The Nordic Nomad

Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by ceramist Andrea Tsang

The Nordics • Insider guides • My Nordics, as told by ceramist Andrea Tsang

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Andrea Tsang

We first spotted Andrea Tsang’s ‘Amphora’ vases in Stockholm. Not long after, they surfaced again – this time on-screen, lining the restaurant tables in FX’s wildly successful TV show The Bear. Ever since, we’ve been watching her trajectory with interest.

Born in Hong Kong and now based in Stockholm, Tsang is the founder of her eponymous studio where Scandinavian restraint meets Asian clarity, and everything starts with clay. Her shop and showroom on Odengatan 100 is open to the public, offering functional ceramics alongside a carefully chosen mix of handmade porcelain lights by Japanese artists, paintings by Swedish artist Josefin Tolstoy and handcrafted wooden furniture from Dry Studio. Tsang’s path to ceramics wasn’t linear. She studied art in Hong Kong and the UK, designed handbags and shoes for more than a decade, and spent ten years in Shanghai before relocating to Sweden.

Here, she shares the Nordic places she returns to, the meals she slows down for and the cold lakes she’s learned to love.

Top photography courtesy of Louise Bahrton

“I live here now and truly enjoy every moment of it.”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

… Sweden. I live here now and truly enjoy every moment of it.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

… Stockholm. It offers a perfect balance between vibrant city life and peaceful nature.

Photography courtesy of Unsplash and Louise Bahrton

“One of my favourite things to do is drive around the island, discovering different workshops and meeting local artisans.”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… Gotland, off Sweden’s east coast. The island offers an incredible blend of peaceful nature and a lively, high-quality lifestyle. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes, wild beaches and open fields while still having access to excellent restaurants and cosy cafés. In Visby, the historic town, you’ll find charming small shops filled with local crafts and unique finds. One of my favourite things to do is drive around the island, discovering different workshops and meeting local artisans. Gotland feels like the perfect escape – close to nature, yet full of creativity, culture and warmth.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

… The Bolder in Norway. Perched on the edge of the majestic Lysefjord, it offers breathtaking views over the bay. It would be the perfect weekend escape to recharge and fully immerse myself in nature.

Photography courtesy of The Bolder

“[Lucy’s Flower Shop is] a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked away in Östermalm.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… Dashi in Stockholm. I love Asian food, especially Japanese cuisine. Dashi doesn’t focus on sushi – instead, they offer authentic Japanese dishes with a perfect balance of flavours, made from the freshest ingredients. Pairing your meal with sake is highly recommended.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… Lucy’s Flower Shop in Stockholm. It’s a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked away in Östermalm. For me, a fun night out means sharing a good glass of wine or enjoying a beautifully crafted cocktail with friends – and Lucy’s is the perfect place for that.

Photography courtesy of Dashi and Lucy’s Flower Shop

“The moment you step into the shop, you’re drawn into [Svenskt Tenn’s] world …”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm, especially around Christmas. The moment you step into the shop, you’re drawn into their world – it feels more like an immersive experience than just shopping. I also love that they still offer some of their classic designs from the very beginning. It shows that good design is timeless and can pass through generations regardless of trends.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… the Nationalmuseum and ArkDes, both in Stockholm. The Nationalmuseum is filled with incredible 16th–18th century paintings, including some truly iconic works. I’m always drawn to the rich colours used in 18th-century art. And don’t miss the café – the interior is beautiful, and I love sitting down with a coffee after wandering through the exhibitions. ArkDes, recently revitalised, is a must-visit if you’re into architecture. I enjoy their exhibitions and documentaries, which explore the creative process behind architecture and urban design.

Photography courtesy of Svenskt Tenn and Nationalmuseum

“A quintessential Nordic experience is taking a cold bath in an icy lake during winter!”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… Höganäs, on Sweden’s west coast in the region of Skåne. It’s a small city with a rich history in ceramics manufacturing, now transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Every summer, they host the design festival Blå Hallen, which attracts visitors and creatives – even from nearby Copenhagen. The coastline is beautiful and there are even a few wineries. You could easily spend a few days – or even a full week – soaking up the summer atmosphere.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… taking a cold bath in an icy lake during winter! Before moving here, I could never have imagined doing it – but once I tried, I completely understood the appeal. That said, it’s only truly enjoyable if there’s a sauna nearby to warm up afterwards.