Visit Helsinki: Saslik

Seeing that you have fell in love with my first post in new series of “Visit Helsinki” posts, I’m continuing by presenting you another gem and a “must” spot when visiting Helsinki. Being born in Russia and half Russian from my mother’s side, the respect for Russian culture, food and traditions has been deeply instilled in me. I have always loved Russian cuisine but due to me growing up in Croatia, the only time I got a chance to eat amazing Russian food was when I would visit my grandparents in Moscow, once or twice a year.

Ever since moving to Helsinki about 8 years ago and being so close to the border with Russia, I was lucky to enjoy some of the best Russian food thanks to places like Saslik! SASLIK  restaurant is possibly one of the best Russian restaurants in the world outside of Russia. I’ve been a pretty regular customer throughout the years and still, every time I go to SASLIK, I feel incredible, from very attentive service, astonishing, museum like interior to the most delicious food presented on delicate plates.

Once a year, Saslik has a BEAR FEST season, meaning that for one month only, you get to enjoy bear meat delicacies such as bear’s paw or potted bear, as well as bear dumplings.

Saslik has a variety of options for everybody and they’re comfortable with adjusting the dishes according to your wishes. Once, they’ve made a whole vegan menu for me and that was as delicious as their regular/ not adjusted dishes.

You can dine in the big, shared dining room, back room or in one of their amazing, differently sized private cabinets without any extra charge. Celebrations like weddings, birthdays, etc. are all possible to be organised and held there.

Saslik has cherished Russian traditions both, in it’s milieu and in it’s cuisine. Saslik is part of A&S restaurants which is a private, family run restaurant chain operating 6 different restaurants in the heart of Helsinki.

We’ve been served a Zakuska plate as a shared starter for two. I don’t have to even mention how delicious it was and how Russians definitely make the best salamis and pickles. Zakuska also came with Vorschmack and selection of an in house bread. For the main course we had bear frikadelles ( meatballs ) with potato gratin, pickled cabbage, root vegetables and malt sauce. 2nd main course was a smoked white fish on a bed of spelt, beetroot, kale and red wine sauce. To crown the perfect lunch, we have finished this royal trip by enjoying the one and only – Baked Alaska ala Catherine Great! This is hands down my most favourite dessert in a whole wide world!! THE BEST baked Alaska ever!!! No wonder that it’s been a classic on their menu.

I’d like to thank Miss Johanna for this collaboration and Mr. Matti for giving us a tour through the whole restaurant and for making an overall experience absolutely magnificent.

*This post was made in collaboration with Saslik restaurant but all of the opinions are my own!

Photography by: Natali K. photography