Helsinki's first canopy kiosks were designed in the 1920s, under the direction of the city architect Gunnar Taucher, at that time architecture was moving from 1920s classicism to functionalism. Taucher’s round concrete “wire spool kiosks” were the first functional buildings in the city, the originals still exist in Kasarmitori, Esplanade and Ruskeasuo.
In the early 1930s, Taucher designed various types of kiosks for Helsinki but their construction got postponed due to the recession. After the recession subsided, it was decided in 1937 to build curved cap kiosks designed by Taucher in Helsinki, these kiosks were became the first of their kind, serving as rational workspaces, where the products were clearly displayed. Three curved canopy kiosks still remain in Helsinki, at Mika Waltar Park in Töölö, Käpylä and Kaisaniemenpuisto.
Helsinki successfully won the bid to host he 1940 Olympics, which accelerated the construction of new kiosks. The Olympics was moved to 1952, due to the Second World War, but a few new canopy kiosks had already been completed, of which Rautatientori and Hakaniementori kiosks are the only ones remaining. In 1952, the municipality approved the construction of new flag kiosks in Helsinki, the new kiosk type was a variation of Gunnar Taucher's curved kiosk, the curved front wall was straightened under the leadership of the city architect Hildig Ekelund. The new style canopy kiosks built in the 1950s became the most common kiosk model in Helsinki, and there are still twenty of them littered across the city.
In the 21st century, Helsinki's canopy kiosks have witnessed a revival. Throughout the year various temporary and seasonal kiosks spring up to serve alongside the long-term kiosks that can be found throughout the city.
Sea Horse - Vuorimiehenpuistikko
The summer terrace of the legendary Sea Horse restaurant in Ullanlinna at Vuorimiehenpuistiko has been one of the most relaxing summer terraces in the area for many years.
seahorse.fi
Let Me Wine - Karhupuisto
This summer, Kallio's popular kiosk at Karhupuisto has a Let Me Wine bar, which focuses on natural wines and is run by a wine importer of the same name.
instagram.com/letme.fi
Tenhon lippakioski - Helsinginkatu-Fleminginkatu
Located on Helsinginkatu, Tenho Restobar runs a popular summer terrace as an extension of its kiosk in the lively heart of Kallio.
ravintolatenho.fi
Piirakkaleipomo Räty - Pitkäsilta & Ruskeasuo
Nurmijärvi-based Piirakkaleipomo Räty runs two popular kiosks, where you can find handmade fresh Karelian pies as well as another baked good called, kukko. Pitkänsilla's kiosk is located right next to the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden and the Ruskeasuo kiosk on Koroistentie.
facebook.com/piirakkaleipomoraty
Restaurant Töölö - Aalto University Töölö
The buzzing summer terrace of Restaurant Töölö, is located right on the corner of Arkadiankatu and Runeberginkatu, serving as an ideal summer kiosk. There are seasonally changing products from strawberries to peas and root vegetables directly from Töölöntori, as well as, bread, sweets and ice creams and, of course, a variety of drinks.
ravintola-toolo.fi
Puukioski - Munkkiniemi
A popular summer café in the heart of Munkkiniemi. The wooden kiosk serves ice cream, coffee, fresh bakery delicacies and hot and cold drinks.
puukioskimunkkiniemi.com
Esplanade's iconic kiosks
The Esplanade Park’s iconic spool shaped kiosks serve as cafés during the summer. There is coffee, refreshments, snacks and of course ice cream.
Käpylän kiska - Käpylänaukio
The Käpylä kiosk has been a real gem of urban culture in Käpylä for a few years now. In addition to traditional products, the kiosk also offers alternative music and art. The kiosk is open this summer everyday except on Mondays.
facebook.com
Three Belly's Pizza - Johanneksenpuisto
Three Belly’s pizza at the corner of Merimiehenkatu and Yrjönkatu offers delicious hand made pizza. They also serve antipasti, canotto, artisan ice cream, cocktails and wine.
threebellys.fi
