Alongside the harbor, Helsinki's iconic Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Market Hall) features stall after stall selling traditional Finnish foods and international flavors (vanhakauppahalli.fi). Opened in 1889, it’s still a traditional Finnish market, with wooden stalls selling local flavors such as licorice, Finnish cheeses, smoked salmon and herring, berries, forest mushrooms and herbs.
The market hall retains its revered knowledge of modern food trends – in fact, it has been featured in listings of the world's best foodie spots.
Its centerpiece is its superb cafe, Story (story-restaurants.fi) – try the traditional creamy salmon soup here. Or sit down at Erikssonin osteribaari (kalatukkueriksson.fi) for oysters hailed as the best in Helsinki. The market also has a selection of Finnish meats, such as moose, bear, reindeer, as well as Karelian pies and fried vendace.
