Gaijin

Gaijin is probably one of my favorite restaurants in Helsinki. I am partial, because some of my friends work there. I have been to Gaijin more times than my wallet would like, and soon I will have to go again. The food is amazing, no doubt, but so it is in several places. The number one reason why I love Gaijin is because I really feel like the experience is different every time. Also, the chefs use ingredients that sometimes I've never heard of, and other times in ways I never could have imagined.

I'm not a trained chef, so to see such creativity and exquisit talent in a restaurant is such a joy. I always get inspired to think in new ways, and combine new tastes.

Mussels

The first time I went, we chose the Menu Gaijin. A difficult decision because both menus looked amazing. At the time, the menu had 9 courses starting with mussles. I'm a seafoodie, and these are among the top mussles I have ever had. Sweet, yet savory with an orange and vanilla flavours.

Scallops

 One of the reasons for chosing Menu Gaijin, was the scallops. I have a love hate relationship with scallops (kampasimpukka). Because if you cook scallops the wrong way, either too little or too long I really feel that they taste beyond discusting. However when could perfectly, there is no greater food joy. Of course, these were cooked to perfection, a major reason for me to come yet again.

Foi & Unagi

 Traditionally I'm not a fan of eel, but I love fois gras. I was most apprehensive about the Foi&Unagi dish. This dish truly split opinions, I loved the foi, didn't care too much for the eel (probably my own fault though), but my major issue was the lack of texutre. Both main components were soft, there was some crunchy nuts, but not enough. I might be a freak of nature though, some of my friends loved it.

Pork Buns

Then the pork buns came out. I took a bite, and I was sold. I have had food all over ther world, in several places, and something about these pork buns made them climb to the top of my list. I can't describe it, try it to believe it. This is my absolute favorite.

Baby Back Pork Ribs

Baby back pork ribs. It's so rare to get good ribs in Finland to begin with, these were flavoured with a sweet soy sauce that took the best features out of the meat. The meat was so tender it fell apart, just like it should. Baby back ribs, a winner!

The best thing about Gaijin's menu is that they know when to stop. Had the menu finnished with a heavy cake, I probably would have died. Instead it was light raspberry and pistachio sorbet. A perfect fresh finish, to a heavy meal.

Another thing that annoyes some diners, but that I appreciate, is that they bring out the food as they please. I love this attitude! Food is meant to be shared and enjoyed, they bring it, you eat in the pace you like.

Finally, one thing you can't skip if you go to Gaijin is the drinks. Start with one, finish with one, ask the bartender - he'll know you're favorite.