#MyUppsala by Elles Utemat

From international politics to mushroom sandwiches by an open fire – Elle Nikishkova has traded UN declarations for outdoor cooking and woodland adventures. Today, she runs Elles Utemat, a unique food-and-nature concept that invites the curious to discover the wild side of Uppsala.

It’s not every day you meet an outdoor chef with a master’s degree in international politics who now teaches cooking and bushcraft. Elle Nikishkova defies categorization. She’s driven by a passion to help people reconnect with nature – and to share her love for cooking outdoors.

As with many good stories, it all began at a festival.

– I was attending an outdoor festival, set up my griddle and started foraging mushrooms – and suddenly 30 people were gathered around my fire, wanting to know more,” Elle recalls.

Since 2016, Elles Utemat has grown into an inspiring hub for anyone curious about the intersection of food, nature, and adventure in Uppsala. This is not your average grilled sausage on a disposable barbecue. Think delicious meals cooked over an open flame, guided mushroom foraging tours, and memorable nature experiences to take home from your Uppsala visit.

Nature is always close in Uppsala

Elle’s mission is to lower the threshold for getting outside.

–  Many people are afraid of the unknown – sleeping in a tent, cooking over fire, or even just stepping into the woods,” she says. “But with the right guidance, it becomes not only doable – it’s fun, cozy, and something you’ll want to do again.

One of her favorite spots around Uppsala is the forest area Lunsen, with a rich mix of deciduous trees, pines, spruces – and plenty of mushrooms for picking. It lies southeast of the city center and is easy to reach by bus (line 5). Get off at Smålandsvägen and follow the Upplandsleden trail through Norra Lunsen.

Another hidden gem? The river Fyrisån – best experienced from the water.

– The first time I paddled along Fyrisån, I almost got Guatemala vibes. It’s lush and green, and seeing Uppsala from the river feels like discovering a completely different world, Elle says.

In Uppsala, city life and nature go hand in hand. You never have to choose between urban energy and natural calm – they blend seamlessly. Just steps from shops and cafés, the Årike Fyris nature reserve unfolds like a green oasis along the river. Right here in the heart of town, Elle forages wild treats like nettles (perfect for crispy nettle chips), meadowsweet with its sweet almond aroma, and garlic-scented hedge garlic.

You’ll also find plenty of piers and benches by the water – ideal for a picnic or a peaceful break.

If you’re craving something a bit more refined than campfire cuisine, Elle has a few suggestions in the city too.

– In summer, don’t miss the Skytteanska Garden – home to Hambergs, a top-notch fish restaurant. A glass of wine and a seafood platter here is hard to beat.

In winter, she recommends Johanna och Mat, a restaurant fully committed to local and organic produce – something that’s close to Elle’s heart.