You already know about Michelin Stars but are you familiar with our other awards?
The Bib Gourmand is the Michelin award for good quality, good value cooking – and it proves very popular with our worldwide readers, as it rewards well-made, inexpensive cuisine.
This year seven new ‘Bibs’ have been awarded including Jord in Helsinki; PMY and Musling Bistro in Copenhagen; Project in Gothenburg; and Kagges, Shibumi and Bar Agrikultur in Stockholm. This brings the total number of restaurants with Bib Gourmands in the Nordic Countries guide to 37.
Let’s take a look at the new additions:
Jord, Helsinki
In the very heart of the city you’ll find Jord – the bright baby sister of Michelin Starred Ask. It sits in a food court on the 5th floor of a shopping centre, surrounded by other eateries, and behind the large counter, the chefs prepare flavoursome, uncomplicated dishes using largely organic produce. There is a commendable purity to the skilfully crafted dishes, which are packed with flavour; if you see herring on the menu, be sure to choose it. In keeping with the cooking, the room has a simple, understated feel; the crockery and glassware are made locally, and the service is fittingly warm and friendly.
PMY, Copenhagen
If it’s a great night out you’re after, make straight for this fun, laid-back restaurant behind the Concert Hall. Start with a selection of snacks and a cocktail or two before moving on to fresh, zingy dishes bursting with hot Latin American flavours. Potato, Maize and Yuca take centre stage on the small menu, which lists tasty, good value dishes from Peru, Mexico and Venezuela.
If you fancy a slightly slower pace, then this relaxed bar-cum-bistro next to the Nørrebro food market could be the answer. Find a space at the black ash counter, grab your cutlery from one of the pots, and choose from the list of modern craft beers and unusual wines – many from Austria. Fantastically fresh seafood includes the likes of oysters, razor clams, mussels – with a choice of 3 sauces, fruit de mer platters, and dishes such as halibut with almond and olive sauce, accompanied by crispy chips with seaweed butter.
Project, Gothenburg
A young couple and their charming team run this cosy little bistro set just outside the city centre; where ornate wallpapers, chandeliers and shelves filled with wine, spirits and other produce add to the vintage feel. Creative dishes have a Swedish heart and are full of flavour, and the engaging serving team will proudly explain them. Flexible menus allow you to tailor your experience by mixing and matching different size dishes – which also creates a great opportunity for sharing. Be sure to try their delicious bread, which takes 5 days to make, and the tasty homemade butter, which takes 2 days.
Kagges, Stockholm
This cosy restaurant sits on a cobbled street in Gamla Stan and has a lively buzz. It’s run by two enthusiastic friends, Kalle and Douglas (Dogges), hence its name, Kagges. Ask for a seat at the counter to watch the team prepare constantly evolving seasonal small plates with plenty of colour and a Swedish heart. Fresh local produce is cooked with care and different flavours and textures are well-combined. 4 plates per person is about right or go for the 4 course Chef’s Choice of the Day menu.
Shibumi, Stockholm
This moody, modern basement restaurant and bar sits beneath its sisters Esperanto and Råkulture, and is styled on a Japanese izakaya. It’s open until late and comes with a discreet feel and an underground buzz. The concise Japanese menu offers a mix of authentic and more original dishes designed for sharing – some have a slightly Westernised edge. Sake is offered by the glass, jar or bottle and the highly original cocktail list changes daily.
Bar Agrikultur, Stockholm
The trendy Södermalm district is home to the cosy baby sister of Michelin Starred Agrikultur; an intimate wine bar with high level seating for just 26 – pick a spot in the main room, at the bar counter or in the window. A glass-fronted ageing fridge is hung with huge cuts of beef and three stainless steel tanks behind the bar hold home-distilled gin flavoured with various herbs, oils or fruits. The constantly changing blackboard menu lists tasty small plates, which mirror its older sister’s ethos of showcasing the region’s freshest seasonal produce. The friendly team are always on hand to offer advice and recommendations on both the food and the wine.
