All over the news lately as it appoints Sanna Marin to be its third female prime minister, and the world’s youngest, Finland continues to be one of the most progressive nations on Earth.
As Finns expanded their presence globally and travelled more over the last couple of decades, their palates have also opened up to new flavors. Restaurants offering cuisine from different corners of the world have burgeoned in Finland adding international flavors to the country’s mix of staples. Filipino is one of them!
In the country’s capital Helsinki, there are six Filipino owned and managed restaurants introducing Filipino flavors and food culture to the Finns.
Here’s a roundup of these much-frequented Filipino restaurants in Finland and some of the most famous Filipino dishes in the country today:
1. KAMALIG
Lönnrotinkatu 34, 00180 Helsinki | +358 93 1023580
FB: kamalig.hki | IG: @kamalig.helsinki
Located in the Heitalahti Market Hall which hosts a variety of small restaurants offering global cuisine, Kamalig holds the torch for home-cooked Filipino favorites.
Best sellers: Pork Adobo, Beef Caldereta, Seafood Adobo
2. POBRE
Kamppi Centre, Urho Kekkosen Katu 01, Helsinki | +358 44 9787821
www.pobre.fi | FB: pobrefilipino | IG: @pobrefilipino
One of the most popular restaurants in the Helsinki today, Pobre is a modern Filipino restaurant offering their own interpretation of the flavours of the Philippine Islands.
Bestsellers: Kare-Kare 2.0, Binagoongan, Lumpia with Palapa
The paisanos, when not sharing food they’re sharing ideas.
A post shared by Paisano (@paisanofilipino) on
3. PAISANO
Korkevuorenkatu 45, Helsinki 00130 | +358 44 9842271
www.paisano.fi | FB: paisanofilipino | IG: @paisanofilipino
Promoting “7,107 flavors, 1 place”, this seasonally-influenced bold restaurant and cocktail bar offers “Philipine food re-imagined” in tasting potions for sharing – and it’s gathering a crowd.
Bestsellers: Eggplant with Almond sauce and black bean X.O., Grilled ox tongue with pickled vegetables, House cocktails
4. PLATITO
Hämeentie 94, 00550 Helsinki | +358 50 4642880
www.platito.fi | FB: Platitobistro | IG: @platitobistro
Platito Bistro brings Filipino-Spanish flair and flavours to the gentrifying neighbourhood of Valilla in Helsinki. This casual and cosy spot serves pintxos and tapas, along with imported beverages and a good dose of Filipino hospitality.
Bestsellers: Filipinas Platter comprised of sisig, longaniza, prawn kinilaw, fishballs, pork bbq, and garlic fried rice
5. KAINAN
Piispansilta 11, 02230 Espoo, Finland | +358 40 0847487
www.kainan.fi | FB: KainanEspoo
One of the newest Filipino restaurants to open up, Kainan offers an array of Filipino fiesta favorites in a relaxed environment.
Bestsellers: Sizzling Gambas, Chicken Insal, Crispy Pata
6. SENTRO
Pieni Roobertinkatu 13 00130 Helsinki | +358 50 5224944
www.sentro.fi | FB: sentrohelsinki| IG: @sentrohelsinki
This modern Asian restaurant founded by a team with Filipino roots offers their diners a gastronomic journey through Asia.
Filipino Favorites: Trio Kilawin, Bagnet, Pinakbet