Fast Food in Helsinki - Dining for Less

Fast food in Helsinki is a mix of global brands and local hits. From juicy burgers to kebabs and late-night grill snacks, the city has something for every craving. Don’t miss Finnish favourites like Hesburger, alongside well-known chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC, as well as plenty of local snack spots.

Fast food may not win any health awards, but in Helsinki, it’s a budget-friendly lifesaver. Ten euros will get you a simple meal, while fifteen euros can score you a premium fast-food treat. For travellers looking to save without skipping a tasty bite, fast food is a handy alternative to regular restaurants in Helsinki.

Hamburgers

In Helsinki, burger spots provide quick service with minimal personal interaction, consistent food quality, and a reasonably clean environment.

Hesburger – a Local Favourite

We start the list with Hesburger, Finland’s own burger chain, founded in 1980 near Turku. It has grown to the largest homegrown fast food brand in Finland, with a presence in neighbouring countries as well. Signature items include the Hesburger burger and a variety of Finnish-inspired sauces.

Hesburger has earned a reputation for its generous dollops of mayonnaise; some love it, some think it’s a bit much. The burgers themselves are mild but juicy, making them a satisfying bite. So if you’re looking for something different from the usual McDonald’s experience, Hesburger is worth checking out.

Hesburger aims to be eco-friendly and offers a range of surprisingly affordable vegetarian options. If you don’t eat meat, Hesburger is an excellent choice.

You can find Hesburgers in major malls, city centres, and standalone locations across Helsinki. They offer both a mobile app and in-store kiosks for easy and convenient ordering. If you’re hunting for the best deals, be sure to install the app.

The most central Hesburger is inside the Station Tunnel, right in the heart of Helsinki.

Price estimate: €8 – €12 for a meal

McDonald’s – the Global Giant

McDonald’s is found all over Helsinki, offering its classic burgers, fries, and drinks, with mobile ordering available through the McDonald’s app. Its global reputation needs little introduction, though local menus may feature some unique items like blueberry milkshake.

While we enjoy McDonald’s, it doesn’t offer much that’s unique for travellers in Helsinki. The good news is that their restaurants are found all over the city. If you’re looking for a safe and familiar choice, this is it!

There is a McDonald’s just next to Helsinki Central Railway Station.

Price estimate: €8 – €12 for a meal

Burger King – a Fresh Alternative

Burger King arrived in Finland for the second time in 2014. It’s a go-to spot for burger lovers seeking the classic flame-grilled taste. Unlike other fast-food chains, Burger King emphasises flame-grilled burgers, so if you’re craving that smoky, hearty flavour, there aren’t many local alternatives that compare.

Burger King may be the first restaurant you try in the Helsinki region, thanks to locations at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. You can also find them on the M/S MyStar and M/S Megastar ferries travelling between Helsinki and Tallinn. In addition, there are several Burger King restaurants across the city, though it is not as popular as Hesburger or McDonald’s. For anyone craving a classic flame-grilled burger, it’s definitely worth seeking out.

Burger King serves fast food in Helsinki Airport.

Ordering is convenient as well: you can use the mobile app, self-service kiosks in-store, or go traditional and order at the counter.

Price estimate: €8–€13 for a meal

KFC – For Chicken Lovers

KFC only arrived in Finland a few years ago, and it’s still generating plenty of excitement, especially for fried chicken fans. Unlike most fast-food chains, KFC specialises in chicken rather than burgers, offering a unique choice for anyone craving that crispy, seasoned flavour.

There aren’t many KFC locations in Helsinki so that you won’t stumble across one by chance. You’ll need to seek them out, but if you love fried chicken, it’s well worth the effort. Most locations can be found in the city’s larger shopping malls.

Ordering is easy in KFC too: use the mobile app or grab a meal at one of the in-store kiosks. KFC Finland also offers a mobile app, allowing you to order ahead for pick-up or delivery and skip the queues.

KFC in the Tripla Mall is one of the most suitable for travellers.

Price estimate: €8–€13 for a meal

Snacky – a True Helsinki Option

Snacky is a Finnish fast food chain with a storied history, known for its bold flavours and unique offerings. Founded in 1980 in Helsinki, Snacky became a local favourite with its signature burgers like the “Poliisi” (a double-layered burger with a fried egg), “Taksi” (with pineapple), and “Pressa” (with bacon and a fried egg). The chain was also famous for its extravagant marketing campaigns, which included professional wrestling, bikini-clad car washers, and even free condoms.

Snacky disappeared in 2016 due to financial mismanagement and bankruptcy. It made a comeback in 2021 and now operates three physical restaurants in Helsinki and Espoo, including a 24/7 location in Metsälä. Despite its ups and downs, Snacky remains Helsinki’s only native hamburger chain, beloved for its nostalgic burgers.

Snacky is the place to go for an authentic Helsinki burger experience. The only downside is that their restaurants can be a bit hard to reach for travellers. If you have the time, visiting Snacky offers a unique fast-food burger experience.

Snacky Metsälä is the most accessible option for travellers from Helsinki city centre, reachable in about 30 minutes by public transport.

Price estimate: €7–€15 for a meal

Rolls – a Neutral Finnish Alternative

Rolls is a Finnish fast-food chain that started in 1988 in Seinäjoki. They’re known for fresh, customisable wraps, burgers, and salads, offering a slightly healthier twist on fast food. In Helsinki, Rolls isn’t very well known, and with locations mostly outside the city centre, you may need to make a memorable trip to try it.

Signature items include the Chicken Wrap, Falafel Wrap, and Halloumi Burger. Rolls emphasises quality ingredients and caters to various dietary preferences, making it a popular choice among health-conscious diners.

Rolls has its own app, but it’s mainly for viewing offers and doesn’t support ordering. The restaurants also don’t have self-service ordering kiosks.

If you’re looking for a fresher, healthier fast-food choice, Rolls is worth a try, even if it requires a bit of effort to visit. While not very popular in Helsinki, it may have more fans in other parts of Finland. Many Rolls locations are attached to Teboil gas stations, and for Helsinki travellers, Rolls Munkkivuori is the most accessible.

Price estimate: €7–€12 for a meal

Kebab

Helsinki has tens or perhaps hundreds of kebab pizzerias, many maintained by Turkish owners. Quality varies widely, so it’s worth trying a few to find your favourite. The cheapest options typically serve low-quality meat with excessive sauce and poor service, while the best ones offer delicious food in a traditional Turkish atmosphere. It is essential to choose your kebab restaurants carefully.

Although Helsinki has a vast selection of kebab spots, we highlight just two of our favourites. Often, the price and appearance of a kebab restaurant give a good hint of the quality. Kebab pizzerias tend to be the cheapest, but their kebabs usually don’t match the flavour of authentic kebab restaurants.

Eerikin Pippuri – a Helsinki Favourite

Eerikin Pippuri is a Helsinki favourite, famous for its hearty kebabs and authentic Turkish flavours. Since opening in 1997, it’s become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike looking for a satisfying meal. People rave about the generous portions, bold flavours, and fair prices, with some even calling it the best döner kebab in the world!

The original Eerikinkatu restaurant sits right in the heart of Helsinki, and a few more branches have opened since. If you’re looking to try kebab in the city, Eerikin Pippuri is definitely one of the top choices. The experience is traditional, with no app or ordering kiosks.

Price estimate: €8–€15 for a kebab meal

Döner Harju

Döner Harju – A Modern Twist on Traditional Kebab

Döner Harju is a contemporary kebab restaurant in Helsinki, renowned for its high-quality ingredients and innovative approach to traditional Turkish cuisine. Founded by Finnish Jari Lönnberg, the establishment aims to elevate the classic döner experience by incorporating fresh, seasonal vegetables and unique flavours. The menu features a variety of options, including lamb, chicken, and vegan seitan kebabs, all served with Mediterranean-inspired sides and sauces.

Döner Harju has been selected as the best kebab place in Helsinki.

The original location at Fleminginkatu 23 in the Kallio district offers a cosy atmosphere with Turkish rugs and friendly service. For those seeking a more spacious setting, Döner Harju City at Kaivokatu 8 provides a modern dining experience with a selection of wines and beers. Both locations are open daily, with varying hours to accommodate different schedules. All locations are central, so Döner Harju is an easy choice for a traveller.

Döner Harju stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying kebab in Helsinki. We have visited it only once, but we loved the food.

Price estimate: €10 – €17 for a meal

Pizzerias

Many Helsinki pizzerias double as kebab fast food spots. Some focus on quick meals, while others offer slower dining experiences. Given the numerous pizzerias, some of which are of low quality, we have selected only two Finnish options. Quite often, like with kebab, the price is a good measure of the quality. If you pay 5 euros for a pizza, there is not much to expect.

Kotipizza – Real Finnish Pizza

Kotipizza is Finland’s homegrown pizza chain, founded in 1987. It offers unique Finnish toppings like smoked reindeer and salmon. Kotipizza delivers stable quality, which may cost a little more.

Kotipizza doesn’t have an app or in-store ordering kiosks, but you can place orders through their website. Like many other pizzerias, they also offer home delivery.

Kotipizza has several locations in Helsinki. For travellers, Kotipizza Punavuori comes highly recommended because it’s centrally located, and the Punavuori district is a charming area with plenty of boutiques.

Price estimate: €9–€14 / pizza

RAX – Eat as Much as You Can

RAX is an interesting alternative. It’s an all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant, but with a broader and better selection. There’s an extensive salad buffet, chicken wings, sausages, and other items. If you choose wisely, the buffer can be a healthier option than other pizza places. The restaurant is surprisingly affordable.

You can find RAX buffets in malls. The restaurants aren’t very stylish and operate on a self-service basis. You pay at the cashier, get a seat, and serve yourself. Soft drinks and hot beverages are included, and for an extra charge, you can get soft serve ice cream. If you prefer a lighter meal, the salad buffet is slightly cheaper.

There are two RAXes at Helsinki centre. We recommend travellers to enjoy a discounted lunch buffet there, and in the evening, you can try a more stylish place.

Price estimate: €12 – 16/ buffet

Grills – Traditional Finnish Fast Food

In Finland, a grill is a small fast-food spot that usually serves sausages, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. They often have a casual, no-frills setup with only a few seats or just a take-away counter. Grills are especially popular for late-night snacks and offer an authentic, local fast-food experience.

Grills have a long tradition in Finland, but they’re no longer as distinctly Finnish as they used to be. Many of them are run by immigrants, which is not a bad thing. They can cook delicious grilled food, respecting the Finnish grill culture. Grills are social spots where you can meet a variety of people, some friendly, others a bit inebriated.

Service at grills is traditional, without apps or self-service kiosks. Some may have a small take-away counter, but only one or two seats. Menus are old-fashioned, and you order directly from the staff. The experience feels authentic, and the food is tasty, though not especially healthy.

If you’re out late in Helsinki, you’ll notice grills opening here and there. It’s worth giving them a try; they offer a more authentic experience than typical burger chains. Some of them have also started serving Asian fast food.

Price estimate: €4–€12 / meal

Other Fast Food Options

Taco Bell – a Specier Alternative

Taco Bell is not Finnish, but it remains an enjoyable alternative to regular burgers and pizzas. Mexican food is spicier, but the price level is still low. If you’re looking for something other than a burger and don’t mind the brand not being Finnish, Taco Bell might be your choice.

Although Taco Bell has fewer locations than burger chains, they are relatively easy to find in the Helsinki area, especially in shopping malls. Ordering is simple via the self-service kiosks or mobile apps. Taco Bell offers a fresh alternative.

The most central Taco Bell is located in Kamppi, near Helsinki’s central bus station.

Price estimate: €6 – €12 / meal

Bottom Line

Helsinki’s fast-food scene is a mix of local favourites and international chains, offering something for every taste. Hesburger and Snacky offer a genuine Finnish burger experience, whereas global brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell provide more familiar options. Pizzerias, kebab restaurants, RAX buffets, and traditional grills add even more variety, from quick bites to hearty meals.

Fast food in Helsinki is generally affordable, with meals ranging from €4 to €17. While not the healthiest choice, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to enjoy tasty food, whether you’re grabbing a late-night snack, a lunch on the go, or an all-you-can-eat feast. Many places also offer mobile apps or self-service kiosks for easy ordering.

For a truly local experience, try one of Helsinki’s Finnish chains like Hesburger, Snacky, or Kotipizza. They offer unique flavours and a glimpse into the city’s fast-food culture that you won’t find anywhere else.