Niklas Ekstedt

Niklas Ekstedt started his career with an internship for Ferran Adria and Heston Blumenthal, and running restaurant ”Niklas” in Helsingborg at only 21 years old. A lot has happened since then, and he is today running the  Michelin restaurant Ekstedt, Tygge & Sessil and restaurant Hillenberg. He has written several Cook Books, been having his own TV series like Food & Fire at Viaplay and he is the founder of Foodstoch Festival at Fjäderholmarna in Stockholm. I asked Niklas some questions:

When did you know that you wanted to become a chef?

-My fasther traveled quite a lot, and my mother wasn’t a great cook. So when he was away I started to cook, and I realized how much fun it was.

Best way to cook over fire?

-With cast iron!

Something everybody should think about when they have a barbecue at home?

-They shouldn’t use gas or briquettes. Use coal instead.

Your favorite produce for the moment?

-Salsify.

Where do you get your inspiration?

-I experiment in my mind a lot, but I also buy a lot of cooking books and get inspired by them.

Do you think about how to cook in a sustainable way?

-We try to use seasonal produce, and that way it automatically gets better.

Except food, what is your passion?

-Skateboards and snowboards!

What is your super power in the kitchen?

-I am kind.

Is there any chefs that has been a good role model for you??

-Julia Childs cook book has been a great inspiration. It is written for professionals from an amateur’s angle. Mentally it is René Redzepi.

Is there something you wan’t to learn?

-I would love to be able to read more complicated texts like a Research Report.

Any new dreams in your professional life?

-To get 2 Michelin stars!

By Malin Nordblom

Interview and photo by Malin Nordblom

Fab Foodie Swede

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The interview was first published in Swedish at www.gourmet.se