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The NH Concierge’s Tips
Arguably one of the best parts of exploring new cities is discovering the food. The vibrant food scene of Helsinki is where you’ll discover traditional flavors and modern culinary delights, giving you plenty of local dishes to try. Take the time to sample local specialties and visit different restaurants to help make your visit extra special. In this guide, we’ll detail typical food in Helsinki and where you can try some classic Finnish food to help you make the most of your trip.
Like most capital cities, Helsinki is home to some of the best food scenes in Finland, with a variety of cafés and restaurants as well as food markets that are full of incredible Finnish dishes to try. As for where to eat in Helsinki, you won’t go hungry that’s for sure! Here are some recommendations for typical food in Helsinki to try during your visit:
Begin your Helsinki culinary adventure with the iconic Karjalanpiirakka. These Karelian pasties, filled with rice porridge or mashed potatoes, offer a delightful handheld snack.
For an authentic experience, visit Café Esplanad, where these pastries are crafted with precision and tradition. Known for being a highlight of Helsinki’s café scene, it has long opening hours and is perfect for a morning pastry or to grab a tasty lunch.
Indulge in the heartiness of Lihapiirakka, a Finnish meat pie enveloped made from yeasted bread dough. It features mincemeat and rice and is a classic example of Finnish fast food.
To try this savoury delight, head to Fazer Café, a Helsinki classic known for its quality pastries and cosy atmosphere. There are multiple locations across Helsinki, so you’ll be sure to find one or two to enjoy on your travels.
Explore Nordic flavours with pickled herring on ruisleipä (rye bread), a tasty open-faced sandwich which includes a delicious butter - it’s a wonderful salty delight that is simple, but satisfying.
One of the best places to eat this dish is at Savotta. This restaurant, located in Senate Square has plenty of rustic charm, and elevates the classic combination of pickled herring and dark rye bread. Go hungry so that you experience all the other delicious Finnish dishes Savotta has to offer.
While you may never have thought of trying it before, reindeer is a traditional dish in Finland, and a typical food in Helsinki to try during your stay. Like venison, but not as gamey or tough, it offers a unique taste that is particularly delicious.
For a taste of the wild, try reindeer at Restaurant Nokka. This Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment crafts reindeer dishes that showcase the unique flavours of Finland's northern landscapes. The restaurant comes highly recommended so if you’re looking for where and what to eat in Helsinki, you won’t be disappointed with Nokka.
Challenge your taste buds with Salmiakki. It’s a type of salty liquor ice, shaped like a black diamond and is a firm favourite with both locals and visitors. If you haven’t heard of it before your visit, you certainly will after it!
You can sample Salmiakki in stores and kiosks all over Helsinki, allowing you to experience the bold flavours of this Finnish favourite.
Warm up with Lohikeitto, a wonderful traditional Finnish food. It’s a soup made from salmon fillets, boiled potatoes, carrots and leeks and finished with all kinds of seasoning to make this a must-try dish during your stay.
Experience some of the best Lohikeitto at Story. This restaurant combines modern flair with traditional Finnish recipes, creating a comforting salmon soup that captures the essence of Finnish cuisine. It uses fresh ingredients from the market square, so you’ll get a true taste of Finland when you eat here.
Originally from the region of Savonia, this is a pie where the filling is baked in bread, and is full of flavour.
Delve into Finnish tradition by trying kalakukko at Kappeli. Located in the heart of Helsinki, Kappeli's classic ambience enhances the experience of enjoying this traditional fish and pork pie. You can also find kalakukko at many markets, where you’ll get the chance to meet some locals and find out more about this traditional dish.
If you love more candy than salty dishes and you don´t know what to eat in Helsinki to satisfy your palate, try the korvapuusti. It’s a delightful and light roll that’s tipped with sugar and made using cardamom It is ideal for a snack to satisfy your sweet craving.
Sample korvapuusti at many cafes across Helsinki, including Café Ekberg. Helsinki's oldest café offers a delightful setting to enjoy this cinnamon roll, paired perfectly with a cup of their aromatic coffee. It's the perfect way to start your day.
One of Tampere's specialty dishes, Mustamakkara, is a type of blood sausage that is a Finnish classic and one that's not to be missed. This dark delight is a firm favourite, and it’s usually eaten with a lingonberry jam.
You will find mustamakkara at most traditional Finnish eateries in Helsinki. It’s an affordable dish and something to add to your ‘must-try’ list during your stay.
Experience freshwater delights at Sea Horse, a Helskini institution that has served up traditional Finnish food and culture since 1934. Located in the historic Ullanlinna district, this iconic restaurant serves up delicious paistetut silakat (friend herring) and paistetut muikku (friend vendace), showcasing the bounty of Finland's lakes.
Sea Horse is famous for its fish dishes, so be sure to order different items from the menu to sample the best of Finnish cooking.
Enjoy the heartiness of kalikääryleet, a hearty cabbage roll dish that is made with ground beef, rice and cabbage. They’re similar to Swedish meatballs if you’re looking for something to compare them to.
Enjoy kalikääryleet at the magnificent Savoy. This renowned restaurant, located atop a historic building, offers a sophisticated twist to traditional cabbage rolls, creating a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant has been serving guests for more than 80 years, and is a great place to enjoy a more luxurious dining experience during your stay.
In Finland, you’ll be able to experience both traditional flavours and modern innovations. Helsinki, the capital city, boasts lively restaurants and charming cafes that cater to diverse tastes. Whether nestled in the atmospheric streets of Kallio or along the scenic shores of the Baltic Sea, Finnish eateries offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. The culinary landscape extends beyond local delights, embracing international cuisines that reflect the country's openness to global influences. From the bustling food markets to the Michelin-starred establishments, Helsinki invites you to explore everything that’s on offer.
Cafés exude cosy charm – a perfect way to escape the cold during your days of sightseeing. Meanwhile, restaurants showcase the country's prowess in fine dining. One of the things you’ll appreciate the most about eating in Helsinki is Finland's commitment to quality and freshness, which ensures that each dining experience is not just a meal but a cultural journey where both nature and community are celebrated.
In Finland, tipping is not as common or obligatory as it may be in some other countries. The service charge is typically included in the bill, and it is customary to simply round up the total to the nearest convenient amount as a gesture of appreciation for good service. For example, if the bill is 47 euros, you might leave 50 euros.
While tipping is not expected, it is still appreciated, and any tip left is a nice way to acknowledge excellent service. It's important to note that service industry workers in Helsinki receive fair wages, and tipping is not considered a significant part of their income. It's always a good idea to check the bill to see if a service charge has already been included before deciding whether or not to leave a tip.
To enhance your culinary experience in Helsinki, familiarise yourself with some essential phrases. This will make a big difference to the people you encounter and can make the experience more fun for you too.
When ordering, polite greetings such as "Moi" (Hello) and "Kiitos" (Thank you) go a long way. To request a menu, you can say "Voinko saada ruokalistan?" (Can I have the menu, please?). When ready to order, use "Haluan tilata" (I would like to order) followed by the dish or drink of your choice. For a drink, you might say "Lasillinen viiniä, kiitos" (A glass of wine, please). Finally, don't forget to express your enjoyment with "Oli erittäin herkullista" (It was very delicious).
With so many incredible dishes to explore, you won’t be stuck for ideas of what to eat in Helsinki. From delicious pastries to fresh seafood, there is a lot to explore and new favourites to enjoy. Make time to sample traditional Finnish food and make the most of exploring all the incredible eateries that Helsinki has to offer.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your Helsinki trip, then take a look at the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa. Our charming hotel is a great choice to have as your base, so that you can return to comfort and style.
NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is located in the heart of Helsinki. An ideal base for both leisure and business guests, the hotel sits in close proximity to top attractions like Helsinki Market Square and the Finnish National Theater, as well as major shopping areas and top restaurants. Plus, the hotel is also close to several transportation hubs, including the historical Central Station. This makes it easy for guests to access trams, buses and trains to explore other parts of the city or take day trips to nearby destinations.
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