Fish swim in the market halls and restaurants

All varieties of Christmas fish can be purchased in Helsinki’s market halls and fishmongers. To help you make your selection you can walk around the Old Market Hall and taste samples of white fish cured in gin, gubbröra (egg-anchovy salad) made with herring and cold-smoked salmon on rye bread served at the different counters. For a more international touch, you can even ask the staff at E. Eriksson’s to open a few oysters to taste.

In addition to oysters, fish roe and caviar are very much part of the Christmas season. Treat yourself to the most exclusive seasonal cuisine at the tiny Finlandia Caviar restaurant by the South Harbour.

Helsinki’s restaurants also serve delicious fish dishes, from classic fried herring at Salve to exquisitely prepared portions at the city’s fine dining establishments. Salmon soup is a Finnish classic that you can enjoy at the cosy restaurants by the Market Square and especially at Fisken på Disken at the Kortteli restaurant complex on the top floor of the Kamppi shopping centre. Executive Chef Ari Ruoho also serves the freshest and most delicious catch of the day at the Nokka restaurant in Katajanokka.

New and traditional foods this Christmas