Nordic Noms - My 5 Helsinki Dining Destinations

To round up my posts on Helsinki, I've saved the best for last - food

Even if you're not crazy for design hotels, island-hopping, shopping and museums, I just know there isn't one of you reading this that doesn't like looking at food porn - unless you're hungry and miserable, in which case look away: there's a lot of mouth-watering pictures in this blog post from  sweet and savoury pizzas to reindeer meat. Consider yourself warned.

July 21, 2015



If you ever need proof that Helsinki is a design-lover's dream (aka 'hipster heaven') you'd only have to look to Design District Helsinki

Spanning the areas of Punavuori, Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi and Ullanlinna; the district (which has its own website devoted to events including late night shopping) is a delightful smorgasbord of shops that cover vintage, decor, interior design, and fashion - all easily within walking distance as Helsinki is a very compact city designed for le flâneur (what's the Finnish word for that?). Although Design District Helsinki seems to be a badge of honour sported only by some shops; museums, galleries, and even flea markets inevitably fall into the area covered by the district and are certainly worthy of a visit when you're in Helsinki. In fact, never mind a designated design district - I think the entire city of Helsinki is a design district, hence my title: Helsinki, Design District (instead of Design District Helsinki).

July 19, 2015

Moko Market & Café, Helsinki, Finland - Posh, Broke, & Bored


I discovered a Helsinki shopping gem for lovers of all things eclectic and bohemian: a pastel-hued rainbow of a lifestyle boutique by the name of Moko Market & Café.

This concept store seemingly springs out of nowhere in an unassuming street of Helsinki's Design District like a bouquet of blossoms; a riot of soft yet vibrant colours, gorgeous oh-so-touchable textures, and a shabby chic aesthetic that compliments its address and surroundings - an old industrial building in Helsinki's former labour district. Brimming with carefully curated interior design, vintage items, artisan coffee and food ingredients, books and stationery from around the world, Moko Market & Café is a concept store which is very much a labour of love - a family business founded in 1991, still run by the two sisters. The care and attention to detail that goes lovingly into Moko Market & Café especially comes across in their café, where the daily menu emphasises homemade culture and organic ingredients. 

July 17, 2015



Not just a pocket-sized hipster haven buzzing with design, technology, and rabid seagulls; Helsinki is that rare breed of capital city suited to both land-lubbers and sea-farers, what with the 330 islands that make up its archipelago. 

Helsinki is a city of quays, piers, and Marimekko-striped tops. It's a city where ferries are considered public transport; where a casual day out involved hopping on your yacht, boat, pet dolphin (threw that one in there to see if you were paying attention) to a nearby island for a spot of sight-seeing, history, and ice-cream - not necessarily in that order. Fancy a stroll through a UNESCO-heritage fortress city? Hop on the ferry to Suomenlinna Island. Need to fill up your tanks (boat and stomach)? Nip over to Skiffer Island and refuel, both at the floating gas stations and at Skiffer Restaurant. Need to let the kids off leash without worrying they'll somehow escape across the border and spark off an Interpol search-and-capture? Take them to Helsinki Zoo at Korkeasaari - unless they're mermaids, they're not getting off the island without you. 

July 15, 2015



I'm the overly-coordinated sort - the type who matches the metals on her purse to her jewellery (for this reason I have two versions of my favourite handbags, i.e. two Chanel 2.55s - one with silver hardware, the other in gold) - so when it comes to travel, you know I'll have planned a theme for an entire trip. 

In Helsinki, I was a normcore hipster (although I failed to get a proper outfit shot of myself rocking ripped boyfriend jeans) stomping about the Design District in search of what makes the Nordic cities the catalyst of all things destined for Pinterest's trending page. It seemed only appropriate that I'd go for the 'boutique' experience, one I duly found smack bang in the middle of the city centre on a leafy, narrow boulevard where the sight-seeing trams ramble by. Klaus K is Helsinki's first design hotel whose aesthetics are inspired by Finland's national epic, Kalevala. Allusions to the hotel's history is woven among the modern details of the hotel's decor - you'd just as easily spot a giant sculpture made from silkworm cocoons as you will find framed embroidered verses from ancient poems. The rooms and interior express four emotional themes; Mystical, Passion, Desire, and Envy - and it was in the Desire King room that I had to fight, on a daily basis, the overwhelming want to stay in my ridiculously comfortable bed to watch TV all day. 

July 13, 2015

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