Discover the vibrant flavors of Gaijin in Helsinki's heart, where Asian fusion takes center stage.
Nestled at Bulevardi 6, Restaurant Gaijin offers an adventurous menu blending Japanese, Korean, and Northern Chinese cuisines. This lively eatery tempts food lovers with inventive renditions of Asian classics, presented with a modern twist and complemented by a curated cocktail selection.
Starters to excite your palate
Begin your dining experience with bold flavors and refined textures. Options like the tender pork bun, filled with succulent pork belly, kimchi mayonnaise, and pickled onion nestled in soft bread, exemplify Gaijin’s fearless fusion spirit. The fresh green shell mussels with a zesty lemon-vanilla dressing and gari-ginger add a refreshing, aromatic dimension. For sashimi lovers, a delicate selection paired with roe, soy-mirin dressing, and wasabi mayonnaise offers a pristine taste of Japan. The foie & unagi starter combines glazed eel with rich duck liver on nori bread, accented by a cherry to balance savory notes, while the miso salmon with pear and truffle brings a luxurious blend of 'saikyo' miso marinade, nashi pear, walnut, and truffle-dashi broth.
Mains infused with bold Asian flavors
At Gaijin, the mains continue the journey through inventive Asian cuisine designed for sharing and savoring. Highlights include grilled pork belly glazed in sweet soy that offers rich, caramelized notes, and the XO scallops served fried with rare Chinese XO broth and topped with seaweed caviar for umami depth. The char siew pork & bok choy features Chinese-style marinated grilled pork in a luscious roasted pork broth, balanced with pickled cucumber and wok-fried bok choy. To accompany, the classic Japanese gohan rice provides the perfect canvas for these flavors.
Desserts and drinks to complete your meal
For a memorable finish, the Sesam Geisha dessert is a standout. This enticing creation layers chocolate crème with sesame-seasalt caramel and sesame ice cream, offering a harmonious balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Pair your meal with Gaijin’s thoughtfully crafted cocktails or enjoy their curated selection of beers and wines to elevate your dining experience.
Why Gaijin stands out in Helsinki's culinary scene
Gaijin's menu is a courageous and inspired blend of flavorful Asian classics with contemporary flair. Diners can expect adventurous combinations, such as the kimchi mayonnaise in pork buns or the truffle-infused miso salmon, which showcase the kitchen’s creativity and respect for diverse culinary traditions. Whether you're a local foodie or a traveler seeking bold tastes, Gaijin delivers a unique dining experience steeped in the rich tapestry of Asian fusion cuisine.
- Starters – Mussel with lemon-vanilla dressing and gari-ginger, Pork bun with kimchi mayonnaise, Sashimi selection with roe and wasabi mayonnaise, Foie & unagi with duck liver and cherry, Miso salmon with pear and truffle broth.
- Mains – Pork belly yakiniku with sweet soy, XO scallops in rare broth, Char siew pork & bok choy with roasted pork broth, Japanese gohan rice.
- Desserts – Sesam Geisha: chocolate crème with sesame-seasalt caramel and sesame ice cream.
- Drinks – An elevated cocktail menu alongside a curated selection of beer and wine.
