In a dazzling display of culinary excellence, the MICHELIN Guide has bestowed its coveted stars upon two Finnish restaurants, adding further sparkle to the Nordic gastronomic scene. Tapio in Ruka, Northern Finland, and The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan in Helsinki stand as beacons of innovation and flavor, earning their rightful place among the world’s finest dining establishments. As Finland’s culinary prowess continues to captivate palates worldwide, these new stars shine brightly, illuminating the nation’s rich culinary heritage and commitment to culinary creativity.
New Stars on the Nordic Culinary Map
The MICHELIN Guide has unveiled its latest selections for Nordic restaurants, with Finland celebrating the addition of two new Michelin-starred establishments: Tapio in Ruka and The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan in Helsinki. These awards bring the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Finland to nine, reaffirming the country’s growing reputation as a top-tier culinary destination. Tapio, located in the heart of a ski resort in Northern Finland, is now the world’s northernmost restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Run by Johanna Mourujärvi and her partner, British chef Connor Laybourne, Tapio impressed the judges with its refined cooking style.
The guide noted, “There is a pared-back style to Connor’s cooking, which emphasizes the wonderful purity of the ingredients’ natural flavors – while still containing multiple layers of flavor in every well-constructed dish.”
This recognition highlights Tapio’s dedication to showcasing the region’s natural bounty in an elegantly simplistic manner. In Helsinki, The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan offers a unique and theatrical dining experience that captivates the Michelin judges. The 14-seat restaurant promises an immersive sensory journey, with Kozeen Shiwan engaging guests like an MC and delivering dishes with a flamboyant touch. Born in Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq, Shiwan tells his life story through his cooking. The guide praised his approach, stating, “Kozeen provides a dining experience unlike any other,” making The ROOM a standout addition to Finland’s culinary scene.
Sustainability in the Spotlight
Nokka in Helsinki was awarded a Green Star, an accolade introduced in 2021 to honor restaurants that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly practices. Nokka exemplifies this ethos by using leftover wines to make in-house vinegar, repurposing kitchen oil for heating greenhouses, and pickling or fermenting ingredients to reduce waste and enhance flavor. This recognition brings the total number of Finnish Green Star restaurants to five, joining Grön, Natura, Nolla, and VÅR.
The awards were announced during the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Nordic Countries at Savoy Theatre in Helsinki, part of the City of Helsinki’s Feast Helsinki program, celebrating the capital’s unique culinary culture. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of The MICHELIN Guides, emphasized the region’s dynamic food scene, stating, “This reaffirms the region’s place as a fascinating and ever-evolving dining destination with real depth and quality.”
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