Helsinki is set to host the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony in May 2024, where the latest Nordic restaurants to be awarded the prestigious MICHELIN Stars will be unveiled. This event, recognized as one of the world’s most famous food industry occurrences, positions Helsinki and Finland at the forefront of the Nordic gastronomic scene.
The ceremony, scheduled for 27 May 2024 at Helsinki’s Savoy Theatre and the Helsinki City Hall, is not just a gathering but a testament to the culinary prowess that the Nordic countries have to offer. The MICHELIN Stars, synonymous with dining excellence, will be awarded to the finest restaurants, alongside the MICHELIN Green Star, which honors establishments committed to sustainable gastronomy.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the annual Nordic Ceremony to Helsinki for the first time. He highlighted Helsinki as the national culinary flagship of Finland and an ideal location to bring together the crème de la crème of Nordic gastronomy. The event, co-organized by the City of Helsinki, the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries, and Visit Finland, is set to attract hundreds of restaurant industry professionals and international media representatives, shining a global spotlight on Helsinki’s diverse and high-quality food culture.
Mayor of Helsinki, Juhana Vartiainen, shared the city’s excitement about hosting this esteemed event. He emphasized Helsinki’s versatile food culture, which ranges from high-quality fine dining and food industry innovations to locally sourced berries and seafood. The event is seen as an acknowledgment of Helsinki’s rich culinary offerings and an opportunity for residents to enjoy the event’s atmosphere and flavors.
Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director of Visit Finland, pointed out the growing importance of food as a tourist attraction. She noted that while Finland is home to great food tourism destinations, its high-quality food and unique gastronomic culture are not yet widely recognized globally. The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony in Helsinki is expected to significantly bolster Finland’s reputation as an attractive food tourism destination.
2024 is a special food-themed year for Helsinki, and the MICHELIN unveiling ceremony is poised to be a highlight of the city’s event-filled summer. The city is inviting operators, entrepreneurs, and associations in the restaurant, food, and event industry to partake in the planning and preparation of joint activities. These events are aimed at both city residents and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to experience Helsinki’s culinary diversity.
Marja-Leena Rinkineva, Economic Development Director for the City of Helsinki, concluded that the unveiling of the new Nordic restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide is a significant opportunity for local food industry representatives to showcase their expertise and specialties. She highlighted the versatility, personality, and uniqueness of Helsinki’s food culture, which combines elements from eastern, western, and northern traditions to create something truly unique. Food, according to Rinkineva, is a key contributor to Helsinki’s overall vitality and appeal.
The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries publication is an esteemed guide that highlights exceptional food in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. In the 2023 edition, a total of 271 restaurants were listed, with 81 receiving One, Two, or Three MICHELIN Stars. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, proudly hosts five of these MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with others located in Turku and Porvoo. Additionally, the MICHELIN Guide awards Green Stars to restaurants offering first-class environmentally friendly and sustainable dining experiences, with three such restaurants in Helsinki.
As Helsinki prepares to host the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony in 2024, the city is not just celebrating its culinary achievements but also setting a new standard for gastronomic excellence in the Nordic region.
Photo: Helsinki Partners
