Finnjävel Salonki

Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Finnjävel Salonki in Helsinki:

1. Deep Integration of Finnish Culture and Design
Finnjävel Salonki offers a dining experience that is not only about food but also a celebration of Finnish culture through its interior design. The restaurant is located in the historic Helsingin Taidehalli, an art exhibition space built in Nordic classicism style from the 1920s. Every detail of the décor, including plates and cutlery, is Finnish design, created by renowned designers Ateljé Sotamaa and the sibling duo Kivi and Tuuli Sotamaa. This creates a holistic cultural immersion beyond just the culinary aspect.

2. Culinary Journey Through Finnish Food Traditions with a Modern Twist
The menu is a refined exploration of Finland’s centuries-old food culture, emphasizing local, wild ingredients and traditional preservation methods like salting, smoking, and fermentation. The cuisine reflects the scarcity and minimalism of the Nordic climate, where nothing is wasted, and creativity was essential for survival. This approach results in dishes that evoke the flavors of the northern wilderness and the unique sensations of the Finnish nightless summer, blending heritage with sophisticated modern gastronomy.

3. Playful and Thoughtful Wine Pairing Concept
Finnjävel Salonki’s wine service stands out for its tongue-in-cheek categorization of wine packages into “good wines” and “better wines,” adding a lighthearted yet curated dimension to the dining experience. This unconventional approach to wine pairing complements the serious craftsmanship of the food and service, which has earned the restaurant not only a Michelin star but also a Nordic Service Award.

The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Finnjävel Salonki in Helsinki are:

• Reindeer: A quintessential Finnish meat, often featured in signature dishes, showcasing traditional curing and smoking techniques that highlight Finland's northern heritage.

• Fresh fish from surrounding waters: Reflecting Finland's rich aquatic resources, these are prepared with methods like fermenting or smoking to enhance natural flavors.

• Root vegetables: Staples in Finnish kitchens such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes, used to complement meat and fish dishes, emphasizing rustic, home-cooked Finnish traditions.

• Dairy and eggs: Integral to Finnish cuisine, these ingredients are used in various forms, often incorporating traditional preservation methods.

These ingredients are significant as they embody Finland’s culinary history and are treated with traditional methods like curing, smoking, and fermenting, which are central to Finnjävel Salonki’s philosophy of honoring Finnish food culture from a century ago.

Tasting Menus

• 7-course menu: €180
• 9-course menu: €220

Signature Dishes

• Blue Lobster: €95
• Other dishes available, but prices not specified