The Upgraded Dinner 2024 in Helsinki: A Culinary Journey of Biohacking and Tradition

The Upgraded Dinner 2024 in Helsinki was more than just a dinner—it was an immersive cooking workshop that combined the latest in biohacking techniques with the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Held under the expert guidance of the Biohacker’s Handbook authors and the renowned wild food chef Sami Tallberg, this event was a highlight of the Biohacker Summit, bringing together a unique blend of innovation, tradition, and culinary artistry.

A Spectacular Opening Ceremony

The evening began with a truly unforgettable opening ceremony led by Team Japan, featuring Sensei Zen Takai, Yogetsu Akasaka, and Nao Matsuda. The ceremony set the tone for the evening, infusing it with a deep sense of tradition and respect for the natural elements.

Yogetsu Akasaka captivated the audience with the soothing sounds of the hand pan, creating a serene atmosphere that enveloped the room. Nao Matsuda followed with an exquisite Japanese tea ceremony, serving 16th-generation Samurai green tea. The elegance and precision of her movements as she prepared and served the tea were mesmerizing, offering a moment of calm and reflection before the culinary journey began.

Sensei Zen Takai then took the stage to purify the atmosphere, a ritual that filled the space with a sense of peace and readiness for the evening ahead. He concluded the ceremony with a traditional Japanese dance, a beautiful and robust display that honored his Samurai heritage and added a profound cultural depth to the event.

A Collaborative Culinary Experience

The dinner was more like an interactive cooking workshop than a traditional meal. Each course was prepared by different kitchen teams, just like in a TV cooking show. This collaborative approach allowed everyone to work hands-on with the ingredients, guided by the expert knowledge of the speakers and the authors of the Biohacker’s Handbook.

At the forefront of this culinary journey was Sami Tallberg, a renowned expert in wild food. His guidance was instrumental as we navigated through ultra-seasonal ingredients, local forage, and wild game. Every dish was a testament to his expertise, designed to be delicious and optimized for health, utilizing the latest biohacking cooking techniques.

The Six-Course Biohacked Feast

The dinner featured six meticulously crafted courses, each showcasing ultra-seasonal ingredients, and the latest biohacking cooking techniques. The courses were prepared by various teams and highlighted the richness of local forage, wild game, and innovative culinary practices. Here’s a closer look at the feast:

Horta Experience by Jouko & Kata (Wild Herb Salad):
A vibrant and fresh start to the meal, this salad featured a variety of wild herbs foraged locally, offering a burst of natural flavors and nutrients.

1. White Fish Tartare with Seaweed & Salted Lemon:
   This dish combined the delicate texture of white fish with the umami of seaweed and the zesty punch of salted lemon, creating a beautifully balanced tartare.

2. Bone Broth with Wild Mushrooms:
   A nutrient-rich broth that was slow-cooked to perfection, drawing out wild mushrooms' deep, earthy flavors. This course was both comforting and packed with health benefits.

3. Wild Salmon with Reindeer Heart and Liver:
   It is a bold and hearty dish, pairing the rich taste of wild salmon with the unique flavors of reindeer heart and liver. This course celebrated wild game, offering a taste of the Nordic wilderness.

4. Alina in da Wonderland (Morning Walk in the Forest) - Dessert:
   This whimsical dessert captured the essence of a morning walk in the forest, with flavors and textures that evoked the freshness and tranquility of nature.

5. Forest Fusion Chocolate (Lingonberry & Pine Bark Extract) and Magic Decoction (Wild Medicinal Mushrooms & Bilberry Leaves):
   The final course was a sweet yet earthy combination of forest flavors, featuring rich chocolate infused with lingonberry and pine bark extract. Paired with a magic decoction from wild medicinal mushrooms and bilberry leaves, this dessert was indulgent and packed with bioactive compounds.

A Night to Remember

As the evening drew close, the sense of camaraderie and shared achievement was palpable. This was more than just a dinner—a celebration of innovation, tradition, and the joy of creating something extraordinary together. The Upgraded Dinner, 2024, in Helsinki was a true testament to what can be achieved when experts from diverse fields share their knowledge and passion.

Being part of this event was an incredible experience. From the opening ceremony to the final course, every moment was filled with learning, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. Combining biohacking techniques with traditional culinary practices created a dining experience unlike any other, one that I will carry with me as inspiration for future projects.

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