Scandinavian countries are the world’s recognized trendsetters in the culinary world. Many leading modern trends originated here. Despite its apparent isolation, this cuisine is remarkably adaptable, effortlessly incorporating a wide range of elements.
During our first, memorable Asian trip, we decided to return to a familiar European setting by spending an evening at the renowned Villa Frantzén.
Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, this modern Scandinavian-style restaurant and bar exudes a casual atmosphere with an Asian twist. Part of the esteemed Frantzén Group, Villa Frantzén has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024 and the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list.
Spanning two stories, Villa Frantzén comfortably accommodates 60 guests. The open kitchen, three private dining rooms, an outdoor patio, and a cozy Scandinavian barn cocktail bar complete the ambiance.
The design embodies classic Swedish style, featuring an abundance of natural surfaces and textures inspired by the reflective Scandinavian landscape. Adorable décor elements create a warm and inviting homely atmosphere.
Starting out experience at the bar lounge, the VILLA CLASSICS section offers exquisite reimagined versions of familiar favorites. As aperitif cocktail we opted for the VFZN Strong, a refreshing and invigorating drink with a Nordic twist. It combines dry gin, vodka, oka kura bermotto, sea buckthorn vinegar, and bitters, all served over ice.
Perfectly goes with Oyster “63.4c” (spicy pumpkin, smoked cream, finger lime, and sea buckthorn oil, priced at 250 THB)
The Pre-dinner VILLA 75 is another delightful option, featuring vodka or brandy, vanilla, lavender, citrus, salt, and sparkling wine.
The interior of Villa Frantzén, meticulously designed by Joyn Studio, a small architecture studio based in Stockholm, is a harmonious blend of Scandinavian and Asian influences.
It elegantly incorporates a curated collection of Swedish artisans’ creations, including Gense cutlery and Morakniv knives, alongside hand-washing products and lotions from Frantzén Group Projects’ collaboration with Björk & Berries. As founder and chef Björn Frantzén himself aptly describes, “Villa Frantzén stands as the epitome of Nordic gastronomy within the Frantzén Group. It’s a fusion of local influences and ingredients, where Northern Europe meets the vibrant flavors of Asia.”
Chef Frantzén’s right hand, Nilas Corneliussen, Executive Chef of Villa Frantzén who warmly welcomed us during our visit, a Swedish Dane with a passion for Thai cuisine and fluent in Thai, skillfully weaves these two culinary traditions at Frantzén.
We were encouraged to embark on a culinary journey by building our own tasting menu. Villa Frantzén offers a delectable 6-course set menu, allowing guests to select one dish from each category. This unique approach ensures a diverse and ever-changing dining experience, making each visit an unforgettable adventure.
To the basic menu (6 servings, THB 4 200), guests can add optional supplement servings, such as the French toast vendace roe, pickled onions, and Västerbotten cheese (550 THB).
You can also choose a Wine pairing (6 glasses of 75 ml, 2500 THB) or a Non-alcoholic pairing (6 glasses of 75 ml, 1500 THB).
Regarding the main courses, we couldn’t decide, so we tried all existing options to share. It’s worth noting that this time our favorites were mostly the meat dishes, but the fish and vegetarian options were also exceptionally delicious.
As a first serving, White beer and dark rye bread “kavring” with Salted butter and rapeseed oil, or Mushroom and miso bouillon (pine and silken tofu).
For the next course, you can choose between Veal carpaccio (bacon dashi, yuzu kosho aioli, Parmigiano Reggiano);
Or the Rainbow Trout (ikura, dill, fennel, miso, mustard emulsion).
Wine suggestion: Waris & Filles, Prémices Grand Cru, Champagne, France / Etienne Calsac, l’Échappée Belle Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France
Next one, Corn chawanmushi & lobster (morels yeasted mushroom tea, lime, toasted hay oil, and lemon thyme), or the vegan Asparagus & broccoli (pistachios, arugula, and truffle vinaigrette).
Wine suggestion: Nivarius, Tempranillo Blanco, Rioja, Spain / Vie di Romans, Flors di Uis, Friuli Isonzo, Italy
Pan-seared scallop & lardo (Vin Jaune sabayon, lemon thyme, roasted chicken dashi), as well as the Beef consommé and foie gras wontons (scallions, enoki, thyme, ginger oil) were served.
Wine suggestion: Umathum, Romein Cuvée Haideboden, Burgenland, Austria / a Cocktail based on gin with Lillet Blanc and Vin Jaune
Followed by the main fish course, the Baked turbot and grilled heart of palm (tomato, kombu butter, and galangal oil), or the Butter-poached monkfish and grilled peas (white asparagus, pine shoot, mint).
Wine suggestion: Domaine des Ardoisieres, Argile Blanc, 2022, Allobroges, Italy / Sandhi, Central Coast Chardonnay, Central Coast, USA
For the next step, it was impossible to choose one. We had the Grilled dry-aged duck (roasted cabbage purée, makwaen oil, cabbage, truffle jus), as well as the second option — the Braised pork cheek and glazed beetroot (Jerusalem artichoke purée, hazelnut vinaigrette).
Wine suggestion: Álvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat, Priorat, Spain / Argiolas, Iselis Monica di Sardegna Superiore, 2020, Monica di Sardegna, Italy
The sixth stage, Desserts, were represented by Smoked ice cream »2.0« (toasted pecans, bitter cacao nibs & salted clove fudge) and Strawberry sorbet (violet, pistachios, 12Y Balsamic di Modena DOP).
Finishing our journey with FIKA, a gourmet selection of Chef’s sweets.
Of course, we couldn’t resist returning to the charming bar of Villa Frantzén to select some more Signature cocktails with captivating descriptions. Drawing inspiration from the Nordic landscapes and Scandinavian minimalism, these cocktails exude a sense of purity and natural elegance.
The Nutty, dry RUM, PLUM & MISO (a harmonious blend of light and dark rum, dry vermouth, plum, blond miso, almond, and chamomile, 440 THB) embodies this essence. On the other hand, the Silky, tropical TEA, MILK & COCO (a delightful combination of light rum, coconut, lavender, arrak, milk, and citrus, presented in a clear glass, 480 THB) transports you to a tropical paradise.
Villa Frantzén
Address: No.7 Yen Akat Soi 3, Chongnonsi Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
OPENING HOURS: Villa Frantzén — Monday – Sunday 17.30 – 23.30, Cocktail Bar — Monday – Sunday 17.00 – 00.00
Instagram: @villafrantzen
Text: Victoria Stashkevich
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
