Helsinki, Finland
This Thailand inspired Tomi Björck’s restaurant is located in same building as St. George hotel. If you have been to any other Björck’s restaurants (Farang, Gaijin, etc.) you know what to expect.
Food is usually really good with quite strong and fresh tastes. Boon Nam has two different tasting menus, to be shared with the whole table. When there are individual bites, this works well but when you have to divide one larger portion, I’m not such a big fan of that style. Menus are priced 86€/76€, both having some supplements adding about ten euros to the bill. Pairing wines cost 56€.
Crispy softshell crab was one the best dishes in my opinion. If I remember correctly, Farang has also similar (same?) dish, also very good there. Nothing wrong with other dishes either, all good or very good.
That said, I cannot help getting feeling of being on an assembly line. You come in, you are served food with memorized descriptions, you pay, you leave. Next ones come in and do the same. Well, of course this is basically how restaurants work, but in this case it is lacking any personality and that final touch that makes the difference. If this doesn’t bother you, give Boon Nam and a chance and you won’t be disappointed by the taste of food.
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