Who would have thought that one of the most authentic Thai restaurants in Helsinki could be found in the outlying districts of Puistola and Tikkurila, or that one of the best Georgian restaurants is in Haukilahti and one of the best Nepali restaurants in Malmi? Finding authentic Chinese food in Kulosaari is a somewhat more expected, as the Chinese embassy is located just around the corner and provides a stable and demanding customer base. If, on the other hand, you have never tasted Malaysian or Uzbek food, then head towards Lauttasaari or Kontula.
Few also know that one of the best take-away pizzerias in the city can be found during the summer season in an old converted barn in Jollas. Fewer still know that the Kahvitupa Laurentius café outside the Church of St. Lawrence in Vantaa, not far from the airport and Jumbo shopping mall, serves not only Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, but also other Italian treats with a Finnish twist, such as boletus lasagne and home-made artisan gelato!