Dashi en Estocolmo

Dashi delivers an exceptional dining experience that goes far beyond the expectations of a one-star Michelin restaurant. From the moment you step inside, you are transported into an izakaya-inspired atmosphere. Guests are seated at a bar-like table on high stools, creating an intimate and immersive setting where each course is prepared freshly before your eyes. While Dashi remains deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, they make clever and respectful use of local Swedish ingredients. They use locally sourced fish and even craft their own miso paste without using soybeans. Every dish is visually stunning and meticulously balanced in flavor. The sake pairing elevates the experience even further. Each sake is thoughtfully matched to the course and brings something completely different to the table. The staff not only serve but truly know their products. They even share stories about the sake breweries they have personally visited in Japan, which adds a meaningful layer to the evening. The team is incredibly friendly and authentic, striking that rare balance between professional and personal. Even the toilet is part of the experience. Though I will not spoil the surprise, just be aware that if you have limited mobility, the layout might be a bit challenging. As someone who has visited Japan and works for a Japanese company, I can confidently say Dashi captures the spirit, precision, and warmth of true Japanese hospitality and cuisine. I would return without hesitation.

We finally got the chance to try Dashi, a place we've been wanting to visit since before they were awarded a Michelin star. Dashi offers an osusume tasting menu, which translates to their recommended highlights from the Japanese kitchen. I must say, they really nailed the essence of Japanese flavors. Even though I haven’t been to Japan yet, I’m a huge fan of Japanese cuisine and have tried many Japanese restaurants run by Japanese chefs across Asia. Dashi in Stockholm truly captures the soul of Japan. Many of the dishes they serve are not commonly found in Stockholm just yet. For example, their chawanmushi (a dish that’s common in Japanese restaurants in Asia but rare in Sweden) and their beautifully grilled guinea fowl, prepared in Japanese style, reminded me so much of the flavor profiles I’ve experienced. Kudos to the entire team at Dashi. It’s clear that the chefs are passionate about preserving authentic flavors and bringing a genuine Japanese dining experience to Stockholm. Compared to my omakase experience at another one-star Michelin restaurant in the city, I’d honestly recommend trying Dashi. They know what they’re doing. If you’ve been wanting to experience Japan but haven’t had the chance to travel there yet, this is the right place to be. On another note, the service team was enthusiastic and observant. They noticed the condensation from our chilled drinks and came by several times to wipe the table. I really appreciated their attentiveness. That said, because of the lighting setup, the spotlight cast shadows on our table, and the side I was sitting on wasn’t wiped as often, probably because the water drops were hard to spot. Still, the staff was knowledgeable and able to explain the dishes clearly, answering all the questions I had about the menu. Just a small note, I’ve seen some comments saying the flavors were too subtle or not prominent enough. But in fairness, this isn’t the kind of restaurant that relies on heavy seasoning or salt to boost flavor. Japanese cuisine is about balance, elegance, and letting the quality of the ingredients shine. If bold saltiness is what you’re after, this may not be your kind of place. But if you’re open to discovering refined and graceful flavors, Dashi is absolutely worth a visit. The only downside for me was the ladder going down to the toilet in the basement. It’s quite steep, so definitely be careful when climbing down. Just something to keep in mind, especially if you’re wearing heels or aren’t so steady on your feet.