The Year of the Nordics

By FSC Admin User On Friday, November 17 th, 2017 · no Comments · In , , , , ,

FSC’s Account Executive and resident Finn, Noora Rautiainen, talks latest Nordic/Scandinavian trends to hit the UK.

Last year, the whole country went crazy for Hygge – a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (the defining aspects of the Danish culture).

However, there has also been a lot of buzz around Nordic cuisine in recent years, leading to Nordic food labelled as a trend to watch out for in 2017 by the likes of the Evening Standard and Great British Chefs. It’s not just pickled fish, but plenty of cakes, bakes and fresh flavours – no wonder the Scandinavian countries constantly top the ‘happiest countries in the world’ leader board.

Whilst the Scandinavian way of life and architecture have been widely celebrated in the UK, the British understanding of Nordic cuisine lies under a mound of meatballs and mash from Ikea. In a bid to enlighten, I have listed a few examples of Nordic food and drink being tried, tested and embraced by Brits in 2017:

Scandinavian Drinks

  • At the end of 2016, Evening Standard called out Scandi drinks as a trend to watch for 2017, showcasing Aquavit as the new go-to due to its botanical infusions.
  • Gin – whilst Napue from Kyrö Distillery Co in Finland won gold for the best G&T by IWSC in 2015, this year Hernö Gin from Sweden triumphed at the National Gin Awards AND IWSC best gin producer.

The Nordic Movement

  • Tom Kitchin told the Independent that his predictions for 2017 included more chefs becoming inspired by Nordic cuisine.
  • In early 2017, Winner of Finnish Master Chef, Helena Puolakka opened Aster Restaurant in Victoria – a Nordic-inspired café, deli and restaurant serving classic Nordic/French dishes
  • Other Nordic hotspots include: Aquavit, Rök Smokehouse & bar and The Harcourt

The Cinnamon Bun

  • Hands down one of the best things to be produced by the Nordic countries – whether you call it Korvapuusti, Kanelbullar or Norske Kanelsnurrer the beautiful cinnamon-y goodness remains the same.
  • Some of must-visit cinnabun-hotspots are: The Nordic Bakery (4 sites across London), Scandi Kitchen and Ole & Steen

Now, 2017 also marks a great milestone for Finland as a nation, who on 6 December will be celebrating 100 years of independence, or #SUOMI100 as us Finns call it. As a result of this commemoratory year, the celebrations have travelled south to the UK with a number of FINNtastic events taking place. Find a few of my favourites below:

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