Enjoy your tart

Today is February 5, Johan Ludvig Runeberg's birthday. And Finns celebrate that day with flying flag to honor their famous poet.

But even more important than the flags are the Runebergintorttut (Runeberg tarts). You can get them in almost every cafe as well as in supermarkets. Runeberg tarts are made from almonds, flavored with rum or arrack and decorated with raspberry jam in a sugar ring.

Don't forget to have one of those today to celebrate one of Finland's most important writers.

German coffee culture

A new German cafe opened in Helsinki. At Cafe DaJa in Kruununhaka you can now enjoy delicious German pastry and good coffee while breathing in the German athmosphere of the place. Read some German magazins and listen to German radio from the speakers.

DaJa offers more though. You can also come here for lunch. They have daily changing offers like Flammkuchen, Maultaschen and more. Or check out DaJa's breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekend. 

For more information on food, drinks and special events at DaJa check out their website.

Raw Food at Hymy

After Cafe Kokko at Katajanokka closed down raw food fans might wonder where to get their sweet and healthy treats now. Well, there is an alternative just a few blocks away. Hymy Raw Food Cafe at Torikortteli also offer delicious raw food pastry.

The two owners Inka and Maria do their best to offer new fresh raw food creations to their customers all the time. You can find their small cute cafe in one of the court yards right next to Kauppatori. 

Give it a try and enjoy. Hymy is open on weekdays from 11:00 to 19:00 and Saturdays from 11:00 to 16:00.

The Story of Vanha Kauppahalli

With the rennovated Vanha Kauppahalli a new gem came to Helsinki. Ravintola Story is located right in the middle of the old market hall and is a wonderful place for a break on your grocery shopping tour.

Story offers delicious smaller and bigger treats. You can have a filling handmade burger or some cocos curry clams accompanied by a glass of wine of their wide selection from small wineries from around the world. Or just go for some sweet or salty freshly baked pastry together with a cup of coffee.

All the food is for take away as well as to have there. But take the time and suck in the athmosphere of the beautiful old market hall while enjoying your food. Watch the people pass by or look out onto the harbor through the big windows.

Check it out and enjoy!

Raw pleasures at Café Kokko

Raw food is a huge trend around the world. And also in Helsinki you can find places that offer the healthy alternatives to cooked and processed food. One of them is Café Kokko.

The cozy two stroage cafe in one of the beautiful old brick buildings in Katajanokka was opened this summer. Here you find a wide selection of raw cakes and pastries. 

They might not be everyone's thing and are way less sweet than other pastry but you should definitely give them a try. You can also have one of their delicious smoothies and of course good coffee.

Sit at one of the comfy sofas and feel just like being invited to a friend's place. Check it out!

Lighten up your day with a piece of cake

Did you know that you can get some of the best cakes in Helsinki at Herkku and the backery at Stockmann? They make and sell some sweet, delicious cakes and pastries.

Get them for take away or have a slice right there.

Bonjour à Chofé

There is a new beautiful small café in town. Just a few weeks ago the French art café Chofé has opened its doors in Lönnrotinkatu just around the corner from Vanha Kirkkopuisto.

Chofé is a great place for a coffee break on your way through the city. Choose from their wide coffee selection. Maybe instead of the usual cappuccino try one Cafe Miel (with cinnamon and honey) or a Cafe Bonbon (with sweetened condensed milk) for a change.

And don't miss our on their amazing French pastry as well as the sweet Tunisian delights (hence to the owner's origin). Then sit down in one of the comfy armchairs and enjoy the French tunes from the loudspeaker.

Chofé also has live music though. To find our when check out their Facebook page.

It wouldn't be an art café though without its changing art exhibitions from local artist. You can just take a look or also buy pieces. As well as Finnish design that is on display in the back part of the café.

Check it out and have a great time there!

A bakery with tradition

Kanniston Leipomo at Lasipalatsi is one of the oldest bakeries in Helsinki. And no doubt also one of the best. This year they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Kannisto has several locations throughout the city. The most central one is the one at Lasipalatsi. It is very easily overlooked since the place is really small. But it's really worth a visit.

Kannisto has lots of good bread. But of course also really delicious pastry. If you are lucky you can catch one of the two small tables at the window and enjoy your sweet treat there together with a cup of really good coffee.

Kanniston Leipomo is a real gem and popular among locals. Give it a try!