Coffee, culture and community: 7 iconic Helsinki canopy kiosks
Ever queued for pizzas next to a tram stop, sipped wine in a public park, or played bingo with strangers at a 1930s food stand? Then you’ve experienced peak Helsinkian summer: the city’s legendary canopy kiosks. More than just a place to grab food and drinks, Helsinki’s summer kiosks are living landmarks of local life. Discover their history and 7 (+1!) kiosk tips for this summer!
Tiny kiosks that shape Helsinki summers
Tiny in size, big in spirit, and never far from a tram stop, canopy kiosks are an essential part of Helsinki summers. With their signature overhanging canopies, these charming wooden stalls – lippakiskas, as locals call them – have been shaping Helsinki’s social life for over 80 years.
Minimalist marvels and guardians of community activity; most canopy kiosks operate from May to September, as does Helsinki’s brief but vibrant summer. Some kiosks defy the seasons and operate as take-away restaurants, come rain, shine, or snowstorm! Christmas-time also brings winter events, rice porridge, and glögg (mulled wine) to some locations.
For many Helsinkians, these kiosks are an essential ritual: a place to pause, have a snack, and share moments with friends, or strangers. (Here, even the Finns chat to strangers: it just takes a canopy kiosk, sun – or a lot of coffee!)
Outdoor living, togetherness, and laid-back vibes that invite all to linger. Helsinki gets it: Life, work. In that order.
The unsung heroes of Helsinki design
The humble canopy kiosk may be small in size, but it carries big design credentials. The oldest Helsinki lippakiska in Munkkiniemi is the work of Eero Urpola from 1937: a time when functionalism was key, and Helsinki was selected to host the Olympics.
The 1940 Olympics were in the end cancelled due to WW2, but Helsinki’s kiosk culture had already gotten its start. Besides Munkkiniemi, most canopy kiosks were designed by Gunnar Taucher, the city architect between 1924-1941.Taucher’s first designs had a round, cylindrical shape (lankarulla, a spool of thread), which later on evolved into a boxy hut (that is probably easier to stock soda crates in). Both kinds can be found around the city, still proudly standing as part of Helsinki’s design legacy.
Small stalls, big personalities
Helsinki lippakiskas have been built to serve residents within walking distance of their neighbourhoods, nearby tram lines, and green parks – always within reach, serving Helsinki on a plate.
Helsinki recognises the kiosks’ architectural and cultural importance and has protected 30+ locations across the city. In 2015, a dozen were sold to private entrepreneurs; currently, the city retains ownership of nearly 20 canopy kiosks, leasing them out on temporary contracts.
Not all kiosks are in business – some are waiting for the perfect comeback – but most are alive and grilling.
These days, kiosk entrepreneurs often specialise, from French wine bars to vegan food stalls and Spanish tapas corners, turning these heritage gems into contemporary hangouts. Many kiosks have versatile event programmes, continuing to bring people together.
7 (+ 1 !) canopy kiosks to visit in Helsinki this summer:
Käpylän Kiska: Neighbours & nostalgia
Where? Meurmanin puisto, Käpylä
What? One of the OGs, Käpylän Kiska, has been serving coffee for 86 years. A true community hub where grandparents, hipsters, and toddlers all join together for bingo nights, flea markets, and the occasional gig. One of Taucher’s original round designs – like a time capsule, with oat milk.
While in Käpylä: visit the 100-year-old Käpylä wooden district nearby!
Let Me Wine: Natural wines & DJs
Where? Karhupuisto, Kallio
What? Wine lovers rejoice! Let Me Wine is Kallio’s summer go-to for sophisticated sipping with a casual twist. DJs, flea markets, and spontaneous dancing under the Helsinki sun? Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.
While in Kallio: stroll the hipster neighbourhood by foot and visit the cool vintage shops or hang out with the locals in corner pubs and bars.
Puukioski: History & waffles
Where? Laajalahden aukio, Munkkiniemi
What? Puukioski, the oldest** canopy kiosk in Helsinki still flaunts its original design, protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency (Museovirasto). For locals, the annual reopening of Puukioski’s Belgian waffle menu is a long-awaited sign of spring.
While in Munkkiniemi: visit one of Helsinki’s loveliest sandy beaches – the Munkkiniemi beach!
**The kiosk (est. 1939) has had the same owner since the late nineties! Respect! <3
Jänö – vegaaninen lippakioski: falafels and burgers
Where? Museokatu 12, Töölö
What? Meet the trailblazer: the first fully vegan canopy kiosk in Helsinki – open all year round! Run by Vegan Food Box, Jänö serves heavenly falafels, vöners (vegan döner), and plant-based burgers. Even meat lovers might find themselves dreaming about tahini drizzle!
While in Töölö: take a stroll around the beautiful Töölönlahti area or visit Kunsthalle – one of Helsinki’s coolest contemporary art exhibition spaces.
Bar Jugge: Froyo & yoga
Where? Johanneksenpuisto, Ullanlinna
What? This kiosk is another multitasker. Froyo? Check. Natural wine? Check. Yoga, pilates, and boules competitions? Triple check. Think of Bar Jugge as your outdoor spot for stretch, sip, and snack – with a late night party here and there, for balance.
While in Ullanlinna: Visit the cool Architecture and Design Museum next door or the quirky antique shops nearby.
Café Brera: Pizza & jazz
Where? Eiranpuisto, Eira
What? Run by two Milanese brothers with a flair for fusion, Café Brera serves deep-fried pizza, natural wine, and live jazz on a good day. It’s part of the acclaimed N4KU restaurant family, so come hungry – and leave a little more Italian than on arrival.
While in Eira: walk around and marvel at the gorgeous art nouveau architecture – or go for a swim from Eiranranta beach (a local favourite!).
Piirakkaleipomo Räty: Pastries & tradition
Where? Unioninkatu & Kaisaniemenranta corner, Kaisaniemi
What? Traditional, warm, and comforting – this kiosk is the Finnish version of a hug. Piirakkaleipomo Räty specialises in traditional favourites like Karelian pies, meat pasties, and cinnamon buns. A prime pit stop for tourists, open all year round!
While in Kaisaniemi: Visit the amazing Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden.
And last, but not the least:
Ravintola Lippa – Comebacks & beach vibes
Where? Mustikkamaa beach, Mustikkamaa
What? Finnish musician Olavi Uusivirta has rebuilt and reopened a large Taucher kiosk from 1939. Get ready for drinks and snacks on one of the city’s most popular islands! Ravintola Lippa will open in June 2025.
While in Mustikkamaa: go for a long stroll on the rugged beaches and the idyllic woods that have not much changed in a century.
Helsinki’s canopy kiosks are equal parts snack stand, social club, and design heritage. If you’re looking for things to do in Helsinki this summer, why not let the kiosks be your guide? Just follow the smell of coffee, or wine. Or both.
Fun fact: Once upon a time, the canopy kiosk in Töölö sold salmiakki, salted liquorice. No coffee, no pastries – just 91 kinds of salty sweets and a whole lot of local devotion.
