Moving to Finland and looking for your favorite international ingredients? Whether you miss the aroma of Indian spices, the taste of authentic Asian sauces, or the staple foods from Africa or the Middle East, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best spots to find international groceries in Finland. Let’s explore where expats can shop to recreate the flavors of home.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Indian Grocery Stores in Finland
- Asian Grocery Stores in Finland
- Middle Eastern Grocery Stores in Finland
- African Grocery Stores in Finland
- Online Grocery Shopping for International Products
- Conclusion
Introduction
In some stores, you’ll find a blend of products from multiple regions—Indian, Chinese, Thai, and beyond—making them one-stop shops for diverse culinary needs. Other stores, are more specialized, focusing on specific cultures like Japanese or Middle Eastern foods. This means you’ll have access to authentic, high-quality products that may be harder to find in broader retail chains.
But if you’re doing a regular grocery run at supermarkets like Prisma or K-Citymarket, don’t worry! These larger supermarkets have started offering international sections, carrying popular items like curry sauces, basmati rice, or sushi kits. However, while convenient, the selection in these stores is often more limited and may not be as authentic as the products you’d find in a dedicated specialty shop.
Indian Grocery Stores in Finland
Asia Mart Helsinki
A favorite among expats, Asia Mart is one of the top spots in Helsinki for Indian groceries. The store stocks an impressive range of essentials, from lentils and parathas to the always-popular Haldiram’s snacks. Even better, Asia Mart is a great place for more than just Indian ingredients—you’ll also find a variety of Asian products that cater to a diverse set of tastes.
Where to find it: Hämeentie 3, Helsinki
What to look for: Their well-stocked shelves of Indian spice mixes and fresh paneer are must-haves for your pantry.
Vii Voan
Located in the lively Hakaniemi area, Vii Voan is primarily an Asian grocery store, but don’t be surprised to find a decent selection of Indian products too. From chickpeas to pickles, they’ve got plenty to keep your meals flavorful. It’s also one of the city’s oldest Asian markets, and its shelves have steadily grown to include more and more international offerings.
Where to find it: Hämeentie 3 A, Helsinki
Prisma & K-Citymarket
If you’re doing your weekly grocery run, keep an eye out for the international sections in larger supermarkets like Prismaand K-Citymarket. While their selections are smaller and may not be as specialized, you can still find everyday items like basmati rice, ready-made curry sauces, and Indian-style bread. These are great options for quick pickups when you don’t have time to visit a specialty store.
Asian Grocery Stores in Finland
From soy sauce and miso to rice noodles and tofu, Finland’s Asian grocery stores offer a wide range of ingredients to satisfy your culinary cravings. Whether you’re preparing Chinese, Japanese, or Korean food, these stores are packed with the essentials.
East Asia Mart
This popular store in Helsinki’s Hakaniemi district is a haven for Asian ingredients. Whether you’re looking for Japanese miso or Korean kimchi, East Asia Mart has it all. Their selection of sauces and frozen goods is particularly impressive, making it easy to stock up on ingredients for a variety of Asian dishes.
Where to find it: Hämeentie 5, Helsinki
What to grab: Their fresh tofu is a crowd favorite and perfect for soups and stir-fries.
Tokyokan
For Japanese food lovers, Tokyokan is a gem in central Helsinki. This compact yet well-stocked store has everything you need for authentic Japanese cooking, from sushi rice to miso paste. It’s been serving the Japanese community in Helsinki for decades, and its selection of high-quality ingredients keeps people coming back.
Where to find it: Annankatu 24, Helsinki
Don’t miss: Their miso paste and sake selection, perfect for a comforting homemade meal.
Oriental Supermarket
Specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine, Oriental Supermarket is packed with fresh produce and pantry staples like lemongrass, Thai curry pastes, and rice noodles. Whether you’re planning a Vietnamese spring roll dinner or a Thai curry night, this store has everything you need to bring those dishes to life.
Where to find it: Hämeentie 8, Helsinki
Must try: Their selection of fresh Asian vegetables, often hard to find in regular supermarkets.
Middle Eastern Grocery Stores in Finland
Finland’s Middle Eastern food scene is thriving, offering everything from Halal meats to traditional staples like tahiniand za’atar. Whether you’re making a fresh batch of falafel or preparing a mezze spread, these stores will have what you need.
Halal Market Helsinki
For Halal meats and Middle Eastern groceries, Halal Market in Helsinki is a top choice. They offer everything from pita bread to olive oil, with fresh Halal meats available daily. It’s a must-visit for those looking to prepare authentic Middle Eastern dishes with high-quality ingredients.
Where to find it: Itä-Pasilan Asemapäällikönkatu 4, Helsinki
What to look for: Their variety of dried fruits and nuts, which make for great snacks or meal additions.
Ali Baba
For a wider selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products, Ali Baba is a great option. Stock up on falafel mixes, couscous, and all the spices you’ll need to recreate your favorite recipes from home.
Where to find it: Porthaninkatu 10, Helsinki
What to try: Their freshly made pita bread and ready-to-cook falafel mix.
Lidl & Sokos
Surprisingly, even mainstream supermarkets like Lidl and Sokos have added ethnic sections where you can find Middle Eastern staples such as couscous, tahini, and Halva. While the range isn’t as extensive as specialty stores, these supermarkets offer a convenient option for picking up essentials during a regular grocery run.
African Grocery Stores in Finland
For African expats, finding ingredients like plantains, cassava, and yams can be a challenge, but Finland has a few stores that cater specifically to African cooking.
African Oriental Shop
This store is a lifeline for African expats in Helsinki, offering a broad range of products like fufu flour, palm oil, and plantains. They also stock specialty items from Nigeria and Ghana, making it a go-to for those seeking the familiar tastes of home.
Where to find it: Hämeentie 9, Helsinki
What to buy: Their frozen cassava and plantains are always fresh and a must-have for African dishes.
Online Grocery Shopping for International Products
For those who prefer shopping from home, there are several online grocery services in Finland that stock international products and offer delivery right to your door.
Wolt Market
Offering a wide range of international products, Wolt Market is a fast and easy way to get groceries delivered. From soy sauce to Indian snacks, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from, and their service is available in many major cities across Finland.
Website: Wolt Market
What to explore: Keep an eye out for promotions on international foods, especially during special holidays.
Foodora Market
Like Wolt, Foodora Market offers international products delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether you’re after Asian ingredients or Middle Eastern spices, their wide selection and fast delivery make it a convenient option for busy expats.
Website: Foodora Market
What to check out: Their international food section often has great deals on ethnic products.
Conclusion
Finding the flavors of home in Finland doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re in search of Indian spices, Asian noodles, Middle Eastern Halal meats, or African staples, this guide has you covered. While larger supermarkets like Prisma and K-Citymarket offer convenience, specialty stores provide the authenticity and variety that many expats seek. And if you can’t make it to the store, online shopping options like Wolt Market and Foodora Market can bring those essential ingredients right to your door.
Have any favorite grocery spots in Finland? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear your recommendations!