As a lover of ethnic food, foreign culture and the Swedish lifestyle, I hope to share with you my passion for Sweden and all things Swedish! Particularly, in Toronto, Canada where I now reside.
Because I’m a bonafide foodie and culture vulture, I have often been asked about the hows, whys and wheres of things, particularly Swedish stuff, due to my resourceful and curious nature. I get a little twinkle in my eye when I hear about anything Swedish :-).
How did this all begin? Ironically, in Texas, where I grew up. Surrounded by mostly Mexican, Asian and African-American culture, Swedes were about as common as finding moose in the Hill Country. So when I had an opportunity to do a 2 month trip around Europe in the 90s, I seriously got HOOKED to the European lifestyle and especially the Swedes, as I was a huge Ace of Base fan back in the day (don’t laugh!). Swedish people were exotic, rare and fascinating to me as a Filipino-American gal. Then I met this small-town Swedish exchange student and he literally rocked my world. I was deeply attracted to his open mind and view of the world, even with his very traditional Swedish upbringing (mom never used a microwave and home-cooked ALL his meals!). By learning his country’s traditions and dishes, it was my ultimate expression of love. For almost two decades, we’ve hopped around the world, living in Sweden, the U.S. and now Canada, which we now call our home.
I also co-founded the first Nordic language school in Toronto called Nordic Languages Initiative with my business partner Susanne van Rossem in 2015. We aim to teach Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and Icelandic languages and lifestyle. Our mission is simple – endorse Nordic culture and way of life. We are extremely proud to say that it’s still going strong!
Because of my unique perspective and my desire to always be on the hunt for an authentic experience, this blog is designed to be my views on the Swedish culture, whether that be positive or sometimes negative (although I will try to always be diplomatic!). I hope to help those finding their inner Swede or for those who are homesick for things back home in Sweden. Enjoy!
❤ Myleen
the swede life in toronto 
I love your blog! I found out about it through a friend sharing your post re. the new Scandinavian restaurant on Bloor. Keep up the great work! 🙂
Fantastic blog and….Congratulations. I have nominated you for a Liebster Award. Well done and keep blogging!
http://wp.me/pOW7O-Ld
Thank you, that’s so nice of you. I will check out your blog too!
Hi Myleen,
could you let me know where I can get Dried Bilberries, to buy
thanks
Glen
You can get FROZEN bilberries at Yummy, but they are labeled “Wild Blueberries”. They are typically from Latvia/Lithuania, so they are bilberries.
Regards,
Myleen
Hi Myleen, thanks for the information. I really live in Hamilton I found a YUMMY market but it is in Vaughan do you know of a place in .. say Downtown Toronto or on the west side of the city Thanks again Glen
Glen, in the Swedish Food in Toronto page under Swedish Directory, I listed Denninger’s (German, in Oakville, Burlington) and Starsky’s (Polish, in Etobicoke, Missisauga areas). They have a lot of Swedish goods. IKEA North York also sells Kalles Kaviar again!
Hi Myleen,
thank you very much.
I will check them out
Glen
Hej!
I am living in Kitchener/Waterloo, and looking for others in the region (including Guelph and Cambridge) who would be interested to help me start up a Swedish language group for kids and/or adults.
mvh,
-David
Before Covid there was a spring/ summer Swedish / Scandinavian picnic or brunch in western GTA . Are there any updates / plans for this year?
If there is a newsletter or Facebook page something like this would be posted, please advise.