Christmas traditions are often steeped in nostalgia and indulgence, but at Brutalisten, the holiday feast is transformed into an experimental, minimalistic journey. Inspired by the godfather of Swedish gastronomy, Tore Wretman and executed under the strict principles of Carsten Höller’s Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto, this is a table set for the curious and the bold. Here, each dish is stripped down to its essential components, offering an experience that is as much about what is left out as what is put on the plate.
The Manifesto: Where Restraint Meets Revelation
At the heart of the Brutalist Christmas Table is a commitment to purity. The manifesto dictates that ingredients stand alone, with the occasional concession of salt or water. This dogma shifts the focus away from the chef’s artistry and toward the inherent beauty of the ingredients themselves. Plates are devoid of decoration, serving as blank canvases for the diner’s palate to explore. It’s dining reduced to its raw, unfiltered core—and yet it feels revolutionary.
Seven Stops on a Brutalist Christmas Journey
Every dish is a destination, each one building upon the last to take diners on an unforgettable culinary trip.
First Trip: Herring
The journey begins with a quintessentially Swedish staple—herring. Presented with its traditional condiments, this opening act is like meeting an old friend in a new light. The acidity, salt, and subtle sweetness dance together, awakening the palate and sparking a sense of nostalgia. It’s a reminder of the humble beginnings of Swedish cuisine, made bold and unapologetic.
Second Trip: Smoked Fish
The stage deepens with cured and smoked sturgeon, perfumed with the aromatic oils of juniper. This dish is where nature’s raw elegance meets the transformative power of smoke. For those who crave indulgence, the optional addition of Sturia caviar brings a burst of oceanic luxury, each bead offering a briny counterpoint to the woodsy smokiness.
Third Trip: Cold Cuts and Charcuterie
Here, rusticity reigns supreme. Swedish Dairy Cow, served as cold cuts, is a celebration of simplicity. Paired with freshly baked sourdough, this course is both grounding and expansive. The sourdough’s tang complements the buttery richness of the charcuterie, creating a harmony that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Fourth Trip: Duck
The duck, roasted and confited to perfection, is the centerpiece of the feast. Its crisp skin and tender meat are elevated by the caramelized smokiness of grilled cabbage. This dish is a study in contrasts—rich yet light, earthy yet refined—a reflection of how Brutalist cuisine celebrates ingredients in their truest form.
Fifth Trip: Cheese
Wrapped in pine bark and baked to oozy perfection, this cheese course is both indulgent and contemplative. The smoky, nutty aroma of the bark seeps into the cheese, which is paired with the soft sweetness of a plum. Together, they create a moment of quiet wonder—a pause in the journey to savor something truly profound.
Sixth Trip: Spruce
Few things evoke Christmas as vividly as the scent of a spruce tree. This course captures that essence, distilling the flavors of the forest into an edible experience. It’s a dish that feels almost otherworldly, bridging the natural world with the holiday table in a way that is as surprising as it is delightful.
Seventh Trip: Christmas Candy
The final stop on this culinary trip is pure joy. A playful assortment of Brutalist-inspired Christmas candies closes the meal with a wink and a smile. These sweets are simple yet evocative, leaving diners with a lingering sense of wonder and satisfaction.
The Brutalist Christmas Table is not just a feast; it’s an act of discovery. As the electric daisy—a palate cleanser reminiscent of Szechuan pepper—tingles on the tongue, diners are reminded that this isn’t about passive consumption. This is food that challenges, provokes, and ultimately rewards those who are willing to engage with it. Each course is a chapter in a story about tradition, innovation, and the raw beauty of ingredients.
At Brutalisten, the boundaries between art, philosophy, and cuisine dissolve. This is Christmas as you’ve never tasted it before—a true celebration of purity, creativity, and the unexpected.
As always, I highly recommend opting for either the alcoholic or alcohol-free pairing to fully experience the culinary journey.
