From the minute it opened in early 2022 (complete with ringing endorsement from René Redzepi), it’s been one of the hottest tables in the Danish capital, and earned itself a Michelin star within a matter of months. Chef Jonathan Tam takes top quality, seasonal Danish ingredients and puts an intriguing Cantonese/Japanese spin on them, with each course on the ever-changing tasting menu showcasing one main element. Plating is simple but flavours are intense, from umami-rich mushroom broth or shoyu-brushed raw scallops to the egg-custard tart, which shot to instant fame when Redzepi posted an Instagram video of his super-wobbly slice.

Jatak is a homey restaurant tucked down a street in a residential area of Nørrebro. The ever-changing menu skews Asian while seamlessly integrating Danish ingredients, reflecting the Canadian-born chef’s Cantonese and Vietnamese heritage. Think unexpected but intuitive combos like monkfish with mint and sichuan peppercorn, or mackerel with carrots and sambal.

Previous chef de partie for 3 years at noma and head chef for 6 years at Relæ, Canadian-born Jonathan Tam decided to combine Asian flavours with Nordic cuisine at his Michelin-starred restaurant JATAK in Nørrebro. Nearly trying to hide in the busy neighbourhood of Nørrebro behind curtains and no signs, just a candle outside, the restaurant serves food inspired by the Cantonese and Vietnamese flavours he grew up with. Here Tam combines them with Nordic techniques and seasonally local produce, accompanying the food with natural wine - a must in Copenhagen - and fermented kombucha for the non-alcoholic pairing.

JATAK is a welcoming spot in Copenhagen that highlights Chef Jonathan Tam’s personal touch, drawing on his Chinese roots and local Nordic ingredients. The dining room feels relaxed yet thoughtfully put together, and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable. The menu evolves with the seasons, keeping the experience fresh and memorable every time you visit.

A key player in that movement is Jatak (Danish for “yes, please”), a pan-Asian tasting menu from Jonathan Tam, a former sous-chef at Relæ (oh, look, yet another Puglisi connection). The standard talking point is that Jatak is so damn good it was awarded a Michelin star within six months of opening. And I can confirm it really is a stellar meal.

Former Relæ chef Jonathan Tam uses Danish ingredients to explore Vietnamese and Cantonese flavors. The best seat is at the long wooden bar, where diners watch the chefs work. At Jatak, chef-owner Jonathan Tam leans into the Cantonese flavors of his childhood with a dish of char siu local pork, brassica, grains, and Chinese mustard.

The latest addition to the Copenhagen Michelin scene, JATAK quickly became a cult favorite thanks to its fantastic menu, Nørrebro location, and choice of menus. The two menus are the Dining Room and the Kitchen Counter. The Dining Room is a smaller menu, with 8 courses, while the Kitchen Counter is the chef’s menu with 12 courses.

Jatak in Copenhagen offers a fusion of Nordic and Asian cuisines. Chef Jonathan Tam’s innovative menu blends local ingredients with exotic flavours and techniques in a minimalist expression. The stylish, minimalist décor and the open kitchen with counter seats make for a vibrant and dynamic dining experience.

Known for its delectable Michelin-starred restaurants and street culture, Copenhagen’s vibrant neighborhood of Nørrebro is home to JATAK, which opened in 2022. Chef-owner Jonathan Tam is a seasoned chef who perfected his craft in the kitchens of Noma. He went on to become head chef at Restaurant Relae.

One of Denmark’s newest Michelin stars is JATAK, a Cantonese-inspired fine dining restaurant from Jonathan Tam (the former head chef of Relæ). The name stems from the most common reply from a cook to a head chef in Nordic kitchens, “Ja, tak!. ” (meaning, “Yes, thank you!” or “Yes, chef!”).

The result of combining Asian-inspired flavours with a New Nordic approach to production and technique is found at Jatak. It was established in early 2022 and can be found on a typical Nrrebro street. Behind its unassuming facade is a small dining area with cosy minimalism throughout.

Awarded its first star just 6 months after opening in 2022, Restaurant Jatak is the new star on the block in Copenhagen's hip Nørrebro neighbourhood. The name literally translates into "Yes, please". So when the waiter asks if you'd like seconds, you'll know what to say: Ja tak!

Jatak Michelin-starred Chinese/Vietnamese-inspired newcomer offering two different tasting menus, with the 11-course version served at the kitchen counter. Eight-course menu £115pp. Rantzausgade 39, jatakcph.com

‘We always look forward to visiting Jatak; we know we can always rely on chef Jonathan Tam’s exquisite tasting menu when we get there.’. Jatak is located at Rantzausgade 39, 2200 København, Denmark.