Café Maa: Finnish gastronomy in the heart of Paris

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Published by Caroline de Sortiraparis · Photos by Caroline de Sortiraparis · Published on May 22th, 2024 at 11:52 a.m.
Do you know Café Maa? Nestled on the first floor of the Institut Finlandais, in the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, this ultra-gourmand, convivial venue puts Finnish cuisine in the spotlight with traditional Nordic recipes revisited by chef Alexandra Marschan-Claude.

A discreet country in Northern Europe, but incredibly rich and beautiful thanks to its resplendent, unspoiled nature, Finland stands out from its Swedish and Norwegian neighbors not only for its language, but also for its culture and gastronomy. For two years now, Parisians and visiting tourists have had the opportunity to discover and sample some Finnish specialties thanks to the opening of Café Maa. After hosting Café Coutume, the first floor of theInstitut Finlandais gave birth to Café Maa in spring 2022.

With its uncluttered decor and friendly atmosphere, as the Finns know so well, Café Maa - which means "earth" in Finnish - has everything to take us on a journey to the heart of Northern Europe. As we enter this beautiful, light-filled space, we discover two large tables, several smaller wooden ones and two banquettes set up just below the new temporary exhibition dedicated to artist Nanna Susi.

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Then, of course, there's the counter where customers come to lick their lips before ordering from chef Alexandra Marschan-Claude. The brainchild of Johanna Råman, former director of the Finnish Institute, this Slavic-born Finnish chef has been based in Paris for over thirty years now. After starting out in perfumery, notably for Van Cleef et Arpels, Alexandra Marschan-Claude changed direction in 2010, enrolling for training at the Ferrandi school. Later appointed head chef at the Finnish Embassy in Paris, she will finally join the team at the Finnish Institute in 2022, giving birth to Café Maa on April 26 of that same year.

For Café Maa, Alexandra Marschan-Claude relies on seasonal cuisine and fresh, local produce. Here, the menu changes with the seasons. Blending different influences, the chef likes to revisit traditional Nordic recipes by incorporating vegetables, herbs and spices, such as the famous juniper berries or dill. The chef's little extra? Perfect presentation and colorful plates that quickly take us on a journey to her homeland!

On the menu that lunchtime? Ideal suggestions for spring, including the'Maa salad', made with the famous kale, much appreciated by Finns, mustard shoots, some beautiful and tasty strawberries, pickled fennel, egg and potato salad. For the hungrier, Café Maa offersthe 'Kala plate', featuring smoked sprat, pickled herring, smoked salmon, dill sauce, salmon rillettes, pickled red onions, cucumber salad, kale, potato salad and rye bread.

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A number of typically Finnish specialties can also be sampled on site, such as 'Reissumies'; rye bread filled with smoked salmon, marinated herring or smoked sprat. Rye bread is a veritable institution in the country. In fact, it was elected national culinary specialty in 2017, to mark the centenary of Finnish independence! For Café Maa, the chef is offering this bread in the form of a slice of bread with typically Nordic flavors. For our part, we love the'Reissumies' topped with melting asparagus, broccoli, pickled fennel, a creamy and succulent green hummus, then blueberries, dill and kale. A specialty to be enjoyed without a cover, with your fingers only, just like in Finland!

Another highlight at Café Maa? The'Karjalanpiirakka', the famous Karelian pie or pirogue made from rye pastry, filled with rice and topped with a pastry made from chopped hard-boiled egg and butter. The recipe may seem simple, but it's much more complex than it looks. It takes a long time to prepare, but the result is simply amazing! For the record, this emblematic national specialty originated in Karelia, a region in eastern Finland. Eaten as a snack there, the popular Karelian pirogue originated during the Second World War.

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We continue with our sweet offerings, which are sure to tempt the taste buds of even the most demanding gourmets. These include, of course, the unmissable cinnamon brioche, also tasted in Scandinavia. Our favorites are the'Voisilmäpulla', a cardamom brioche, and the'Marja pannukakku', a delicious and generous fruit clafoutis topped with whipped cream!

As for the rest, sweet tooths are sure to fall for the'Murupiirakka', an apple, blueberry and strawberry crumble, the'Puolukkakakku', a cranberry tart, or the'Rahkaa ja marjoja', a blueberry or raspberry cottage cheese.

And to accompany it all, Café Maa offers a range of hot and cold beverages, including blueberry and cranberry juices, a succulent Finnish Chai latte (Mettä infusion, fir, black pepper, cardamom and cow's milk/oatmeal) and, of course, the coffee that Finns love so much. Café Maa coffees are hand-roasted by Kawa Coffee (Paris) and Frukt Coffee Roasters (Turku, Finland). Find out more about the current menu on the Institut Finlandais's official website.

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Thanks to these succulent and inspiring Nordic recipes, Café Maa is always busy, and now boasts a large number of regulars. Would you like to be one of them? Head to theInstitut Finlandais, in the heart of Paris, for a gourmet immersion in the Land of a Thousand Lakes! Café Maa is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Starts May 22th, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    33 Rue du Sommerard
    75005 Paris 5

    Official website
    www.institut-finlandais.fr

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