Founded in 2004 by a passionate cohort of coffee purists, Johan & Nyström set out on a clear mission: to challenge industrial commodity coffee culture in Scandinavia. By introducing direct relationships with smallholder coffee farmers across Latin America and East Africa, they transformed how Sweden drinks its favorite beverage.
The Flagship at Swedenborgsgatan (Mariatorget)
Located on pedestrianized Swedenborgsgatan right beside Mariatorget square, Johan & Nyström’s flagship concept store is a cultural watering hole for Södermalm’s creative community. During warm months, outside wooden benches fill with locals sipping cold brews and discussing photography, architecture, and design.
Inside, the space blends industrial loft elements with botanical greenery. An extensive retail section showcases newly roasted whole-bean bags annotated with altitude, varietal (such as Bourbon, Geisha, and SL28), harvest date, and farmer biographical notes.
Direct Trade & Roasting Philosophy
Rather than purchasing coffee through anonymous commodity brokers, Johan & Nyström pioneered "Direct Trade" contracts in Sweden. Baristas regularly explain the flavor profiles to guests:
- Slow Slow Roast: Roasted gently in small batches to preserve the origin character of the bean without bitter scorched notes.
- Aeropress & Chemex Stations: Guests can select specific origin lots to be brewed manually using their preferred filter method.
- Seasonal Espresso Blends: Carefully tuned combinations balancing chocolatey sweetness with crisp stone fruit acidity.
Fika Offerings & Plant-Based Selections
Johan & Nyström embraces modern dietary preferences while honoring Swedish sweet pastry craft:
- Vegan Kardemummabulle: Prepared using plant-based butter alternatives while retaining the caramelized aromatic bite of traditional buns.
- Oat Milk Matcha Lattes: High-grade Japanese ceremonial matcha whisked fresh to order.
- Artisan Sourdough Toasties: Melted Swedish Västerbottensost cheese paired with sourdough bread and Dijon mustard.
Pros & Considerations
Highlights & Pros
Exceptional transparency in coffee sourcing, extensive manual brewing choices, vibrant Södermalm street atmosphere, and great retail bean selection.
Considerations
Seating can become limited in the afternoon due to laptop-friendly visitors; those seeking historic 19th-century salon aesthetics should opt for Vete-Katten instead.