Old Market Hall
The Old Market Hall has been housed inside the handsome redbrick building right next to the Market Square since 1889. In the heart of the market hall these days is the Nordic café-restaurant Story, which offers authentic and generous breakfasts and lunches, as well as popular brunches. Story’s delicious buns, pastries and other sweet baked treats are top class, as the kitchen is run by award-winning master confectioner Markus Hurskainen. Try the cruffins, muffins made from croissant dough, and don’t forget the sourdough pizza either.
E. Eriksson in turn is one of the most traditional fish merchants in Helsinki, and these days it also has a great oyster bar where you can stop for a drink and enjoy French oysters, fish sandwiches and even a seafood hotpot. Formerly known as Soup Kitchen, Soup+More serves the perfect market hall lunch, and its traditional bouillabaisse deserves to be a classic. For dessert, grab an Italian ice cream from La Gelateria!
Hietalahti Market Hall
Hietalahti Market Hall first opened back in 1903, and following a major renovation in 2012 it has been transformed into a real multicultural restaurant oasis where you can take a culinary trip around the world. Fat Ramen is known for the city’s best ramen soups that combine Japanese and Finnish traditions. In addition to the traditional tonkotsu ramen, Fat Ramen offers an excellent selection of acclaimed vegan ramen soups, as well as bao steamed buns and gyozas. Japanese street food is also served at Tokyo Street, whose noodles and gyozas are delicious. Tokyo Street also has a fun minibar that serves not only quality wines and craft beers, but also Japanese sake.
Kamalig in turn specialises in traditional Filipino cuisine: the adobo, chicken inasal and kare-kare are sure choices. Vietnamese cuisine also represents the finest Southeast Asian food culture and can be savoured at Mama’s Pho. Piilo meanwhile is especially known for its delicious breakfasts and weekend brunches, and it also serves Italian pastas and pizzas, as well as hearty salads. Piilo also sells Italian ice creams, including vegan options.
Hakaniemi Market Hall
Hakaniemi Market Hall in the heart of the former working-class district opened in 1914 and is Helsinki’s most traditional and authentic market hall.
Hakaniemi Market Hall is known especially for its traditional merchants and has somewhat fewer restaurants and cafés than Helsinki’s other market halls, but you can still enjoy some great food inside. In addition to Soup+More's soup selection, the Ekström fish shop and café serves traditional salmon soup that you can enjoy with a glass of white wine or champagne. Café Katiska also serves fish delicacies, including mussels, salmon pies and traditional Finnish “kalakukko” fish pies. Don’t miss Katiska’s delicious crispy blinis at the start of the year, and it also competes for the title of best salmon soup in the market hall.
Nami in turn serves traditional Karelian pies from Liperi, while Panicuocoli specialises in bio sourdough bread. Other sweet treats include the generously sized cinnamon buns, apple donuts and shrove buns served at Nami and the traditional market hall café. Finally, don’t forget to stop by Lentävä Lehmä, one of the best cheese vendors in Helsinki that offers a huge selection from which to choose!