Scandinavia House opened in 2000 and is home to the American-Scandinavian Foundation, which has been working to strengthen the cultural ties between the United States and the Nordic countries since 1911. The building serves as a cultural center with rotating art exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, lectures, and other events. For me, though, it was Björk Café & Bistro that brought me through the door.
I’d already had lunch when I stopped by, but I couldn’t stop thinking about a sildemad (Danish open-faced herring sandwich), so I went in hoping Björk would have one on the menu. I ordered the Herring & Egg Smörrebröd, and it was close enough to what you’d get in Denmark to satisfy my craving. I’m also pretty sure the rye bread was Danish.
Björk was almost full, even though it was just an ordinary Thursday afternoon. Around me, I could hear English mixed with Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian, which only added to the feeling that I’d stumbled across a little corner of Scandinavia in the middle of Manhattan.
There’s also a small shop on the ground floor that’s worth a look if you’re missing a taste of home or simply like Scandinavian design and food. You’ll find everything from cookbooks and homeware to chocolate, licorice, and other Nordic specialties. The times I’ve visited,I’ve noticed that the shop leans quite heavily toward Sweden, and the same goes for the restaurant. The menu is rather Sweden-centered and I wouldn’t have minded seeing a little more Denmark represented, but it’s still a lovely place to browse and have lunch.
Scandinavia House is a nice little Scandinavian hub in the middle of Manhattan, and Björk is a great spot for lunch. If you’re craving a proper rye bread sandwich or want to stock up on Scandi candy and other Nordic treats, this is where you’ll want to go.
Björk, Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016
