Yesterday evening, the restaurant industry’s top players gathered in Helsinki to celebrate the Michelin guide Nordics 2024. This years hosts had a lot to celebrate, as Tapio in northern Finland, was awarded a star for the first time.
We talked to the head of our Finnish team, Joonas, who joined the crowds in Helsinki to watch the ceremony on the big screen:
“Hey Joonas – thanks for making time to chat Michelin.”
Joonas: “Sure thing, I’m more than happy to share some of my thoughts!”
“We know you’re a bit of a Michelin fanatic, for how long have you been following the awards?”
Joonas: “I’d say my interest started in the mid-2010s. While the highlights are the stars, a personal highlight was attending the gala in Turku in 2023. That event was the cherry on top for me! It’s not just about the stars and Michelin, but the whole impact the awards have on the industry.”
“How does it feel to be hosting the Michelin Guide in Helsinki? Is the Finnish industry excited?”
Joonas: “The gala itself is a big deal for the city. Plus, hosting it gives us a chance to show off the beautiful Helsinki area, both its food and its scenery, which is fantastic. Overall, it’s a huge boost for the Finnish culinary scene.”
“What do you think of the results? Are there any surprises?”
Joonas: “When following restaurants year-round, you can quite easily tell which restaurants have potential and are “on the hunt” for recognition. So I must say that there weren’t that many surprises. Smör in Turku should have received a star, in my opinion, but then again, I’m not one of the inspectors. (Or am I?)”
“How do you feel about the green star and the push towards more sustainable dining?”
Joonas: “Obviously, sustainability is a growing trend everywhere. I think it’s great that Michelin is highlighting restaurants that are really making an effort to be as sustainable as possible. Restaurant Nolla in Helsinki is a perfect example—they even have a composter right in the dining room!”
“Any insider tips or up-and-coming restaurants we should look out for next year?”
Joonas: “I really do hope that restaurants in Finland receive more recognition. Right now, the stars are focused in the capital area, but I’d love to see more restaurants like, Tapio, all the way across Finland.”
“Want to give a shout-out to any restaurants you work with?”
Joonas: “First, I want to congratulate all restaurants for the recognition. We here in Finland have been a bit behind with the number of stars, but as we see right now, the situation is improving, with Palace retaining its two stars and more restaurants receiving one star.”
“Thanks for the chat Joonas – it’s safe to say you know your Michelin stuff!”
Joonas: “Heh, this is just a quick look from my side.”
You can read the full list of Michelin Guide Nordics winners here
