Freja’s head chef Konsta Elomaa is a man whose food speaks for itself – honest, seasonal, and respectful of Finnish ingredients. His passion for cooking ignited back in middle school, when he had to choose between electrical studies and culinary school, eventually opting for Omnia in Espoo. “I liked cooking and my cousin was a chef – I decided to give it a try, and here I am.”
His childhood food memories revolve around the cottage, blueberry pie, and new potatoes. In professional kitchens, Konsta’s direction was especially influenced by chef Pauli Novitsky, whose teachings also shaped Konsta’s own food philosophy: unpretentious and local.
Northern cuisine, at its own pace
Freja is a place where the rush of everyday life disappears. A generous breakfast buffet in the morning, nutritious lunch during the day, and atmospheric dinners in the evening offer tranquility and good food, all based on seasonal ingredients. “We’re an oasis on the edge of a shopping mall – you can find peace here.”
Konsta’s favorite dish on the current menu is arancini made with Finnish porcini mushrooms, and for dessert, a surprising combination of yuzu, basil, and blood orange. “It’s both delicate and explosive.”
In the kitchen, Konsta leads by example. “We don’t demand anything we’re not willing to do ourselves. And the most important thing I can teach younger chefs: keep a balance between work and free time.”
Dream dinner? In Italy
In his free time, Konsta dreams of Italy – pasta, wine, and quality time with his loved one. “I’d serve my dream dinner to my wife at a vineyard. Good food, wine – and no schedules.”
Restaurant Freja – Northern flavors in the heart of Espoo
Freja is a culinary gem in Matinkylä, right next to the metro station, where the season’s best ingredients and the traditions of Nordic cuisine meet with a modern twist.
Address: Suomenlahdentie 7, 02230 Espoo
The article was originally published in Finnish in the JOHTAJAT supplement produced by Nordic Marketing Consultants, which appeared on May 3rd as part of the HS Kuukausiliite
