Looking for the best places to eat and drink in Helsinki. Look no further because I have the perfect list to fit any appetite. I found Helsinki had a wide variety of local Finnish foods as well as international foods from India, Mexico and even Portugal. Check out my list below for some great places to eat, drink and spend some time on your next trip to Finland.
Frida’s
Frida’s is located in the center of Helsinki. It’s a small restaurant but very busy with local people and travelers. Stop here for a quick bite or a nice evening with friends. Looking for some authentic Mexican food, this is your place. Plus the mojito’s are definitely something at Frida’s to write home about. https://www.restaurantfridas.com/
Red Koi Thai
Located on Lonnrotinkatu, near several tram stops in central Helsinki. Red Koi Thai is a great traditional Thai restaurant that has great food and ambiance. I tried the Mai Thai and Chicken Satay here along with fried rice. Something I found interesting and unique with this restaurant was that it also offered Vietnamese food on the menu. I definitely left here full without feeling as if my wallet was emptied. http://redkoithai.fi/en/
Mount Everest Vilhola Nepalese Cuisine
I’m a big fan of Nepalese food, but it’s so hard to come by where I live in the U.S. so I made it my mission to find a Nepalese restaurant in the city of Helsinki while I was visiting. I have to say I found a treasure. Although the customer service could have been better, the food was amazing. Not to mention a menu that included the best Naan bread I’ve ever eaten. This place is busy and very popular so expect a wait. https://www.everestyeti.fi/vilhola/en/index.php
Flytour Cafe
Located a few steps from Sky Wheel Helsinki on the Helsinki harbor. This restaurant serves some of the best tea, coffee and desserts in the city. I thought it’s location would mean high prices and low quality. But I have to say I came back several times during my trip to have heart shaped donuts, tarts and some drinks here. This malt dessert is as lovely as it looks. This place is definitely one of the best places to have dessert in Helsinki.
Leaving the restaurants behind, I actually found the best foods at the Market Halls and street vendors.
Hietalahti Market Hall
Market Halls are a big part of Finnish culture. They have been a part of many communities for over a hundred years. Many market halls have food, souvenirs, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as gourmet fare and international foods. Looking to try a wide variety of foods, this is definitely your place. I loved stopping by this specific Market Hall above, not only for what I found inside but the flee market outside, where I found some vintage items for a good bargain.
Kauppatori-Market Square
My favorite thing to do above all in Helsinki has to be visiting the market square. This is definitely the best place to eat and drink. From fresh fruits and vegetables to ice cream and other desserts, the market square has everything you’re looking for without breaking the bank. I discovered salmon soup this year and completely fell in love. If there is one thing you must try before leaving Helsinki, it has to be the traditional Finnish salmon soup. Made with fresh ingredients this soup will warm your soul no matter the weather. I have to give you a heads up though, hold on to your food as the seagulls love eating here too.
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[…] There is no such thing as visiting Helsinki and not eating well around this city. There are so many options for traditional Finnish food as well as international options that include Thai and Nepali foods. Heading to the Market Square you can find stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great place to try some traditional salmon soup or pan fried sardines. On the risky side? Try some reindeer meat. Want some more information? Check out some of the best places to eat in Helsinki right here. […]
[…] From traditional foods like reindeer and salmon soup to karelian pie, what’s not to love about Finnish food. When visiting Finland as a solo traveler you would be surprised how many places there are to eat and connect with fellow travelers as well as people local to the community. There are so many amazing places to eat when you visit Finland, especially in larger cities like Helsinki. Find out some of my favorite places to eat there. […]