For graphic artist Tasneem Noor, opening a Nordic cafe in 2009 was a logical extension of her love for Scandinavian things. Married to Swedish artist Joakim Hesham Smidhagen, the now 32-year-old Singaporean learnt to cook Nordic food to feed her homesick husband. Then came requests from friends and family for her meatballs and creamy pasta bake! With Fika, she is also introducing the hearty fare in a relaxed setting inspired by northern European decor to Singapore. Tasneem even developed her menu using halal ingredients to reach out to Muslims. Her food is authentic homemade Swedish and you won't find fusion between the Asian and Scandinavian kitchen. Tasneem hopes to get feedback and advice from the worst and best critics of them all... the Swedes. Still, she dares to make a promise to the customers: "My meatballs are the best Halal ones you will find in Singapore." she says with a smile. "For me it is also very important to tell people that the place is not fine dining but a relaxed place for families and friends to come together and enjoy themselves. I hope the Scandinavians will use it as a home away from home to hang out at and I also hope that the Singaporeans will find it interesting to try a different kind of food too " The resourceful young entreprenour transformed a corner shophouse on Beach Road into a cheerful, light-filled eatery with open shelving and all-white furniture. A glass pastry display case filles with traditional Scandinavian and classic cafe cakes. Behind the counter, the shelves are neatly lined with bags of classic Swedish Gevalia coffee beans, jars of Gryphon tea leaves, Swedish imported sodas and serving ware. Apart from the customized built-ins. Tasneem bought second-hand furniture that she repainted white. Her country-style dinnerware comes from Bangkok. The kitchen, Tasneem admits, its a simple, industrial type: all stainless steel with lots of workspace. "I don't have have any special cookware or appliances," she says. She uses a powerful hob, grill and oven, with a hood stretching along ther entire cooking area. Tasneem adds: "Scandinavian cooking is simple. It's homely, hearty food that's quick to cook and must be served fresh." Drop by and try the Pytt i Panna or Swedish Hash made of potatoes and beef cubes, the all-beef Swedish Meatballs, or even the Skagen (Fika style), a cold salmon-and-prawn open-faced sandwich - you'll agree that simple is best. Home-Decor - November, 2009 Fika!, ScanAsia - August, 2009