A snack-sized guide to Helsinki food classics

A snack-sized food guide to Helsinki - episode 1

The Kahvisiskot (Coffee Sisters) tent cafe has been operating for over 40 years at Hakaniemi Market Square. Kahvisiskot offers a pleasant atmosphere and a small orchestra playing live music during the summer. At the cafe you can enjoy Finnish coffee, fresh salt cured salmon sandwiches, and homemade cinnamon buns and other sweets freshly baked in the morning. The cafe is also known for delicious meat pies and apple jam filled doughnuts, delivered daily from Eromanga, one of the best known bakeries in Helsinki. However, the most popular dish is the traditional rice porridge with butter, sugar and cinnamon.

1. Kahvisiskot, Hakaniemi Market Square

Hakaniemi Market Hall is a genuine Finnish market hall.  Designed by architect Karl Hård af Segerstad, the market hall was opened in 1914. The charming 100-year-old building has many shops on two floors. Eg. fresh fish, bread and pastries and other delicious food can be found on the first floor and souvenirs, handicrafts, interior decorations and other design objects on the second floor. 



2. Hakaniemi Market Hall

Restaurant Pompier at Albertinkatu serves lunch on weekdays, in the Helsinki Volunteer Fire Deparment (VPK) building and is at other times open by agreement.

3. Pompier Albertinkatu

The Ateljee Bar, which has been operating since 1951, is located on the top floors of Hotel Torni.

4. Ateljee Bar

Hepolampi family's Kosmos has been a part of culinary culture in Helsinki since 1924. The dining room interior has retained its original appearance and is a sight on its own. The kitchen represents long-standing Helsinki cooking traditions from Vorschmack to Steak Tartare and from Sweetbreads to Baltic Herrings.

5. Kosmos

Kuurna is a small and cozy restaurant in the Kruununhaka neighbourhood. The menu changes every two weeks and there are also a few daily specialities. All the ingredients are carefully chosen and the menu consists of mostly Finnish classics with a modern twist.

6. Kuurna

Elite has been a unique cultural restaurant and living room for artists since its establishment in 1932. Actors, musicians, authors, dancers and artists have enjoyed themselves for years here in the theatre of real life. Paintings by some of its artist patrons can be admired on the walls of the Elite. The Finnish-international restaurant serves eg. sirloin steak with creamed onion à la Tauno Palo (inspired by the famous Finnish actor) and vorschmack.

7. Restaurant Elite

Restaurant Seahorse, dating back to 1934,  is a classic Finnish "artist haunt" restaurant serving traditional Finnish food and atmosphere. 

Sea Horse has served Finnish delicacies, such as crispy fried Baltic herrings, vorschmack, herring plates and Wiener schnitzels, for over 80 years.