As beautiful as these locations are, food does fall on the costly side – especially if you’re looking to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Thankfully the Nordic countries are also home to more than a handful of Bib Gourmand restaurants if you’re looking for spots recommended by the Michelin inspectors. These are places where a three course meal can be had for NOK 395 (or about SGD67).
Denmark and Sweden are home to the most number of Bib Gourmand recipients in the region but Finland, Iceland and Norway too have their contenders. Here’s where to dine.
Gaijin
Gaijin comes with dark, contemporary décor, a buzzing atmosphere, attentive service and an emphasis on sharing. Its experienced owners offer boldly flavoured, skilfully presented modern takes on Japanese, Korean and Northern Chinese recipes. The tasting menus are a great way to sample the different cuisines. Bulevardi 6, 00120 Helsinski.
Boulevard Social
Owned by the same people as next door Gaijin, this lively, informal restaurant offers an accessible range of authentic North African, Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean dishes; try the set or tasting menus to experience a cross-section of them all. If they're fully booked, ask for a seat at the counter. Bulevardi 6, 00120 Helsinki.
Emo
Laid-back restaurant with an adjoining bar and a friendly team. The menu is easy-going too, offering around 10 regularly changing dishes that can be taken either as starters or main courses. Quality ingredients feature in flavoursome, unfussy preparations, which are good value and come with a contemporary touch. Kasarmikatu 44, 00130 Helsinki.
Farang
This stylish, modern restaurant is housed in the Kunsthalle art centre. One room is decorated with large photos of Thai scenes and has communal tables; the other is more intimate and furnished in red, black and grey. Zesty, harmonious dishes take their influences from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. Ainonkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki.
Iceland (Reykjavik)
Matur og Drykkur
This simple little eatery is named after a famous Icelandic cookbook and shares its premises with the Saga Museum. Old recipes are given subtle modern twists, with delicious dishes displaying touches of creativity. Alongside the à la carte are some great value set menus; be sure to order some 'snacks' too.Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík.
Norway (Oslo)
Restauranteik smallhans
A sweet neighbourhood café with friendly staff and an urban feel. Coffee and homemade cakes are served in the morning, with a short selection of dishes including soup and a burger on offer between 12pm and 4pm. A daily hot dish is available from 4-6pm, while set menus and sharing plates are served at dinner.Ullevålsveien 43, 0171 Oslo.
