We had dinner at restaurant Farang on New Years Eve. Almost a tradition already as this was second year on a row. Only special menu was available with vegan option.
This time no review, pictures only. But must say that Farang never disappoints!
Restaurant Farang – New Years Eve pictures
6 01 2018Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Farang, Farang 2016 Hewitson, New Year's Eve, Restaurant Farang
Categories : Finland, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine
Restaurant review: Gaijin – re-visit
19 09 2016
“Gaijin” is Japanese word meaning “non Japanese” or “alien”. Restaurant has been extremely popular from the date it was established, which means you must prepare to reserve table enough early. Easiest you get the table at 17.00 ro after 20.00. Before eight, you have 2,5 hours time to dine which is common nowadays in trendy and busy restaurants. There is also possibility to eat in the small bar, but tables are not actually meant for eating due to height.
Decided on third visit again to trust on chef’s skills and ordered tasting menu, MENU GAIJIN and VEGE, which you can also get as vegan version. But before eating tasted aperitives like Gaijin Martini which was really refreshing and tasty drink. Not os strong as martini’s usuallu are, but that was not a problem at all.
Gaijin menu included following dishes:
MUSSEL & YUZU HONEY
green shell mussel, yuzu-honey dressing, seaweed caviar
PORK BUN
pork belly, kimchi mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, soft bread
SASHIMI TASTING
selection of sashimi, roe, wasabi-yuzu dressing, wakami, wasabi mayonnese
SASHIMI PRAWN, FOIE & ROASTED ALMOND “NIGIRI”
Tigerprawn “nigiri”, foie gras, truffle, teriayki rice, almond snow
ROASTED “SAIKYO MISO” SALMON & CAULIFLOWER
‘saikyo’-miso marinated salmon, cauliflower, truffle, dashi emulsion, bonito
BABY BACK PORK RIBS
pork ribs, soy mirin caramel, togarashi
SEARED SCALLOP & X.O
seared scallops, rare chinese X.O. dressing dressing, X.O. mayonese, crispy garlic, seaweed caviar
GAIJIN TONKATSU PARTY
grispy fried pork, salad leafs, Japanese pickles, Gaijin’s kimchi, sesame dressing, chilli paste, brown butter mayonnese
PUMPKIN & LICORICE
pumpkin & almond cake, licorice ice-cream, pistachio and vanilla creme anglaise, licorice cream, licorice marengue
You could order matching wines, but decided to have red wine, Antonutti, from Merlot grapes. Colorful label on the bottle. Wine itself is quite basic but paired well with all dishes enjoyed.
Most of the wines are quite expensive except few “table wines” like Antonutti. On the other hand asian fusion food does not require vintage wines as the taste of wine disappears under the spices and herbs.
Instead of describing and reviewing all dishes, I summarize dining experience.
All dishes were delicious and savory. The whole menu, when it comes to taste, was better than last time I ate it. More spices were used and if you look at the partly rare ingredients, combining them to different dishes, was briallianty done.
Could have given even litter better grade for FOOD, but using only pork for 3 different meat dishes menu included, lowered the grade. Last time also chicken and lamb was used.
VEGE version was also excellent. Maybe later will post a review about it.
Restaurant Gaijin is cozy and relaxing place to eat as all 4 restaurants which are owned by same chef’s.
Service is great as you could expect although the spaces between tables are narrow. Ingredients of all dishes are opened up every time although remembering all of them must not be easy.
REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 – SERVICE 4+/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5
Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: asian food, Boulevard Social, Bronda, Farang, Gaijin, vegan
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine
Restaurant review: Gaijin – re-visit
18 09 2016
“Gaijin” is Japanese word meaning “non Japanese” or “alien”. Restaurant has been extremely popular from the date it was established, which means you must prepare to reserve table enough early. Easiest you get the table at 17.00 ro after 20.00. Before eight, you have 2,5 hours time to dine which is common nowadays in trendy and busy restaurants. There is also possibility to eat in the small bar, but tables are not actually meant for eating due to height.
Decided on third visit again to trust on chef’s skills and ordered tasting menu, MENU GAIJIN and VEGE, which you can also get as vegan version. But before eating tasted aperitives like Gaijin Martini which was really refreshing and tasty drink. Not os strong as martini’s usuallu are, but that was not a problem at all.
Gaijin menu included following dishes:
MUSSEL & YUZU HONEY
green shell mussel, yuzu-honey dressing, seaweed caviar
PORK BUN
pork belly, kimchi mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, soft bread
SASHIMI TASTING
selection of sashimi, roe, wasabi-yuzu dressing, wakami, wasabi mayonnese
SASHIMI PRAWN, FOIE & ROASTED ALMOND “NIGIRI”
Tigerprawn “nigiri”, foie gras, truffle, teriayki rice, almond snow
ROASTED “SAIKYO MISO” SALMON & CAULIFLOWER
‘saikyo’-miso marinated salmon, cauliflower, truffle, dashi emulsion, bonito
BABY BACK PORK RIBS
pork ribs, soy mirin caramel, togarashi
SEARED SCALLOP & X.O
seared scallops, rare chinese X.O. dressing dressing, X.O. mayonese, crispy garlic, seaweed caviar
GAIJIN TONKATSU PARTY
grispy fried pork, salad leafs, Japanese pickles, Gaijin’s kimchi, sesame dressing, chilli paste, brown butter mayonnese
PUMPKIN & LICORICE
pumpkin & almond cake, licorice ice-cream, pistachio and vanilla creme anglaise, licorice cream, licorice marengue
You could order matching wines, but decided to have red wine, Antonutti, from Merlot grapes. Colorful label on the bottle. Wine itself is quite basic but paired well with all dishes enjoyed.
Most of the wines are quite expensive except few “table wines” like Antonutti. On the other hand asian fusion food does not require vintage wines as the taste of wine disappears under the spices and herbs.
Instead of describing and reviewing all dishes, I summarize dining experience.
All dishes were delicious and savory. The whole menu, when it comes to taste, was better than last time I ate it. More spices were used and if you look at the partly rare ingredients, combining them to different dishes, was briallianty done.
Could have given even litter better grade for FOOD, but using only pork for 3 different meat dishes menu included, lowered the grade. Last time also chicken and lamb was used.
VEGE version was also excellent. Maybe later will post a review about it.
Restaurant Gaijin is cozy and relaxing place to eat as all 4 restaurants which are owned by same chef’s.
Service is great as you could expect although the spaces between tables are narrow. Ingredients of all dishes are opened up every time although remembering all of them must not be easy.
REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 – SERVICE 4+/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5
Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: asian food, Boulevard Social, Bronda, Farang, Gaijin, vegan
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine
Restaurant review: Farang – tasting menu
29 02 2016
Farang is a restaurant which serves modern Asian cuisine, located within the premises of the historical Kunsthalle. Restaurant’s simplified, modern and atmospheric decor combined with the warm service and strong expertise in Asian cuisine creates an excellent setting for a comprehensive dining experience.
One can also drink aperitif in the small bar inside one the the two dining rooms and observe other diners.
As a regular visitor, dediced again to enjoy Farang Tasting menu. Menu consist of 8 dishes if you include thai roti bread as one of them.
CHA PLU, `ROASTED ALBACORE
lime marinated Albacore tuna on a cha plu leaf, green mango, roasted peanut, Atlantic salmon roe
HAMACHI SASHIMI `COCONUT & LIME´
hamachi sashimi, coconut cream and lime dressing, Asian herbs
CRISPY SOFTSHELL CRAB `SALT & PEPPER´
softshell crab, green mango, mint, peanut `nahm jim´dressing
CRISPY PORK & PALM SUGAR CARAMEL
braised, crispy fried pork, caramel, rice vinegar
THAI-ROTI BREAD, REDANG CURRY
chinese water cress, bok choy, soft bean curd, battered crispy tofu
MORNING GLORY, `SALT & PEPPER´ TOFU
chinese water cress, bok choy, battered crispy tofu
CARAMELIZED BEEF SHORTRIBS, `JUNGLE CURRY & CHILI JAM
roasted beef shortribs, Farang’s `chili jam´ flavoured jungle curry, coconut cream, thai eggplant, `nahm pla prik´ dressing
HOLA HOLA 19´
thai style marinated fruits, sweet pea, vanilla and coconut cream, guava peach sorbet
First dish was superb, rolled leaf around tuna with herbs and spices was excellent as always. Fish can change because once it was trout.
Sashimi was soft and spicy dressing complemented the flavour of fish.
Soft shell crab was crispy and paired well with mango and herbs.
One of the favourites crispy pork with palmsugar caramel did not disappoint this time either. It has been one of the favourites all 7 years Farang has been operating.
Tofu had to be eaten with thai roti bread. Bread with sauces was that scrumptious that one could have eaten only those.
Beef shortribs were tender but like more pork ribs. Maybe was already full but this dish was not at the level all others were.
Dessert was 19th version of Hola Hola, becoming already a classic sweet dish. Asian dessert is difficult for Finns but Farang can prepare them to better suit local taste.
Tasting menu has not changed much during the years, but can absolutely recommend it, becase one has a chance to get familiar with different asian flavours. By ordering from a la carte list only few savors can be enjoyed.
For wine had Italian red wine Korone produced from Sangiovese, Merlot, small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and autochthonous vines. Wine paired extremely well with spicy tastes because of grape combination.
Farang was again nominated as Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in February 2016. Actually 3 of 4 Bib Gourmand restaurants in Helsinki are owned by the same guys. Not bad at all!
REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 – SERVICE 4,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5
Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: asian food, Farang, Korone, Kunsthalle, Matti Wiberg, Michelin guide, Taidehalli, Tomi Björk
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine
Guide Michelin: Bib Gourmand designated restaurants in Helsinki
14 03 2014What is Bib Gourmand restaurant?
“The Bib Gourmand designation denotes good cuisine at a reasonable price in a variety of comfort categories. Defined as “Inspectors’ Favorites for Good Value,” Bib Gourmand restaurants offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included), and are often of most value to a city’s residents, who regularly dine in neighborhood restaurants” (source: Guide Michelin)
Restaurants with Bib Gourmand designation 2014 in Helsinki are:
Boulevard Social http://boulevardsocial.fi/en/ (NEW!)
Not visited
Farang https://reijosfood.com/?s=Farang
Gaijin https://reijosfood.com/?s=Gaijin
Emo https://reijosfood.com/?s=Emo (NEW!)
PureBistro https://reijosfood.com/?s=PureBistro
You can find reviews of these restaurants at reijosfood.com via links.
Amazing that first three restaurants are owned by same chef’s, Tomi Björk and Matti Wiberg. They have just opened 4th restaurant Bronda, which will be reviewed by Restaurant and Wine epicure (reijosfood) in April. Maybe next year it will be designated as Bib Gourmand restaurant?
Emo and PureBistro are partly owned by Michelin star restaurant chef’s; Emo is little sister for Olo and PureBistro for Luomo.
Grotesk and Solna lost their Bib Gourmand designations.
Conclusion:
Would say that at least 3 of the designated restaurants have earned to be on the list; Emo, Farang and PureBistro. Now that Michelin Guide have chosen 3 “ethnic” kitchens, Yume could replace Gaijin. But as it is owned by Kämp Group not by chef’s, it might be obstacle. There are also some other restaurants which could be designated like Copas y Tapas, Meche or Spis, see reviews at reijosfood.com.
Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: Boulevard Social, Copas y Tapas, Emo, Farang, food, Gaijin, Guide Michelin, Helsinki, Michelin guide, PureBistro, restaurant, Spis, Yume
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel
Restaurant review: Farang
1 08 2013
Best Asian style fine dining restaurant in Helsinki and Finland? Also one of the best restaurants in Finland? Are you ready to eat with fingers and without knife?
Restaurant Farang serves modern Asian cuisine utilizing traditional habits like only fork and spoon available for eating. Dining rooms are located within the premises of the Taidehalli. You could also enjoy aperitif in the bar at the back of the main dining room. However, we were suggested to enjoy aperitifs in our table. We had planned to visit the bar but now missed it.
Farang has been nominated on Michelin guide as charming restaurant third year in a row and it was chosen the best of the 50 restaurants in Finland 2011. Therefore it was fully booked at 6PM when we dined on last day of July as it usually is.
Our second review was now based on enjoying TASTING MENU ‘SIAM’ because Farang Menu had not changed so much. 2012 Farang got best points (see review via link below). Siam Tasting Menu included 9 dishes + rice.
GREEN SHELL MUSSEL, GREEN NAHM JIM DRESSING
coriander, seaweed caviar, crispy onion
Spicy and delicious small bites, really well prepared. Must eat with fingers.
CHA PLU LEAF WITH SMOKED EEL
roasted peanuts, seaweed caviar
Some more eel would have crowned this otherwise so scrumptious portion. Must eat with fingers.
GRILLED BLACK ANGUS BEEF ‘DRY RED CURRY’
grilled beef, salad of green papaya flavored with red curry, thai basil, organic coconut oil
Spicy and delicious, more beef thank you! Rice was served now.
PORK RIBS ‘ROASTED RICE’
red nahm jim dressing, roasted rice, ginger, coriander
Best ribs ever, if you get these you will not ask anymore for any other ribs. Must eat with fingers.
FRIED SCALLOP ON HALF SHELL ‘SATAY’
satay sauce, peanut relish, coconut cream
Scallop was splitted which released the flavours perfectly and satay sauce complimented dining pleasure.
MORNING GLORY, CRISPY FRIED SALT & PEPPER TOFU
chinese water cress, bok choy, soft bean curd, battered crispy tofu
Nice combination; if bok choy had been chopped it would have been easier to eat because knife was not available.
YELLOW CURRY ‘MALAY’, ROASTED CHICKEN
roasted peanuts, lime leaf, thai cucumber relish
Chicken was delicious! As a suprise we were not informed, that due to some of our requests one portion was replaced by salmon. As salmon (fish) is quite far from chicken, maybe it would have been fair to tell about it. However, salmon was well prepared and not too dry.
THAI JASMINE RICE
‘SAMUI SUNSET’
passion creme, lychee blood orange sorbet
‘KOPI LUWAK’
peanut cake, coconut parfait, coffee ‘gele’, mango sorbet
Both desserts were served at the same time. Mango sorbet was like ice-cream, soft and “creamy”
Tried also recommendations for wines. However, the quantity of wines (about 50 cl for one person) might be a little bit effusive. Muskateller was not perfect choise for first three dishes as it is quite modest and light. Especially with Black Angus beef it was totally lost. All other wine recommendations paired perfectly with food.
Muskateller 2011, Satterhof, Gamlitz, Sudsteiermark, Austria
Edelsatz 2012, Philipp Kuhn, Platz, Germany
Mencia 2008, Godelia, Bierzo, Spain
Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Errazuriz, Casablanca Valley, Chile
Let’s be careful out there…why use old tv series phrase? One waitress asked us not to take photos of other customers which we never do. This time customer was the red box which is in the first picture. So…..use your camera wisely. On the other hand some training for one waitress. In this modern society when all mobile phones have cameras it would be difficult to ban photographing but recommend Farang would do it in order to avoid misunderstandings. This incident dropped service and overall grades which otherwise would have been as good as last time.
However, if you like Asian fine dining and spicy food and do not convey to eat with fingers and without knife, you are in the right place. Also restaurant is really skilled to change the composition of portions according to your wishes when it comes to food allergies. Recommend to taste Farang Menu because it shows best how outstanding food you can get.
REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 – SERVICE 4/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4+/5
Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: asian food, asian restaurant, Black Angus beef, Farang, Finland, food, Fried scallop, Green shell mussel, Helsinki, Jasmine rice, Kunsthalle, photo, photographing, restaurant, restaurant review, Roasted chicken, Smoked eel, Taidehalli, Wine
Categories : Bar, Food, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine
Restaurant review: Gaijin
30 03 2013Gaijin is Japanese word meaning “non Japanese” or “alien. As well as Farang is a Thai word for foreigner and especially for Europeans “non Thai”.
These both words are used in the restaurant names of Farang and Gaijin, second restaurant of chefs Tomi Björk and Matti Wiberg. Gaijin offers flavours by combining traditional Japanese and Korean dishes with foods from North China. Most of the dishes have been designed to be shared, usually two set menus with possibility to order wine packages. Because Gaijin is popular place you must prepare to reserve table enough early. And restaurant seemed to be full after 5 PM.
Restaurant was honoured with Bib Gourmand by Michelin Guide next year after opening in April 2011 and again 2013. It is located on the corner of Bulevardi and Yrjönkatu next to third restaurant of Björk and Wiberg, Boulevard Social.
We decided to trust on Chef’s skills and ordered tasting menu named MENU GAIJIN. BUT … table reservation started at 5PM and after 2,5 hours we should leave. BUT… we just finished and asked for coffee/tea and got 15 minutes extra time. BUT… after dining several times at so great Farang we were a little bit disappointed with the intensity of flavours. BUT….
MUSSEL
green shell mussel, yuzu-mirin dressing, pickled noodle
Excellent performance by the chef. One of the best experiecens of the dinner.
PORK BUN
pork belly, kimchi mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, soft bread
Quite big soft bread made wonder if this was fast food but it was not. Nice!
SASHIMI
sashimi of the day
Sashimis were great. Finns and Japanese are close to when it comes to raw fish. Could eat more….!
FOIE & UNAGI
glazed eel, duck liver, nori-bread, cherry
Lady is not keen on foie gras, no problem. Otherwise quite tasty portion.
MISO SALMON, APPLE & LEMON
‘saikyo’-miso marinated salmon, apple, cucumber, pickled daikon, lemon jam, walnut, marinated roe, truffle-dashi broth
For Lady most prefered dish. OK for me, but expected more flavours.
CHICKEN UMEBOSHI YAKITORI
grilled chicken marinated in sweet plum soy
Chicken was pretty OK but it lacked some taste. Unfortunately two pieces were raw
SESAME, GINGER & SOY SCALLOP
fried scallop, sesame-soy dressing, spring onion, seaweed caviar
Again, nice BUT……You can create more taste of scallops if you fry them a little bit more
MONGOLIAN LAMB HOT POT
braised lamb neck, grilled and smoked fennel, lamb broth
Great meat especially in Easter!
GREEN TEA & WHITE XOCO
green tea flavored white chocolate mousse, meringue, granny smith apple, szechuan pepper
Dessert was best part of dinner. Usually Japanese do not eat dessert but these were really delicious
Restaurant Gaijin is cozy and relaxing place to eat. If you decide to order Menu Gaijin, best time to enjoy it is after 8PM. We started dinner at 5PM and should leave at 0730PM. There are dining slots for customers as in many other restaurants today. We were too slow. Go to Farang if you like spicy food, dine at Gaijin if you prefer milder tastes; beginning of journey to more spicy world.
Service is great as you could expect and served by copy cat cute waitresses. They know wines and food which is important.
REVIEW: FOOD 4-/5 – SERVICE 4,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4+/5
Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: Boulevard Social, Farang, Gaijin, Miso, restaurant, restaurant review, Sashimi
Categories : Food, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine
TOP 10 restaurants in Finland
13 12 2012
Kauppalehti Optio has listed 10 best restaurants in Finland. Magazine has in each issue reviews of three different restaurants which also supports this list. Best restaurants are:
1. Chez Dominique, Helsinki..2 Michelin stars
2. Olo, Helsinki..1 Michelin star
3. Savoy, Helsinki
4. Muru, Helsinki
5. Farang, Helsinki (X)
6. Demo, Helsinki..1 Michelin star (X)
7. Luomo, Helsinki..1 Michelin star
8. G.W. Sundmans, Helsinki
9. C, Tampere
10. Chef & Sommelier, Helsinki
(X) Restaurant and wine reviews has tested these restaurants
Only Michelin 1 star restaurant missing from TOP 10 is restaurant Postres.
Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Chez Dominique, Demo, Farang, G.W.Sundmans, Luomo, Muru, Olo, Savoy
Categories : Restaurant
TOP 50 restaurants in Finland
22 11 2012
The 50 Best Restaurants in Finland
Project by Uni One Oy started in 2004 aiming to increase appreciation of Finland’s restaurants by listing the top 50 each year in a handy guide book format and in the newspaper. About 200-300 leading professionals from Finland’s restaurant industry – both chefs and others – are given the chance to vote for the establishment they see as the best. This creates the 50 Best list.
Interesting is that only 2 out of 5 Michelin star restaurants are in TOP 10 in this list https://reijosfood.com/2012/03/14/michelin-star-restaurants-in-finland-2012/
Restaurant Olo has 1 Michelin star which proves they have earned 1st place. Also Nyt-Insert chose Olo to the second place in their review http://nyt.fi/20121102-nyt-liite-valitsi-nokka-on-helsingin-paras-ravintola/
Restaurant Muru was chosen restaurant of the year 2012 by Finnish Gastronomy Society which also is a proof of being on top of this list http://www.gastronomit.fi/vuodenravintola.php.
Restaurant Farang leads Restaurant and wine reviews ranking, again right place.
Chez Dominique with 2 Michelin stars also earns to be on top. All other positions you can judge by yourself.
1. Olo, Helsinki
2. Muru, Helsinki
3. Farang, Helsinki (X)
4. Chez Dominique, Helsinki
5. Savoy, Helsinki
6. Gaijin, Helsinki
7. Mami, Turku
8. Chef & Sommelier, Helsinki
9. Bertha, Tampere
10. Sergio’s, Turku
11. Sinne, Porvoo
12. Ateljé Finne, Helsinki
13. Luomo, Helsinki
14. Demo, Helsinki (X)
15. Nokka, Helsinki
16. G.W. Sundmans, Helsinki
17. Smör, Turku
18. Bistro O mat, Kirkkonummi
19. Spis, Helsinki (X)
20. Boulevard Social, Helsinki
21. Tintå, Turku
22. Hella ja Huone, Tampere
23. Kuurna, Helsinki
24. C, Tampere
25. Postres, Helsinki
26. Kosmos, Helsinki
27. Juuri, Helsinki
28. Sea Horse, Helsinki
29. Os, Kuopio
30. Salutorget, Helsinki (X)
31. Näsinneula, Tampere
32. Aito, Helsinki
33. Strindberg, Helsinki (X)
34. Carelia, Helsinki
35. Kolme Kruunua, Helsinki
36. Tertin kartano, Mikkeli
37. Pinella, Turku
38. Musta Lammas, Kuopio
39. Rivoletto, Helsinki
40. Sunn, Helsinki
41. Lupolo, Helsinki
42. Patrona, Helsinki
43. Gastone, Helsinki (X)
44. Teatterin Grilli, Helsinki (X)
45. Pure Bistro, Helsinki (X)
46. Pöllöwaari, Jyväskylä
47. Grotesk, Helsinki
48. Nautical, Maarianhamina
49. Gastropub tuulensuu
50. 1881 Uleåborg
Lots of restaurants to visit…. reviewed restaurants marked with (X)
Ranking by Restaurant and wine reviews (reijosfood.com) can be found https://reijosfood.com/about/
Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Chez Dominique, Farang, Gaijin, Michelin star, Muru, Olo, Savoy, TOP 50 best restaurants in Finland, Uni One Oy
Categories : Restaurant
Restaurant ranking 2012 – Helsinki, Finland
31 08 2012It is time to summarize the TOP 5 year 2012 ranking of reviewed restaurants by the end of August. All scores are based on personal experiences and feelings of at least two people. If same restaurant would have been visited twice better scores would be included in the ranking. Scoreboard includes only restaurants in Helsinki although some restaurant reviews were performed outside of Helsinki and abroad.
| 1) FARANG……………………14,00 | |||
| 2) DEMO……………………….13,50 | |||
| 3) SPIS………………………….13,25 | |||
| 4) HAVIS……………………….13,00 | |||
| 5) SALUTORGET……………..12,75 | |||
Farang is a restaurant which serves modern Asian cuisine. Restaurant opened its doors in August 2009. Unique concept in Finland and delicious food, always full.
Restaurant Demo is a 45 -seat Michelin star restaurant that opened its doors January 2003. Has been able to keep Michelin star for 6 years.
Restaurant Spis is small 18-seat Nordic restaurant which was opened in January 2012. Interesting newcomer.
Example pictures are first courses; Farang, Demo and SPIS.
In the future ranking list will be updated on the page: RESTAURANT REVIEWS. Please check later for possible changes in ranking or scores.
https://reijosfood.com/2012/06/30/restaurant-review-farang/
https://reijosfood.com/2012/08/26/restaurant-review-demo/
https://reijosfood.com/2012/08/10/restaurant-review-spis/
https://reijosfood.com/2012/06/23/restaurant-review-havis/
https://reijosfood.com/2012/04/20/restaurant-review-salutorget/
Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: Demo, Farang, Havis, Helsinki TOP 5 restaurants, Michelin star, Salutorget, Spis
Categories : Restaurant
Restaurant review: Farang
30 06 2012
Farang is a restaurant which serves modern Asian cuisine, located within the premises of the historical Kunsthalle. Farang offers unique and fresh flavors from Southeast Asia. Restaurant’s simplified, modern and atmospheric decor combined with the warm service and strong expertise in Asian cuisine creates an excellent setting for a comprehensive dining experience. One can also drink aperitif in the bar inside dining room and observe other diners. Farang is mentioned on Michelin guide as charming and best value restaurant.
Dediced to enjoy Farang Tasting menu which was real fireworks:
CHA PLU LEAF WITH SMOKED TROUT
roasted peanuts, trout roe
HAMACHI SASHIMI, VIETNAMESE STYLE
kingfish sashimi, asian herbs, black vinegar dressing
SOFT SHELL CRAB
green mango, mint, caramelized peanut, green ‘nahm jim’
CRISPY PORK WITH PALMSUGAR CARAMEL
crispy fried, braised pork with caramel and rice vinegar
THAI-ROTI BREAD, REDANG CURRY MORNING GLORY, CRISPY FRIED SALT & PEPPER TOFU
chinese water cress, bok choy, soft bean curd, battered crispy tofu
VEAL CHEEK ‘SEREMBAN’
slow braised veal cheeks, aromatic chili broth, ‘chili jam’ -sprout salad, noodles
THAI JASMINE RICE
‘HOLA HOLA 4′
Thai style marinated fruits, sweet peas, lime, vanilla-coconut stock, mango passion fruit sorbet
First dish was superb, rolled leaf around trout and enjoyed crisp and tasty dish. Kingfish was soft and spicy dressing complemented the flavour of fish. Crab was crispy but maybe a little bit too much fried. One of the favourites crispy pork with palmsugar caramel did not disappoint. In Taste of Helsinki it was a little bit over cooked but in an authentic environment just perfect. Tofu and thai roti bread were excellent; one could have eaten only bread with those sauces. Chinese watergrass is close to spinach. Veal cheek was tender and with dressing a great experience. Dessert was 4th version of Hola Hola, tasted better than we had a year ago. Tasting menu has not changed much since eaten last time, but can absolutely recommend it becase one has a chance to get familiar with different asian flavours. By ordering from a la carte list only few savors can be enjoyed.
Farang has few own Australian wines on their wine list. Red one suited well with pork and veal.
REVIEW: FOOD 5-/5 – SERVICE 5-/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5
Only annoying fact due to strong and delicious aroma of spices is that one might need to air clothing after scrumptious dining.
Note: Farang is closed 2.7 – 30.7 due to summer vacations. Prepare to book table well in advance as restaurant is always full.
http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Restaurant/Helsingfors-00100-Farang-308850-41102
If you have time to visit to Kunsthalle after lunch or before dinner it is worth of it – http://taidehalli.fi/english/
Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: asian food, bar, Crab, Crispy pork, Curry, Farang, fine dining, Hola hola, Kunsthalle, Matti Wiberg, Michelin guide, review, Rice, Taidehalli, Tofu, Tomi Björk, Trout, Veal cheek, Wine
Categories : Restaurant, Wine
Taste of Helsinki – Part II reviews
17 06 2012Part II includes reviews of tasted dishes at Taste of Helsinki.
http://www.tasteofhelsinki.fi/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Helsinki-Menu-2012.jpg
Small disappointment was that none of the restaurants offered fresh fish for main course even though Helsinki is located by the sea. However, all dishes were delicious. Plastic cutlery was understandable, but caused some challenges. Must say that chefs made good job in a hurry. All dishes were well prepared and outlooks were perfect.
Decided to taste for starters Gambas Paris from restaurant Bistro o Mat Grilled prawns, goat cheese, salad and grilled garlic bread which was excellent. Grill was outside by the restaurant marquee. From restaurant Muru (restaurant of the year 2012) Pate from Sir Lintsi, marinated swamps and red onion compote which was scrumptious, especially sweet onion compote. From Demo (1 Michelin star) ate Cold-smoked salmon and truffle potato pyre, excellent choice. And from Carelia fetched Endive-Aura Gold salad with caramelized walnuts, maybe Aura Gold should have been without alloy.
Chose for main courses from restaurant Farang Crispy pork, palm sugar caramel and rice vinegar which was really crisp but little bit difficult to eat with plastic fork. From restaurant Smör Organic lamb, early potato and ice herb, maybe best of all dishes.
For dessert had Tiramisu from Toscanini and Fraise, strawberries and meringue from Bistro o Mat. Tiramisu is always sweet, Italian restaurant Toscanini is located near Tomi Björks restaurants Gaijin and Boulevard Social. Meringue was tasty, totally different experience one gets in most cases. Must visit Bistro o Mat soon although it is located in Kirkkonummi.
This time reviews are for all dishes, not for different restaurant kitchens. One can not either judge service as food was served over the counter. All dishes provided possibility to relish gourmet food. Because weather was so good open air event succeeded 100%. Only minus was lack of tabels and chairs.
REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 (starters)
REVIEW: FOOD 5-/5 (main courses)
REVIEW: FOOD 4+/5 (desserts)
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Tags: bar, Bistro O mat, Carelia, Champagne, Demo, Farang, fine dining, Michelin guide, Michelin star, Muru, review, Smör, Taittinger, Toscanini, Wine
Categories : Restaurant, Wine
Taste of Helsinki – Part I
16 06 2012Part I includes vibes of Taste of Helsinki. Take a look at the pictures and make a conclusion how event succeeded on 16th June at lunch time. Some struggling with tickets but hopefully we shall meet again next year. Pictures are from Saturday lunch.
Tomi Björk from Farang, Teemu Aura from Demo and Samuil Angelov from restaurant Muru and their teams did their best as you can see inthe pictures below.
Jyrki Sukula presented interesting Finnish food history. Because of health program Finns accepted to use herbs instead of salt and butter which are used in French kitchen.
Second last picture shows queue for evening event. Lot’s of Markka’s spent 🙂
Review and pictures of foods tasted in part II.
http://www.tasteofhelsinki.fi/en/recipe-for-a-great-day-out-2/
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Tags: Aito, Bistro O mat, C, Carelia, Champagne, Chez Dominique, Demo, Farang, fine dining, Juuri, Jyrki Sukula, Michelin star, Muru, Pork, review, Salmon, Samuil Angelov, Smör, Taste of Helsinki, Tiramisu, Toscanini, Wine
Categories : Restaurant, Wine
Taste of Helsinki – review will follow
14 06 2012
Taste Festifals in Helsinki, tickets available and in sale. Event is on 14th – 17th June near new Music House.
Update on 14th June: Taste of Helsinki in MTV3 news at 10PM on 14th June!
Update on 31st May: Now tickets are sold at lower prices until 10th Aug, but without refund below. Let’s see how many people will come.
Update on 26th April: Tickets have been available from 1st of April but thanks to Helsinki City support, prices for tickets are now cheaper. Bought already tickets before new prices but can get some money back when entering festival area.
Taste Festivals are unique events where the host city’s most acclaimed restaurants and chefs gather to present their signature dishes to visitors. Taste Festivals have now set a new benchmark for food and drinks worldwide with many Taste Festivals being hosted around the world, now also in Helsinki.
At each event, hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy signature dishes from the world’s finest restaurants, purchase top quality food and drink from our exhibitors and meet the most loved celebrity chefs. For Taste of Helsinki already following chefs have indicated participations: Tomi Björck, Kari Aihinen and Sami Tallberg.
Several fine dining restaurants will be there too including Aito, Mistro O mat, C, Carelia, Demo, Farang, Juuri, Muru, Smör, and Toscanini
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Tags: Aito, Bistro O mat, C, Carelia, Demo, Farang, fine dining, Finnish restaurant, Juuri, Muru, review, Smör, Taste Festivals, Toscanini
Categories : Restaurant, Wine
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