Whether it’s a popular old establishment or an intriguing new one, each bakery has its own specialty that loyal customers swear by. Bread plays an important role in everyday life and on special occasions in Finland, and there are long traditions in baking sourdough bread, including both rye bread and lighter grains. Opinions as to where to find the best Karelian pies, meat pies, croissants, donuts and cinnamon buns are as numerous as there are locals who buy them, so discover for yourself what the best bakeries in Helsinki have to offer!
Traditional bakery atmosphere
Konditoria Hopia’s Karelian pies have almost iconic status in Helsinki. Hopia bakes fresh Karelian pies daily using the same original recipe that Emma Hopia brought with her from Karelia to Helsinki over 70 years ago. Avikainen in turn is a classic local bakery that has operated in the Torkkelinmäki neighbourhood since 1966. Visiting it is like traveling back in time, and the atmosphere is as enjoyable as the delicious blueberry pies or donuts filled with apple jam. Another traditional favourite is Leipomo Väyrynen, which dates back all the way to 1908 and bakes its rye breads and legendary mini donuts in the Teurastamo food district.
Finnish sweet pies and meat pies
Kanniston Leipomo is a classic whose bakery and shop in the Punavuori district dates back to 1914, and these days it has several other locations throughout the city. Fazer’s Gateau bakery chain also offers a wide selection and has lots of café shops around the town. In addition to all its classics, you must also try the apricot-nut bread and pistachio twists! Rönttösrouva in the Tapanila district sells Finnish delicacies from Kainuu, including hand-baked, lingonberry-filled “Rönttönen” sweet pies, classic vendace loafs and sandwich cakes. There is also general consensus that Eromanga bakes the best meat pies in town, having done so since 1946!
Modern bakery trends
Originally established in Punavuori but now also in the Töölö district, Levain is a multifaceted bakery-café oasis that has been a pioneer in the modern bakery boom in Helsinki. Favourites include its Levain sourdough bread and pastel de nata, the Portuguese custard tart. St. George Bakery is a street-front bakery attached to a five-star hotel whose sourdough bread is baked fresh daily, including Sundays, making it the perfect place to buy snacks for a picnic that you could set up at the Old Church Park next door. Situated next to the Karhupuisto “Bear Park” in Kallio, Way Bakery also offers fresh sourdough bread, as well as delicious honey-caramelised cinnamon buns and other treats!
Master bakers and European influences
Helsinki Homemade Bakery is a small artisan bakery in the Etu-Töölö district whose Karelian pasties baked with a crispy crust have already achieved cult status, as have its handmade croissants and cardamon buns. French quality can be found in the Meilahti district at Le Grenier, whose croissants, quiches and lemon tartelettes have attracted much praise. Primo bakes fresh bread with a crispy crust on weekends at the Venetsia building in Lapinlahti, while Patisserie Teemu Aura is known not only for its excellent breads, but also for its playful macaroons, delicious Runeberg tarts and artistic pastries.