One of my favourite things about London is how you can eat your way around the globe no passport required – just Oystercard. Scandinavia has been having a moment.ย Nomaย in Copenhagen has been voted the Best Restaurant in the World four times in the last six years, andย Scandi-Noir has been taking over our TV screens. Specialist tour operator Transun asked me for tips on the best places to sampleย authentic Scandinavian food in London and my first thoughts wereย Scandinavian Kitchen, a cheery slice of Scandinaviaย just off Oxford Street.
Founded by a Swede and a Dane seven years ago, the cafรฉ and store is a great place to grab a taste of Scandinavia. I don’t necessarily believe thatย expats are a sign of a good restaurant, but the customers in the cafรฉย seemsย toย be a good balance of Scandinavians. A Danish-ex means I’ve eaten my fair share of Scandinavian food and though I’m no expert, I know good food when I see and taste it.
Scandinavian Kitchenย offersย delicious,ย comfort foodย served by friendly staff in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.ย Forget fancy, we’re talking fresh andย flavourful.ย More mama thanย Noma.
The cafรฉย menu features the greatest hits of Scandinavian cuisine. Think smorgasbord, meatballs,ย gravalax, seafood and more saltyย liquoriceย than you can shake a stick at.ย There are plenty of options for vegetarians with aย colourfulย array of saladsย and cheeses.ย If youย are vegan, then you will struggle with Scandinavian cuisine, options can be limited.ย There’sย alwaysย crispbread and more crispbread of course.ย The staff can accommodate requests though so do let them know of any special dietary requirements.
Be sure to save room for a sweet treat. The counter isย always groaning withย mouthwatering,ย freshly baked cakes andย Danish pastries (obvs). There is even the famous green marzipan cloaked, Swedishย prinsesstartaย (princess cake), which to me looks more like a Shrek cake, but who am I to question this icon.
If you visit Scandinavian Kitchen at the right time of year, you MUST try aย Semla. Absolutely scrumptious buns that reminded me of very light airy fluffy sconesย flavouredย withย cardamomย and an almond paste and stuffed with light as air whippedย cream. A seasonal treat these are traditionally only eatenย in the period up to Easter.

At the weekends, it’s all about the brunch specials including waffles with brown cheese and platters.ย There’s also aย mini marketย at the back to stock up onย all thoseย Scandinavianย delicacies –ย perfectย whether you’re homesick or trying toย re-live a holiday moment.
Scandinavian Kitchen,ย 61 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PP. www.scandikitchen.co.ukย









