bus. A ticket costs SEK329 for the time 6.30 - 7.30pm. Earlier hours cost SEK399. Another slot for 7-8pm costs SEK329. The experience took about 55 minutes. We were driven around some parts of Östermalm for the first 20 minutes and then went into the waters for 30 minutes. There was a guide to explain on some landmarks and historical sites along the way. It was in English as this is obviously, an activity for tourists. 

This is the area where the bus drove into the waters - in Djurgården, right after the diplomatic area where some embassies are located. The captain accelerated and we went in with a loud splash. Quite fun! 

The captain gave a check before we went inside the waters.

The other amphibian bus that we met along the way.

It was nice to see some of the buildings from waters. Here is the Nordic Museum. My favourite museum.

Then, passed by Vasa museum.

The bus/boat made a turn at Gröna Lund amusement park and we headed back to shore.

It was a lovely ride on the bus/boat. Fun experience to get as a tourist!

Tastebud : Tres Taco Joint

15 July 2026

Mexican tacos for dinner! I booked two seats for the Ocean bus tour in Stockholm and we had to be there 15 minutes before the ride so we chose this restaurant which took us 8 minutes to walk there. Good meal too. I like that the lady bartender was strict about toilets reserved for paying customers only. But she gave in to a man who walked in who needed to use the toilet. The man could be persistent. He did not look like he had a place to go as he was in a down jacket (for winter) and a beanie.

We shared an appetiser - nachos plate SEK165 and I had a combo plate with 3 different kinds of taco fillings SEK225. I enjoyed my meal and was very full.  

Nachos plate (from the website) Home made tortilla chips topped with rib eye, spicy cheese sauce, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro. I enjoyed the jalapeno and spicy cheese sauce. That slight spicy tingy was yummy. 

My combo cuate consisted of 1 birria (Fried tortilla, melted cheese, beef stew, cilantro - served with consomme), 1 conchinita (Corn tortilla, pork stew, crispy cheese, guacamole, cheese, onion, cilantro) and 1 campechano (Corn tortilla, rib eye, chorizo, chicharrón, onion, cilantro). Filling description is from the restaurant's website. I like that the menu has both Swedish and English description. So, I did my favourite activity of calculating if it is cheaper with a combo or eating the individual tacos. It is cheaper with individual tacos by SEK16. Based on the tacos-set menu, 2 birria SEK185, 3 campechano / conchinita SEK175. So, one of each comes to SEK209. But unfortunately, there is no combo set that allows to choose individual tacos. However, Maiz Mexican has that option to choose any 3 tacos for SEK199 and an individual taco is SEK99.  

Tastebud : Matcha Ya (3rd time)

7 July 2026

It is Japanese dessert at Matcha Ya. We went here after dinner at Nopo 1988. They were on the same street. Had the same dessert as during my first visit in 2024 - cotton cheesecake SEK68. Price is still the same for the cotton cheesecake. For the drink, I had matcha tea SEK58. It was bitter and watery. Well, it is tea. During my previous two visits, I had matcha red bean tea and matcha chocolate. I should check my blog next time before having the dessert. My friend and I were considering between cotton cheesecake and mango roll. I chose the cheesecake because I read that Japanese cheesecake is nice. Well, it is not very firm and also, it is a small slice. 

Tastebud : Nopo 1988

7 July 2026

Today's dinner is Korean food. My friend and I shared a hotpot for two that came with rice cakes, very thinly sliced fishcakes, egg noodles, an egg sliced in half (couldn't we get an egg each?), spring onions SEK359. We ordered an extra dish - beef 100g för SEK59. No kimchi or other side dishes that one usually gets in a Korean meal. Very different setting here. The broth in the hotpot was gochujang paste. So, it is sweet and to me, I think it is still bland. There are no flavours inside. Probably because I like spices. My best experience with Korean food is still Madame in 2023.

Tastebud : Thelins

30 June 2026

After dinner at Pom Friterie, we had dessert at Thelins. It is difficult to find a cafe that does not close at 7pm. Only larger cafe chains close at 8pm. Thelins and Vetekatten. I had a slice of Budapest SEK62. If one takes away, it costs SEK59. Apparently tax 25% for eating in and tax 12% for taking away. Gosh, what a difference. At least, the cafe is honest with the pricing. Last year, I was at another Thelins franchise at Sankt Eriksgatan and had the princess cake with green marzipan. Also SEK62. 

Sweet cake. Luckily, I cycled today. So, I did not feel bad eating cake. 

By the way, I just found out that there is a difference between cafe, bakery and in this case, konditorei. Did you know this? I learn something new everyday.

A konditorei sells wide variety of pastries, cake and desserts and typically also serves as a café. No bread sold here. 

A cafe serves various types of coffee and beverages. Sells food too. 

A bakery bakes and sells bread. 

Tastebud : Pom Friterie

30 June 2026

Today, I had the world's best french fries. No kidding! This restaurant won the award in the international category in the World Championship French Fries in Arras, France in 2024. This competition is in its 4th year now. This is how Pom Friterie does its fries:

Our Pom Frites are made from a unique Dutch potato, selected for its texture and flavor. Sustainably grown by a single farmer on mineral-rich sea clay close to the North Sea. The fresh potato is turned into crispy Pom Frites through a natural process, without additives. Fried in high-quality sunflower oil and finished with handharvested sea salt from Bretagne.

Wow, sourced from a single farmer. This farmer must have a huge land to plant so many potatoes. Also, one cannot use the same land to plant potatoes after two years due to disease and pests builtup. The land needs to take a break for 4 years. Interesting, right? 

Honestly, the fries were really good. Crispy on the outside and airy in the inside. So good! I had entrecote and fries SEK299. Quite expensive for a small portion. Okay, I know the fries won an award and comes far but still, I wished the meat could be bigger. 

Me and my small portion. I was disappointed. Probably this counts almost like fine dining food. Small portions, large prices.

I took this photo to show that tea light are being used during the warm summer! Oh my goodness. So unnecessary. Waste of money. I moved the tea light and holder away to the next table and the staff took it away and blew out the fire. 

Tastebud : Björkvik Bistro (5th time)

27 June 2026

The annual visit to Björkvik Bistro. This time, I am not taking fish and chips that I had been doing for the past two visits. There is a new dish on the menu which has the lowest price - crispy chicken with coleslaw SEK265. Another dish on the menu has the same price which is fried chevre but I did not take it because I am not a fan of a huge piece of cheese. I think this dish could be cheaper because the chicken piece is not huge and it is a lot of vegetables. It is summer and vegetables (salad and cabbage) ought to be affordable.

Tastebud : Minigolf Kristineberg

24 June 2026

We wanted to play minigolf today and we dropped in but the place was packed with many like-minders. Not only that, they were in big groups and one can place a booking for a group of 8. We could only play at 7.15pm and it was 6pm. Sad. So, we skipped the minigolf. Anyway, I had a double smash burger SEK179 before my wishful game of minigolf. Really tasty meat patty. Lots of fries. I am not a fan of fries but I finished them though. Not a fan of wasting food either.

Tastebud : Taza Artisan Cafe

9 June 2026

Filipino cafe that has both main meal and dessert. I was curious to find out what artisan means. I have seen that word but never really understood the meaning. So, according to the Internet, artisan cafe mean cafe that focuses on quality and craftmanship of its coffee rather than mass production. Well, the cafe here has a coffee machine and a coffee brew machine just all cafes. So, I thought if it includes food and artisan food means food made using traditional techniques and crafts. Most likely, the dessert here is cooked the traditional way as it has a main ingredient widely used in Phillippines, the ube.  

The green dessert on display is pandan coconut roll. I was not keen with the very green colour. It looks like there is a lot of colouring and not just pandan extract.

I had tapsilok SEK170, a dish of marinated beef with rice and fried egg and some mango pieces. Nothing extraordinary here. I am happy there is fried egg. My friend and I shared a slice of ube cassava SEK62, and a sweet ube bread filled with sugar and butter SEK35. I enjoyed both dessert. The texture of the  bread reminded me almost of croissant. Almost crunchy but not.

My friend had chicken adobo SEK160. I made adobo before so I was not excited by it.