Raj Shrestha

Trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, Denmark House Head Chef Raj Shrestha brings more than a decade of international experience to the Melbourne CBD restaurant, combining refined European technique with a deep understanding of Nordic and Scandinavian food culture, presented with a modern Australian twist.

Born in Nepal, trained in Denmark, and now calling Melbourne home, Shrestha’s culinary journey began at his family's restaurant, where he developed an early appreciation for food's power to bring people together. Encouraged by his sister to pursue new opportunities abroad, he relocated to Denmark after high school, where he spent more than 10 years immersed in the country's celebrated hospitality scene, combining French techniques and Nordic influences. During this time, he worked across some of Copenhagen’s most respected venues, including Michelin-starred Restaurant 108, Noma’s sister venue, luxury hotel Hotel Skt Petri and acclaimed bakery Andersen & Maillard, before leading the kitchen at Feed Bistro as Head Chef.

Having relocated to Melbourne to begin a new chapter with his fiancée, Raj now leads the culinary direction at Denmark House with a vision to create one of Australia’s most authentic Danish dining experiences. His lunch menu celebrates smørrebrød, Denmark’s iconic open-faced rye-bread sandwich, with traditional toppings such as herring, roast beef and egg, alongside Australian native produce including finger lime, desert lime, saltbush and wattleseed. The menu is complemented by a selection of classic and soon-to-be-introduced housemade akvavit. With a particular passion for Denmark’s rye-bread tradition, Shrestha believes the humble loaf is one of the country’s most important cultural foods. He shares:

"Rye bread is much more than bread in Denmark –it's part of their identity. Danes are incredibly particular about what makes a good loaf, from the balance of seeds to the fermentation and texture. We create a dense, flavourful loaf that's naturally high in fibre and made to nourish as much as it satisfies. It's the foundation of smørrebrød, and I'm excited to introduce Melbourne diners to an authentic version of one of Denmark's most iconic foods."

A new dinner menu will soon follow, becoming Shrestha’s creative canvas through evolving seasonal dishes, weekly specials and thoughtfully curated set menus that celebrate the best of Victorian produce while showcasing traditional Danish techniques — from house-made rye bread and pickling to fermentation and time-honoured recipes.

Shrestha’s philosophy is grounded in humility, craftsmanship and hospitality. He believes great food begins with exceptional produce and is best enjoyed in an atmosphere that embodies the Danish spirit of hygge — a genuine feeling of warmth, comfort and togetherness.

Known for leading with respect and fostering a positive kitchen culture, Raj’s mantra is simple: “Stay humble, work hard, and let the food speak for itself.” Through Denmark House, he hopes to introduce more Australians to the depth, generosity and authenticity of Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine.

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Notes to editors:

Hi-res imagery: via Google Drive

About Denmark House:
​3/428 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
​Located in the heart of the CBD and open to all guests, Denmark House sits within the historic Danish Club, one of Melbourne's oldest cultural organisations, established in 1889. Led by Head Chef Raj Shrestha, whose experience spans some of Denmark's most acclaimed kitchens, Denmark House celebrates seasonal Victorian produce through authentic Danish flavours, traditional techniques and iconic dishes such as smørrebrød, complemented by a curated selection of Danish and Nordic beverages. Blending more than a century of heritage with a modern dining approach, Denmark House offers a uniquely Danish experience inspired by the warmth, comfort and conviviality at the heart of Danish culture.

Google Drive media image gallery link: Google Link
​Website: www.denmarkhouse.com.au ​ ​
​Instagram: @denmarkhouse
​Phone: (03) 9600 4477