2. Mini Blini with King Crab, Wild Pink Salmon Roe, smatana and Baeri Caviar (ABSOLUTELY THE BEST)

While you’re at Nordic Caviar, don’t skip the mini blini (home mada) topped with king crab (Norway), Wild Pink Salmon Roe (Alaska), smatana and Baeri Caviar (Spain)

The creamy smetana balances the saltiness of the roe and caviar, creating one of the best Nordic flavor combinations you’ll find in Helsinki.

Absolutely delicius!

3. Spruce Tip Jelly Gummies at Arctic Delice

This is something you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. If spruce tips aren’t your thing, don’t worry—you can also choose flavors like cloudberry or mixed berries. And here’s a bonus: once you’ve finished them, the beautiful metal tins make a great souvenir from Finland.

4. House-Dried Smoked Reindeer at Arctic Delice

Reindeer is one of Finland’s most famous ingredients, especially in Lapland.

At Arctic Delice, you can sample house-dried smoked reindeer, sliced thin to highlight its rich yet surprisingly lean flavor.

5. House-Dried Smoked Moose at Arctic Delice

Moose isn’t something you’ll find on menus in many countries, making it a must-try for adventurous food lovers.

The smoked moose has a deep, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with Finnish rye bread.

6. Leipäjuusto with Cloudberry Jam at Arctic Delice

Known internationally as Finnish squeaky cheese, leipäjuusto is served warm with sweet cloudberry jam.

The combination of salty cheese and Arctic berries has become one of Finland’s most beloved traditional desserts.

If you only try one Finnish dessert, make it this one.

As you may have noticed already, Arctic Delice offers a unique selection of products from Lapland, making it the perfect place to sit down and take a break. Their selection is constantly expanding, so don’t hesitate to ask about specialties like BEAR SALAMI and MOOSE DUMPLINGS. Pair your meal with a cup of coffee and a slice of blueberry pie for a true taste of Finland.

I’m sure the friendliness and hospitality of Janina and Dimitri will make your visit even more memorable.

7. Truffle Canapés at Tryffelit ja Herkut

If you’re a truffle lover, this small gourmet shop is worth a stop.

Their truffle canapés are simple, elegant, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect snack while exploring the market hall.

8. Runeberg Torttu at Robert’s Coffee

The Runeberg Tart is one of Finland’s most iconic pastries.

Made with almonds, breadcrumbs, raspberry jam, and a ring of icing, it’s traditionally enjoyed around Runeberg Day in February but is often available throughout the year here.

Pair it with a Finnish coffee for the full experience.

9. Creamy Crab or Salmon Soup at Eriksson

No visit to Finland is complete without trying lohikeitto, Finland’s famous creamy salmon soup.

Made with fresh salmon, potatoes, carrots, dill, and cream, it’s comforting, hearty, and perfect after exploring Helsinki. Eriksson serves one of my favorite versions inside the Old Market Hall.

If you’re looking for something different, I also highly recommend the creamy crab soup. Rich, flavorful, and packed with seafood, it’s a delicious alternative to the classic salmon soup.

And while Helsinki may not be the first destination that comes to mind for seafood, Eriksson proves otherwise. Their fresh oysters are large, tender, and incredibly fresh. It’s no surprise this is one of the market hall’s best-known fish counters, offering an excellent selection of fresh seafood, homemade marinades, and other Finnish specialties. (Closed on Sundays, even in summer time)

Keep an eye out for salmon wings, too—they’re a hidden gem and are sometimes available for just a few euros.

The owner, Juha, has an incredible knowledge of Finnish seafood traditions and is always happy to share recommendations and stories about the local catch.

10. Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich

Finish your visit with a classic Finnish open-faced sandwich.

Fresh smoked salmon served on dark rye bread with butter and herbs may sound simple, but high-quality ingredients make this one of the best lunches you can have in Helsinki.

Tips for Visiting Helsinki’s Old Market Hall (indoor market)

• • Take tram number 2 from Helsinki Central Railway Station.
  • Be aware of pickpockets, especially during the busy summer season.
  • The Old Market Hall is located right next to Helsinki Market Square (the outdoor market).
  • It’s an easy walk from Senate Square and the ferry terminals.
  • Most vendors accept credit and debit cards.
  • Visit around lunchtime for the widest food selection and liveliest atmosphere.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated between tastings.
  • Come with an open mind—and an appetite! You’ll likely discover foods you’ve never tasted before and be tempted to try something new.

Final Thoughts

Helsinki’s Old Market Hall is much more than a tourist attraction. It’s a place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy fresh seafood, Arctic specialties, traditional Finnish pastries, and gourmet Nordic products.

One thing I’ve learned after living in Finland for over a decade is that you don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to discover something new. I’m Mexican, and even though Finland is now my home, I still experience it with the curiosity of a traveler. Every visit to the Old Market Hall is an opportunity to taste something I’ve never had before, meet passionate local producers, and learn more about Finnish food culture.

Markets have always been one of my favorite places to visit, no matter the country. They’re where food, traditions, and people come together. Whether you’re sampling bear salami for the first time, enjoying a bowl of creamy salmon soup, treating yourself to premium caviar, or simply wandering through as a curious traveler, every corner has a story to tell. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, Helsinki’s Old Market Hall is well worth a visit—it’s a place to soak up the atmosphere, discover new flavors, and experience a little piece of Finnish culture.

If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, make sure this historic market hall is on your itinerary. Come hungry, keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never tasted before—you might just discover your new favorite food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Helsinki’s Old Market Hall worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s one of the best places in Helsinki to sample authentic Finnish food, from salmon soup and reindeer to artisan cheeses, pastries, and premium caviar.

You can also find international cuisine like Thai, truffles selecion of products from Italy and some kebap options…

What is the Old Market Hall in Helsinki famous for?

The Old Market Hall is famous for being Finland’s oldest indoor market, dating back to 1889. Today it’s known for fresh seafood, traditional Finnish foods, gourmet delicacies, cafés, and specialty shops.

Locals call it the ‘touristy market’

How long should I spend at Helsinki’s Old Market Hall?

Plan for 1–2 hours, especially if you want to enjoy lunch, browse the specialty shops, and sample several Finnish delicacies.

If you are just passing by, it should not take you more than 15 min and then you can head to the ourdoor market instead

Is Helsinki’s Old Market Hall good for first-time visitors?

Yes. It’s one of the easiest places to experience Finnish cuisine in a single visit, making it ideal for first-time travelers who want to try a variety of local foods without traveling around the city.