Five of a kind: Scandinavian venues

FILTER
Andrew Kelly’s newest venture is big on smorrebrod, the Danish open sandwich that, along with pastries, is a classic Danish snack. Inspired by Danish chef Adam Aamann, who has repopularised smorrebord in both Denmark and abroad, Kelly’s interpretation of the classic sandwich features rye bread layered with delicious things such as local cured fish and meats, all made on site and ready to go. Kelly says the concept is “all about smaller amounts of high quality food”. Coffee will be filter, using lightly roasted beans. Perfect for the lunch crowd, it's Kelly’s version of “fast food done well”.
Filter is at 55 Colins Street, at the corner King and Collins streets. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 8am-2pm. filterbysmallbatch.com.au

THE SWEDISH CHURCH
Homesick Swedes head for the Swedish church, a community centre housed in historic Toorak House since 1956. As well as a pretty chapel, the stately home has a small cafe and shop, where you can buy everything from Swedish coffee and salted licorice to fish balls, deer-horn salt, Danish pastries, cheese, sausage and a wall of sweets and crisps. Don’t miss the first weekend in December each year, when the residence and grounds are host to a Christmas Bazaar, a wonderful opportunity to experience Scandinavian treats and Christmas traditions right here in Melbourne.
The Swedish Church is at 21 St Georges Road, Toorak, 9827 5580. Open Tues-Sun.

DU NORD
Chef at Scandinavian bar DuNord Mathew Fallon may not have any of his own Scandinavian connections but he’s taken to the Nordic theme like a fish to water. The menu at this cool, timber and brick bar reads like a classic Scandinavian shopping list – smoked eel, salmon, pickles, berries, wild mushrooms, foraged leaves and beetroot all make an appearance on the menu in both snacky foods and proper mains. Nordic brews and seasonal cocktails – plus a late opening kitchen make this a very seductive city drinking and eating spot.
Du Nord is at 367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, 9642 0052. Open Mon-Thurs noon-late
Fri noon-1am, Sat 6pm-1am. dunord.com.au

DENMARK HOUSE
Denmark House celebrates some of the best of Danish culture, from streamlined Danish design to the traditional Danish food, cider, spirits and beer. Executive chef Bente Grysbaek whips up authentic Danish specialties including curry herring and smorrebrod. Bar Dansk serves great Danish snack food including hot dogs and burgers. Homesick Danes can order produce to go including loaves of rye bread and marinated herring.
Denmark House is at 3/428 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, 9600 4477. Open Mon and Tues noon-3pm, Wed and Fri noon-late. denmarkhouse.com.au

IKEA
Located at the exit of the Richmond store, Ikea’s Swedish Food Market is easier to negotiate than the main store (just nip in from the car park entrance). Best buys include a wide range of Swedish knäckebröd, the hard crispbread that’s perfect as a base for pickled fish, smoked salmon and soft cheeses. You can also pick up lingonberry jam (usually served with Swedish meatballs), ginger snaps, and dill and mustard sauce as well as frozen foods, sweets and drinks. The best part? No allen key required.
Ikea is at Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, 630 Victoria Street, Richmond, 8416 5000 and Springvale Homemaker Centre. 917 Princes Highway, Springvale, 8523 2154 ikea.com.au