Street Food and Local Delicacies in Helsinki, Finland

DINING OPTIONS

1/28/20254 min read

With its mix of traditional and modern street food, Helsinki offers a unique culinary experience that every traveler should savor. Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or exploring bustling market halls, the city’s flavors are sure to leave a lasting impression.

1. Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Roll)

  • A warm, aromatic Finnish cinnamon bun perfect for a quick snack while exploring Helsinki’s streets.

2. Lihapiirakka (Meat Pie)

  • A deep-fried pastry filled with minced meat, rice, and spices, often served with mustard and pickles.

3. Kalakukko (Fish Pie)

  • A traditional Finnish dish from the Savonia region, it’s a baked rye bread filled with fish, pork, and bacon.

4. Muikku (Fried Vendace)

  • Small, crispy fried fish seasoned with salt and lemon, typically served in a cone for on-the-go eating.

5. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pie)

  • A rye crust pastry filled with rice pudding or mashed potatoes, often topped with a dollop of egg butter.

6. Grillimakkara (Grilled Sausage)

  • Juicy Finnish sausages grilled and served with mustard or ketchup, often sold at outdoor food stalls.

7. Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese)

  • A lightly toasted cheese served with cloudberry jam; it’s a sweet-and-savory treat.

8. Porilainen (Finnish Burger)

  • A street food version of a burger, made with a slice of sausage and topped with pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard in a bun.

9. Herkku Letut (Finnish Pancakes)

  • Thin pancakes served with jam and whipped cream, commonly found at street food markets.

10. Puuro (Porridge)

  • A hearty Finnish oatmeal or barley porridge served in street markets, topped with berries or sugar.

11. Ruisleipä (Rye Bread Sandwiches)

  • Sandwiches made with Finland’s iconic rye bread, often filled with cheese, smoked salmon, or vegetables.

12. Marjapuuro (Berry Porridge)

  • A dessert-like street food made with berries, semolina, and sugar, served cold.

13. Lakritsi (Finnish Licorice)

  • Soft and flavorful licorice candies sold in kiosks across the city.

14. Salmiakki (Salted Licorice)

  • A unique Finnish treat with a salty-sweet taste, loved by locals and sold at many shops.

15. Smoked Fish Wraps

  • Thin flatbreads filled with smoked salmon or herring, fresh greens, and dill sauce.

Where to Find Helsinki’s Best Street Food

  1. Market Square (Kauppatori)

    • Highlights: Fried Muikku (vendace), Korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls), and smoked salmon wraps.

    • Located by the waterfront, Market Square is a bustling hotspot for street food. Stroll through the stalls and enjoy freshly fried fish served in cones or indulge in sweet Finnish pastries while enjoying views of the harbor.

  2. Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli)

    • Highlights: Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), Leipäjuusto (squeaky cheese), and smoked fish.

    • This historic indoor market is perfect for exploring local delicacies. You’ll find vendors offering everything from savory pies to traditional cheeses paired with cloudberry jam.

  3. Teurastamo (The Abattoir)

    • Highlights: Grillimakkara (grilled sausages) and trendy fusion foods.

    • Once an old slaughterhouse, Teurastamo has transformed into a hip food and cultural hub. It’s a great spot for grabbing artisanal sausages or trying contemporary takes on Finnish classics.

  4. Helsinki Food Trucks

    • Highlights: Porilainen (Finnish burger) and Lihapiirakka (meat pies).

    • Keep an eye out for Helsinki’s roaming food trucks, especially during events and festivals. These mobile eateries serve hearty street food like Finnish-style burgers and deep-fried pastries filled with meat and rice.

  5. Hakaniemi Market Hall (Hakaniemen Kauppahalli)

    • Highlights: Marjapuuro (berry porridge) and Ruisleipä (rye bread sandwiches).

    • A local favorite, this market hall features a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes. It’s the perfect place to taste berry-based desserts or hearty rye bread sandwiches.

  6. Helsinki’s Street Food Festivals

    • Highlights: Seasonal specialties, fusion dishes, and more.

    • Helsinki hosts several street food festivals, like the Streat Helsinki event, where you can try a wide variety of dishes from local and international vendors.

What to Eat: A Closer Look at Helsinki’s Street Food

  1. Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Rolls)

    • Fluffy, buttery, and infused with cinnamon and cardamom, these buns are a classic Finnish treat. They’re best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, which you’ll find at any street-side cafe or market stall.

  2. Muikku (Fried Vendace)

    • A local favorite, these tiny fish are fried to crispy perfection and served with a squeeze of lemon. They’re a must-try for seafood lovers and are often sold fresh at Market Square.

  3. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies)

    • A humble yet delicious snack made of a rye crust filled with creamy rice porridge. Don’t forget to add a generous spread of egg butter on top for an authentic taste.

  4. Grillimakkara (Grilled Sausage)

    • Juicy and smoky, these sausages are typically served with mustard or ketchup. They’re a simple yet satisfying street food that’s easy to find at festivals or outdoor markets.

  5. Porilainen (Finnish Burger)

    • Finland’s take on the burger features a slice of sausage between two slices of bread, topped with ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions.

  6. Marjapuuro (Berry Porridge)

    • A sweet and refreshing dish made with semolina and seasonal berries, this dessert-like snack is perfect for a light treat.

Travel Tips for Foodies in Helsinki

  • Timing is Key: Most market stalls and food trucks operate during the day, so plan your visit accordingly. Market Square is especially lively in the mornings.

  • Try Seasonal Specialties: Finland’s food scene changes with the seasons. In winter, you’ll find hearty soups and pastries, while summer offers fresh berries and light seafood dishes.

  • Local Ingredients: Finnish cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients like rye, salmon, mushrooms, and berries. Don’t miss the chance to taste these in their purest forms.

  • Explore Beyond Food: While you’re indulging in Helsinki’s street food, take time to enjoy the nearby attractions, like the Uspenski Cathedral, Esplanadi Park, and the ferry to Suomenlinna.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Availability of street food items and their locations may vary based on season, time, and local events. Visitors with dietary restrictions or food allergies should inquire with vendors about ingredients before consuming any dishes.