It had been a few years since my last visit to Fika Bar & Restaurant before my dinner there last week. The cosy little Scandi eatery at the top of Brick Lane seems to be as popular with the hipster set and as Swedish as it ever was. Never been to Fika or, like me, haven’t been in quite some time? With Xmas on the way and a special Jutallrik menu to celebrate the festive season, now’s a topical time to visit.
Jutallrik means “Christmas plate” in Swedish. It’s a mini smörgåsbord of traditional Swedish treats. Available from 20 November to 23 December, priced at £29 per person and designed for sharing groups of five or more, Fika’s Jutallrik offers obligatory Swedish meatballs, reindeer sausage, honey-glazed ham and dill-poached salmon alongside a welcome glass of Glogg (Swedish mulled wine with a choice of almonds and raisins), a selection of gingerbread cookies topped with Gorgonzola and Ris à la Malta, a traditional rice pudding dessert. I had a proto-sample of the Christmas plate about a week ago. The meatballs were an especially savoury winter warmer! If you’re looking to book an end of the year do with your colleagues or such, I reckon a Jutallrik seating would make a nice alternative – but still very seasonal choice – to a more typical turkey dinner.
For an added Nordic feel, keep in mind Fika’s roof terrace which opened this past summer. It’s a good spot for al fresco cuddling, having a smoke and a hot drink or cocktail under the heat lamps.
Fika Bar & Kitchen is located at 161 Brick Lane, E1 6SB. Find out more at fikalondon.com.
