Helsinki Goes Vegan

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helsinki goes vegan

Somewhat surprisingly, vegan food has become one of the biggest global trends in contemporary societies. Finland is no exception: our supermarkets have been flooding with interesting new plant-based products, more and more restaurants are becoming vegan-friendly, and our number one food export might soon be Pulled Oats. Seriously!

Being the capital, Helsinki is at the forefront of much of this. While fully vegan restaurants are still scarce, many vegetarian restaurants favour plant-based cuisine. And what’s perhaps even more delightful, almost any modern restaurant worth their salt will offer vegan alternatives alongside more traditional dishes – great for group outings and dinner with your parents.

Here is a selection of the best places to get your vegan needs tended to in Helsinki!

Words by Olli Oilinki & Katja Karjalainen / Photos by Olli Oilinki except Farang

(Photo above: Restaurant Grön)

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Helsinki

Helsinki is a modern, pocket-sized European city known for design and high technology. Helsinki’s attractive and unique character comes from its proximity to the sea, as well as its location between the East and the West.

Helsinki

Silvoplee

A classic vegetarian restaurant in Kallio. This local institution favours organic ingredients and skews more towards the healthier end of the vegan spectrum. You fill your plate at their bountiful buffet and pay by weight, which might end up costing you a pretty penny! Their smoothies are all made in-house with seasonal produce, and you can get some delicious raw cake for dessert. Organic wines, beers and ciders are also available!

Toinen linja 7

Vaasankatu

Should you find yourself in the vibrant surroundings of Sörnäinen, Vaasankatu is worth a visit for any hungry vegan! SoiSoi makes the best seitan in town, Just Vege offers great falafels and burgers, and Vegekauppa is your friendly local vegan grocer. If it’s pizza you’re after, head to Hämeentie and Bar Loosister around the corner has you covered!

Vaasankatu 9–15

Onda

A versatile, cosy spot that has something for everyone. Most of their menu is vegetarian, and everything can be made vegan. Their fantastic hummus, great cauliflower wings and healthy poke bowls are good for snacking, while their vegan fish burger and seitan offerings will fill you up proper. There is some fish and meat on the menu, so your conservative friends need not fear too much. All their wines are organic and vegan, as well.

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Kippo

Should you feel the need for an afternoon snack in the heart of Helsinki, Kippo offers great sandwiches, juices, smoothies and coffee atop the Forum mall. So they have a convenient location, fresh, tasty food, and killer smoothies, but the best part? Their menu is 100 % vegan.

Mannerheimintie 14-20, 3rd floor

Fafa’s

The best falafels in Helsinki, period. They have six locations around the city and the ones on Iso- Roobertinkatu, Kamppi and Mikonkatu are open late on the weekends. Do consider getting your food to go though, as the venues tend to be small and crowded.

www.fafas.eu/

Several locations

Hietsun Kauppahalli

This quaint market hall was opened in 1903, making it the second-oldest in Helsinki. Today, it caters to a modern crowd looking to get a quick lunch during the week or a bite to eat while sampling the outdoor flea market on the weekends. Fat Tomato is the place to try some Pulled Oats, a Finnish innovation sweeping the nation. Their flatbreads can be made with vegan cheese upon request, while all their salads are plant- based. If you’re after something hearty, warm and oriental, you’re in luck, as Fat Ramen is right around the corner. If a sandwich will tide you over, head to Street Gastro instead.

www.hietalahdenkauppahalli.fi/en/

Lönnrotinkatu 34

Cargo

A fresh new face in Helsinki’s vegetarian scene, this urban café & restaurant is constructed of cargo containers. A popular hangout throughout the day and into the evening, their rooftop terrace must be one of the sunniest in the city. While the à la carte menu is a bit pricy, their lunch is more affordable and simply irresistible. If you arrive in Helsinki by boat, you can walk here from Länsiterminaali and grab some breakfast on your way into the city – trams number 9 and 6T also stop right at the door.

www.cargohelsinki.fi/vegetarian-restaurant/

Ruoholahdenranta 8

vegan Fine Dining

Looking for something more special? A number of revered high-end restaurants also offer vegan menus, among them Chef Tomi Björck’s Asian-themed smash hit Farang. For an all-out Nordic dinner menu, visit the Michelin-adorned Chef & Sommelier. For something Nordic but a bit quirkier, try Grön instead.

www.farang.fi/en (in the photo)

Ainonkatu 3

www.chefetsommelier.fi/en/

Huvilakatu 28

www.restaurantgron.com/

Albertinkatu 36

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helsinki goes vegan