Finnjävel, Helsinki

FINNJÄVEL: A PROFOUNDLY FINNISH RESTAURANT

Without going into too many details Finnjävel, literally means Finnish 'devil' (slightly stronger word however!), The word was used by the Swedes in the 1950’s and 1960’s and referred to those Finns that mass-migrated to Sweden in search of a better life. As the Finns have this thing called 'SISU' and don't lay down without a fight they in turn came up with an 'appropriate' name for the Swedes: HURRI.

In addition to using Finnish ingredients, the restaurant uses very old Finnish cooking methods creating, in their own words 'the future of Finnish cuisine'.

Our evening was a birthday celebration and with that, to our great surprise, we were placed at the best table in the house, which was absolutely fantastic. After settling at the table we ordered, but of course, G&T's made with the Finnish world class Napue gin (it's a good one!). There are two choices of menu at Finnjävel, with either 7 or 10 courses. We decided to go for the 7 course menu with the Matching wines.

Compliments of the Kitchen

Before we were served the first course from the 7 course menu we were presented with 'Compliments of the kitchen': A cold Nettle soup with Whey along with a delicate taster platter consisting of Beef tartar and cabbage, Chicken liver pate and Potato and trout. Quite simple but amazingly tasty little appetisers with the Beef tartar especially being a particular favourite amongst us.  

Seven Course Menu

Dishes

Milk-base soup of summer vegetables (Kesäkeitto)

Smoked white fish, new potatoes (Savukalaa & Siikliä)

Pork belly roll, potato tapioca with apple vinaigrette & forest mushrooms 
(Rullasyltty mallasporsaasta)

Delicacies from Finnjävel's own dairy (Finnjävelin meijeri)
Carelian pirog (Karjalanpiirakka)
Braised veal, dill, cauliflowers (Tilliliha)
Strawberries, rhubarb, yogurt mousse (Suvivirsi)

Kesäkeitto in Finnish, which literally translates to Summer Soup. Not a big favorite in the past as it was, by all accounts, served at schools across the country to children who took a clear dislike to it. Finnjävel however have done an amazing job of totally bringing this 'dish of the past' back to life. With very al dente vegetables and a beautifully balanced stock this was truly a great starter.

White fish with new potatoes, which became a true winner with everyone. How can a small piece of fish and a potato taste so good? The fish was cooked to perfection, the potato nicely al dente and the creamy, dilly sauce brought the whole dish together.

Thinly sliced pork belly roll, potato tapioca with apple vinaigrette & forest mushrooms. Another fantastic dish from the kitchen. If we would have been sitting in at more secluded table we would have probably all been licking our plates by now!

Delicacies from Finnjävel's own dairy.
Perfectly backed bread accompanied by Finnjävel's home made butter. 

Carelian pirog or Karjalanpiirakka as a Finnish local would know it. In it's true (original) form it looks something completely different. Finnjävel have again created an outstanding dish. A transformation from pie to a fine dining dish of succulency.

The main dish! Another blast from the past that many a Finn would like to forget. Probably one of the most disliked dishes in Finland. Therefore Finnjävel take on quite a challenge with this one. The presentation was once again excellent, Unfortunately the final product was a slightly bland, wanting for something. Possibly a smathering of cranberry sauce perhaps.. just a thought.

Finally the creme de la creme: 

Strawberries, rhubarb, yogurt mousse. A perfect way to end the evening. Not too much, not too sweet, just right.

Summary

Once again the night was a brilliant one, certainly one to remember. A wonderful time with wonderful people eating wonderful food at a new and totally innovative new restaurant. Finnjävel have not only created something original albeit serving up food the Finns have been eating for centuries but they have brought a refreshing new and modern way of cooking 'simple' Finnish food. Food aside, Finnjävel have also created a fantastic atmosphere in their restaurant using some quite outstanding Finnish design to it's best. Everywhere it can been seen, from the knives and forks to the wine glassed that have been especially designed for the restaurant to the miniature figures placed on the tables. But if you are thinking of booking a table, be quick as the restaurant is only open for 2 years.