The Finnish capital of Helsinki is poised to become the epicenter of Nordic gastronomy this May, as it prepares to host the distinguished MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony. This momentous event, recognized as one of the globe’s most illustrious food industry happenings, is set to unveil the new Nordic restaurants receiving the coveted MICHELIN Stars. For the second consecutive year, Finland will shine under the gastronomic limelight, highlighting its diverse and high-quality culinary scene.
The Grand Ceremony at Helsinki’s Landmarks
Scheduled for May 27, 2024, the ceremony will be held at two of Helsinki’s iconic venues: the Savoy Theatre and the Helsinki City Hall. This prestigious event not only celebrates culinary excellence with the awarding of MICHELIN Stars but also honors sustainability in gastronomy with the presentation of the MICHELIN Green Star and other special awards. These accolades represent the pinnacle of recognition in the restaurant industry, symbolizing unrivaled quality and commitment to culinary arts.
Helsinki: A Culinary Confluence
The choice of Helsinki as the venue for the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony is no mere coincidence. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, emphasizes Helsinki’s status as Finland’s national culinary flagship, perfect for gathering the crème de la crème of Nordic gastronomy. This event, co-organized with the City of Helsinki and Business Finland/Visit Finland, is set to be a grand affair, befitting the talent and excellence of the Nordic region’s top chefs and restaurants.
Celebrating Helsinki’s Versatile Food Culture
The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony offers a unique platform for Helsinki to showcase its rich and varied food culture. Mayor Juhana Vartiainen underlines the city’s diverse culinary offerings, from high-quality fine dining to local delicacies like berries and seafood. This event is not only a testament to Helsinki’s gastronomic prowess but also an opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in the event’s vibrant atmosphere and flavors.
Boosting Finland’s Culinary Tourism
Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director of Visit Finland, notes the growing importance of food as a key factor in travel decisions. The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is expected to significantly bolster Finland’s reputation as a premier food tourism destination, highlighting the unique gastronomic culture and high-quality Finnish cuisine that have remained relatively undiscovered on the global stage.
A Year of Gastronomic Delights in Helsinki
The MICHELIN unveiling ceremony marks a special year for Helsinki, filled with various food and drink-related events. The city is calling upon operators, entrepreneurs, and associations in the restaurant, food, and event industries to collaborate in creating memorable experiences for both residents and tourists. Marja-Leena Rinkineva, Economic Development Director for the City of Helsinki, emphasizes the city’s diverse food culture as a key factor in its overall vitality and appeal.
The Nordic Culinary Pantheon
The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries highlights the best of Nordic cuisine, encompassing Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. In its 2023 edition, the guide featured 271 restaurants, with 81 receiving one or more MICHELIN Stars. Finland proudly hosts several MICHELIN-Starred and MICHELIN Green Star restaurants, reflecting its commitment to excellence and sustainability in the culinary arts.
