Helsinki’s food scene is full of contrasts: high-end restaurants and humble harbour-side cafés, traditional rye bread and bold vegan innovations, wild forest berries and Michelin tasting menus. Here, nature’s rhythm sets the menu, and sustainability is always on the table. Whether you’re a curious foodie, a busy family, or just really into cinnamon buns, there’s something fresh, fun, and deeply Finnish to try.
Photo credit: © Maija_Astikainen
The international grand markets event gathers stalls from over 30 different countries and numerous Finnish provinces. The market boasts eye-catching specialty products and international food sections offering something for every taste, from familiar classics to new discoveries. The market also offers a wide range of beautiful handicrafts, textiles, and other unique products.
Photo credit: © Helsinki City Premises
The traditional Herring market is held annually in October at the Market Square. The oldest traditional event in Helsinki has been organised since 1743. Fishermen working on the Baltic Sea sell salted herring and a delicious selection of herring marinades, from rowan berries to red pepper at the market.
Photo credit: © Eetu Ahanen/Helsinki Marketing
Flow Festival is a premium music and arts festival that has a rich culinary offering. Flow Festival’s food program is a vibrant and enticing experience, highlighting sustainability, a rich variety of flavours, and exciting culinary adventures. The festival grounds host over 40 restaurants and a range of high-quality cafés and bars.
Photo credit: © Samuli Pentti
As we launch into many exciting projects and cooperations for 2026, The Food Capitals looks back on 2025 as a year marked by renewed connections, meaningful collaborations, inspiring events, and key milestones1
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Last month, at Placemaking Week Europe in Reggio Emilia, Italy, urban leaders and placemaking practitioners gathered for an inspiring session exploring how food markets serve as engines for community developme1
Learn moreThrough collaborative projects, annual gatherings, study tours, and continuous exchanges, our network fosters a dynamic community where cities learn from each other, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions for the future of food and gastronomy.
We invite cities that share our commitment to food-driven urban transformation to join us in shaping a better food future.
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