Enter Sandlådan: HK’s top Scandinavian pop-up

Test Kitchen’s upcoming pop-up will see ex-Noma chef Toni Toivanen and Café Gray’s Eric Räty turn fine dining on its head with Sandlådan – a ‘new wave’ of Nordic cuisine.

The fresh-faced duo of Toni Toivanen from Noma and Eric Räty from Café Gray Deluxe

Sandlådan – loosely translating as a child’s sandpit – was first hosted as a pop-up by Toivanen and Räty at the now-closed, two-Michelin star Chez Dominique in Helsinki and in its first venture overseas, will land on Hong Kong’s shores from 17-20 November at Test Kitchen’s space in Sai Ying Pun.

The reference to children’s playtime is echoed throughout Toivanen’s and Räty’s dishes which is described as a ‘new wave’ of Nordic cuisine, using some of Scandinavia’s best produce and techniques.

After graduation from the Perho culinary school in Helsinki (with Räty), Toivanen joined Restaurant Nokka as a commis cook before joining the team at the then two-Michelin starred restaurant Chez Dominique.

When Chez Dominique eventually closed, he got the chance with Räty to open a two-month pop up in the space as the first incarnation of Sandlådan and since the beginning of 2014, he has worked at Noma, including in its Tokyo and Sydney outposts.

After Perho culinary school and Chez Dominique, Räty moved to Germany to work with the pastry team at the three-Michelin starred restaurant, Aqua at the Ritz Carlton in Wolfsburg. Following his passion, he then returned to Chez Dominique as head chef.

In 2014, he joined Swire Hotels to become an under-study to Chef Gray Kunz at Cafe Gray Deluxe in Hong Kong and is now chef de cuisine.

From 17-20 November, there will be two seatings at 7.15pm and 8pm priced at HK$1,380 including paired wines.