Gastro Scandinavia: A foodie’s destination in the north

Scandinavia is world-renowned for originality, and diners will find that same innovation in Scandinavian kitchens, where a new wave of creative, world-class chefs are earning rave reviews for the “New Nordic Cuisine” concept.

Sprung from a dozen prominent chefs in the Scandinavian region, the concept is a kitchen movement dedicating itself to freshness, simplicity, and ethics in cooking. The concept involves using locally sourced and organic ingredients, and focuses on bringing back traditional dishes native to Scandinavia with an innovative twist. Famed chefs such as Norway’s Geir Skeie, Denmark’s Rene Redzepi, and Sweden’s Mathias Dahlgren all take part in the movement.

Foodies will find much to enjoy in Scandinavia. The region boasts a total of 27 Michelin rated restaurants. In addition to the assortment of gourmet restaurants, Scandinavia also took home the top three honors at the 2012 Bocuse D’Or international chef championship.

Over the past decade, Stockholm has been widely publicized as one of Europe’s most exciting, diverse and creative gastronomic destinations boasting a range of world class restaurants. Swedish chefs have distinguished themselves on the global arena, one of them acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson who mixes traces of Scandinavian flavors with French technique and African ideas at his restaurant Red Rooster Harlem.

Norway’s awe-inspiring, unspoiled nature has influenced the cuisine within the country. Norwegian cuisine’s success is based on products that thrive on pure waters and fresh, clean air. Diners can enjoy freshly caught cod from Lofoten, or juicy, sweet cherries from Hardanger.

Denmark’s gourmet restaurants are on the rise, especially in Copenhagen, where no fewer than 13 of the local eateries are Michelin rated. Even Tivoli Gardens boasts a Michelin rated restaurant. The city is also home to Noma, which has been ranked as the Best Restaurant in the World.

MARCUS SAMUELSSON
chef/owner red rooster Harlem
“My favorite dish all categories is our spiced bagel and lox — it’s spiced with Ethiopian spices, smoked the Scandinavian way with crisp bagel chips. It’s one dish that I really enjoy and I think it reflects my culinary sensibilities.”

Cuisine

Norway
Tjuvholmen Sjømagasinet First class seafood restaurant.

Oro Exclusive gourmet food.

Onda One building, three premium restaurants.

Denmark

Noma Nordic cuisine at its best. Voted the world’s best restaurant.

Aamanns Classic smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) with a twist.

Relæ Gourmet food cafeteria style.

Sweden

Frantzén Lindeberg Intimate restaurant with French/Nordic food.

B.A.R Fresh produce year round.

Norda Gothenburg Farm-to-table food by chef Marcus Samuelsson.

This article appeared as part of a special pull-out section for Metro.