Helsinki is a beautiful city. It is grand yet quaint and charming. The buildings are classic yet they have pops of colours with hints of red, yellows and greens. Big sidewalks give priority to pedestrians, and the people are no-nonsense yet extremely friendly. Here there is no need to rush and it is remarkably easy to walk for hours as every street presents something new and unique.
One of the hidden jewels right near the downtown is called Café Kuppi ja Muffini. We would have never thought of stopping here if it hadn’t been for Heather as it was part of our Heather’s Helsinki tour. The space is very minimalist; red wooden tables and chairs spread out across two small rooms surrounded by clean white walls. But it is the main counter that provides all the colour needed. The display is filled with the usual suspects including the most beautifully made cupcakes I’ve ever seen. Hidden behind the counter is the reason we, and everyone else who is here, comes. They serve the most incredibly creamy oatmeal by the bowl full. You then take your oatmeal to a special station on the side where you can top it off with whatever you like. They have honey, maple syrup, ligonberry jam, apple sauce, muesli, a variety of nuts and even chili (recommened). Grot in Copenhagen was great, but I’d say this is even better.
But there is more. The hot chocolate here is the best I had in Helsinki. Made with a mix of dark and milk chocolate pieces melted into full cream milk it was just as creamy as the oatmeal. It was so delicious. Between that and the oatmeal we had to stop ourselves from coming here for every meal. There are after all a lot of other fantastic things to eat and drink in Helsinki! Just a block away is, for example, the famous Stockmann’s store which has the most incredible food hall in the basement where you can also get a very large variety of traditional dishes to go.
Verdict: Loved it, obviously. Café Kuppi ja Muffini, Kalevankatu 17, 00100, Helsinki, Finland.
