Scandinavian are known for clean lines and efficiency, which aren't always considered assets when it comes to food. But the other cliché about Scandinavians is a slant towards perfectionism, which is a foodie asset. So what they do they do very well. Which is why the
Nordic Bakery is such an unexpected London pleasure.
This, apparently, is how they do cafes in Helsinki, serving super strength coffee, Finnish Karelian (flat, savoury, pastries with rice or potato fillings), Swedish rye crispbreads, hearty, Finnish style cinnamon buns, and open, dark rye bread sandwiches with salmon, or pickled herrings. And Swedish Tosca sponge cake to finish.
They also stock salmiakki (salty liquorice), if it's something you miss. This is a bakery, not just a cafe, so of course you can take away.
Oven pancakes, which they do on the weekends, are really something, especially served with Arctic cloudberry jam.
