I love Stockholm. The time between Lucia and Christmas is a magical time to visit, with snow, candles by the windows, glögg, and cozy interiors.

My latest trip to Stockholm was about seeing family and friends, and I also managed to make it to a few addresses along the way. Here are some of my Stockholm favourites:

BRILLO BOX / This bakery in the heart of Stockholm, Brillo Box, is headed up by the 2014 'World Champion in Baking' Håkan Johansson, and supplies to many local restaurants. This place is an absolute must for sampling Swedish baked goods - think kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), kardemummabullar (cardamum buns) and lussekatter (saffron buns). Go for a traditional Swedish 'fika'.

USINE / Based in the trendy Södermalm area, Usine offers French and Swedish cuisine. With monochrome interiors and a big bar space, this spot is frequented by local bloggers. Start with a drink at the bar if you have time, then try the meat platter or fresh fish.

LISA ELMQVIST SALUHALLEN / With miles of coastline, Sweden is a perfect place to eat fish. This restaurant, Lisa Elmqvist, nestled into the buzzing Saluhallen market, specializes in fish. Try the white fish with small shrimps, or any fillet with butter sauce!

RICHE / An establishment in Stockholm's chic Östermalm district, Riche is a trendy spot to sample meatballs and mashed potatoes, or to go for a glass of wine. They also have burgers.

STRANDVÄGEN 1 / The chicest scandi-cool restaurant in Stockholm at the moment, Strandvägen 1 is modern Swedish luxury. Everything I've tasted there, from burrata starter to roast chicken, to beef cheek with red wine sauce, I've liked so far!

MR FRENCH / Sip a cocktail after dinner at the Mr French lounge. Right on the quay, this open-air place is magical on summer nights, and wood fire-fueled in winter.

Have you been to any of these spots yet?

During my latest Copenhagen visit, I had the chance to sample a range of local cafés and restaurants. Here are a few worth reporting:

42 RAW / While shopping, I had a late lunch at 42 Raw, a vegan hotspot. Though I’m not vegan, I absolutely appreciate a good avocado on rye. They also had a range of breakfast bowls, with acai, matcha or chia.

ATELIER SEPTEMBER / A must in Copenhagen, Atelier September is a trendy spot where freelancers gather for meetings or to work on their laptops. Great place for a light lunch, or to regroup from shopping.

MEYERS BAGERI / As I love to bake my own Swedish buns, I was eager to sample Denmark’s finest. Apparently the place to go, I tasted a couple of baked goods at Meyers Bageri. The cinnamon bun was delicious, though not nearly as fluffy as I usually enjoy. The texture of the Christmas bun was fabulous (croissant-like, with less butter), though the subtle taste (ginger, raisin and cardamom) wasn’t my favourite. From what I gather, the Danish buns are much less bready, and more croissanty than their Swedish counterparts.

HOLM / Stopped at HOLM café to refuel from shopping. I went to the one in Illums department store, though there are at least two other branches within walking distance. I had a cinnamon bun there (surprise!) – this one was a cross between a French Pain aux Raisins and an American Cinnabon. Very different than the Swedish version, but really tasty too!

COFFEE COLLECTIVE / Coffee Collective is ‘the’ coffee place to go to in Copenhagen. It was my second time there, and I have to say, it really reminds me of that earthy Australian coffee. Top quality, but I prefer a lighter taste. I did love their Torvehallerne market location, however. It is very airy and clean, not crowded, with a selection of appetising food.

HOST / I went back to HOST nouveau-Nordic restaurant again this trip. I love the experience, with super Scandi interiors and local tastes, though it’s not something I’d do regularly. They have a set menu including many ingredients I wouldn’t normally choose nor try, though everything comes together so beautifully and the tastes complement each other so well - sometimes in a way that you can’t even distinguish the separate ingredients. My favourites this time were the pork pancakes and the duck filet.

Where should I visit on my next trip?

I loved my recent trip to Copenhagen! Each time I go, I try to mix finding new places with returning to old favourites. Here’s where I went this time.

CIRKELBROEN / Opened in 2015, the Cirkelbroen pedestrian bridge is made up of overlapping circular mast shapes, honouring Danish shipping history. In the Christianshavn area, it’s sandwiched between shiny office buildings and picturesque brownstone buildings.

JÆGERSBORGGADE / I discovered this cozy street in Nørrebro on my last visit to the Danish capital. Though there still isn’t so much on the surrounding streets, Jægersborggade has gotten even better with time. I have yet to find something in one of their crafty boutiques, but I always find something to taste, as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes here.

SUPERKILEN / Not only is Superkilen park in Nørrebro, an area I’m eager to discover more of, it also was created to celebrate diversity. Being half-Swedish half-Filipina, the message is essential (also for everyone!).

INDRE BY / Shopping ‘til I drop, really! (This is why coffee breaks are essential – tried Holm café this time and had a delicious cinnamon bun). Spent most of my time and money in the Illums design building. Also found an amazing over-sized cashmere sweater in Envii, and a blue-and-white patterned top at Munthe.

What should I see next time? I’m curious to see some great views of the Danish capital.

Danish fashion is just so cool. While being minimalist, the Danes have an edge that the other Scandis typically don’t have. Leather jackets, coloured furs, and studded boots are the norm. On my next trip to Copenhagen, these are some brands I’d like to check out. What are your favourites?

1. Ganni / Regnegade 12, 1110 København K, Denmark

2. Hosbjerg / Online only

3. Billi Bi / Købmagergade 27, 1150 København K, Denamark

4. Heartmade / Pilestræde 45, 1112 København K, Denmark

5. Meotine / Online only until May

Images (clockwise from top right) from above sources and Freja Wewer.