Helsinki, Finland is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of cultures and cuisines. While Finnish food is known for its hearty and traditional dishes such as salmon, reindeer, and pickles, the city also boasts a thriving Middle Eastern food scene. Here are some reasons why Helsinki is a great city to enjoy Middle Eastern food and drinks:
1. Diverse population: Helsinki has a diverse population of over 600,000 people, with a significant number of residents hailing from the Middle East. This diversity brings a rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques to the city’s dining scene.
2. Halal restaurants: Helsinki has several halal restaurants that cater to the growing Muslim population in the city. These restaurants offer authentic Middle Eastern cuisine such as kebabs, shawarmas, falafel, and hummus, all made with halal ingredients.
3. Wine bars: Helsinki is home to a number of wine bars that specialize in Middle Eastern wines. These bars offer a wide selection of wines from countries such as Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey, giving visitors the opportunity to taste some of the best wines from the region.
4. Coffee shops: Finland is known for its love of coffee, and Helsinki is no exception. The city has several coffee shops that serve traditional Middle Eastern coffee, such as Turkish coffee and Iranian qahveh khaneh. These coffee shops are a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking up the local culture.
5. Festivals: Helsinki hosts several festivals throughout the year that celebrate Middle Eastern culture and cuisine. For example, the Helsinki Mediterranean Festival is an annual event that showcases music, dance, and food from countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is a great opportunity to experience authentic Middle Eastern food and drinks in a festive setting.
In conclusion, Helsinki is a great city to enjoy Middle Eastern food and drinks. With its diverse population, halal restaurants, wine bars, coffee shops, and festivals, visitors have plenty of opportunities to taste the flavors of the Middle East while exploring this vibrant city.
Best Middle Eastern food restaurants to eat in Helsinki, Finland
1. Al-Hamra: This Middle Eastern restaurant is known for its authentic and flavorful dishes, which are made with fresh ingredients from the region. Some of their unique dishes include lamb shawarma, falafel wrap, and chicken kebab. The atmosphere at Al-Hamra is warm and welcoming, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
2. Kismet: Kismet is a popular restaurant in Helsinki that serves Middle Eastern cuisine. They offer a variety of dishes, including lamb shawarma, hummus, and falafel. One of their most unique dishes is the baba ghanoush, which is made with eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with a loved one.
3. Levant: Levant is a Middle Eastern restaurant that serves dishes from around the world. They offer a variety of options, including lamb shawarma, chicken kebab, and falafel. One of their most unique dishes is the zaatar, which is a mix of herbs, spices, and olive oil. The restaurant has a modern and sleek atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or colleagues.
4. Meze: Meze is a Middle Eastern restaurant that specializes in small plates of food. They offer a variety of options, including hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel. One of their most unique dishes is the kunafeh, which is a sweet pastry made with cheese and pistachios. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
5. Rasam: Rasam is a Middle Eastern restaurant that serves dishes from around the world. They offer a variety of options, including lamb shawarma, chicken kebab, and falafel. One of their most unique dishes is the koshary, which is a dish made with rice, lentils, and chickpeas. The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or colleagues.
Take a trip to Helsinki, Finland with our special fares
Visit Helsinki, Finland with our special fares
Helsinki, Finland is a food and drink lover’s paradise. The city boasts a diverse culinary scene that combines traditional Finnish flavors with international influences. From the fresh seafood caught in the nearby Gulf of Finland to the hearty meat dishes of the countryside, Helsinki offers a wide range of delicious options for every palate.
One of the highlights of Helsinki’s food scene is its vibrant market culture. The city has several open-air markets that offer fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and other regional specialties. These markets are a great place to sample traditional Finnish dishes like smoked salmon, pickled herring, and runeberg cakes.
In addition to its market culture, Helsinki is also home to a thriving craft beer scene. The city has several microbreweries that produce a wide range of beers with unique flavors and ingredients. These breweries often host tasting events and tours, giving visitors the chance to sample the local brews and learn about the brewing process.
For those looking for a more adventurous dining experience, Helsinki also offers a variety of food trucks that serve up street food from around the world. From Turkish kebabs to Japanese sushi rolls, these food trucks offer a unique way to sample different cuisines in one place.
Overall, Helsinki is a great tourist attraction for food and drinks lovers due to its diverse culinary scene, vibrant market culture, and thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re looking for traditional Finnish dishes or international flavors, the city has something for everyone.