FREYJA: A Fusion of Nordic Flavours on Collins Street
- By Roslyn Foo - 12/06/2023
If you find yourself strolling down Melbourne’s prestigious Collins Street, your eyes might be drawn to the towering 1880s Olderfleet building, where a contemporary Nordic dining experience awaits. Welcome to FREYJA, a culinary haven that beautifully blends the charms of Scandinavian gastronomy with the vibrancy of Australian hospitality. Prepare to be mesmerized by the venue’s vast Gothic cathedral-style windows and indulge in an unforgettable journey through flavours and culture.
At the heart of FREYJA’s culinary mastery stands the talented Head Chef Jae Bang, whose culinary journey spans across two-Michelin-starred establishments like Re-naa in Norway and Daniel in New York. Now at the helm of FREYJA’s kitchen, Chef Jae Bang seamlessly fuses traditional preservation techniques—pickling, smoking, and fermenting—with locally sourced, hyper-seasonal produce. The result is a harmonious symphony of tastes, textures, and aromas that take your senses on an enthralling ride.
Step inside @freyjamelbourne and immerse yourself in a multi-sensory dining adventure. FREYJA not only offers a tantalizing taste of Nordic delicacies but also uncovers the rich tapestry of Melbourne’s history and culture. The restaurant’s culinary philosophy goes beyond the confines of plates, introducing guests to the stories that each dish tells—a fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation.
Memorable dishes await those with an adventurous palate. Picture this: a buttery waffle sizzling on an old-fashioned cast-iron pan over an open fire, crowned with a golden tin of smoked sour cream and adorned with glistening trout roe. The explosion of flavours will linger on your taste buds long after the last bite.
For the more daring connoisseurs, the beef tartare takes center stage. Made with salted quandong and delicately dolloped with a green emulsion of tarragon and Tasmanian mountain pepper, this dish showcases Chef Jae Bang’s artistry at its finest.
Saving the sweetest notes for the grand finale, the Chestnut dessert is a delightful ode to the classic Mont Blanc. The choux pastry encases a luscious rum and raisin jam, draped in a velvety chestnut cream, and adorned with a drizzle of toasted kelp oil and dried kelp—a true masterpiece of taste and presentation.
FREYJA ❄️ is the epitome of blending the contemporary with the classic, and the simplicity with luxury. More than a restaurant; FREYJA it is a journey of flavours, finesse and history. Chef Jae Bang’s innovative approach, coupled with the restaurant’s inviting ambiance, creates an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Discover FREYJA—a culinary gem that will whisk you away on a voyage of taste and wonder. Visit www.freyjarestaurant.com to embark on this exquisite experience.