Fafa's (Helsinki, Finland)

Kauppakeskus, Citycenter, Citykäytävä, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

 

Fafa’s is a Finnish chain of high-quality falafel restaurants with more than 10 locations in Finland, mostly in and around Helsinki. It serves a broad variety of vegan, vegetarian, and meat pitas as well as mezes and salads, most built around falafel, humus, and kebabs. Prices are pretty steep, as is usual in Finland.

 

I get the most basic Falafel & Humus (€8.90), which comes with 4 or 5 well-prepared falafel balls, humus, matbuha, tomato, pickles, lettuce, cucumber,  cabbage, tahini and parsley, all on a big gluten-free pita. I top it with spicy red sauce, which makes it all even better. It tastes fresh and pretty authentic.

 

VERDICT: 90/100

Good falafel, big sandwich.

Naughty Brgr (Helsinki, Finland)

Lönnrotinkatu 13, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

 

Naughty Brgr is a hip new burger restaurant chain, founded by a Top Chef winner, which currently has three locations in Finland. It serves several types of burgers, mostly based on American favorites, available with 1 to 3 parties. There is also a vegan “burger” option. Sides are mostly fries and sweet potato fries.

 

I get a Bacon & Jalapeño Burger (€12), which comes with a 180gr perfectly prepared (medium) patty, really crispy bacon, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, mustard and spicy ketchup on a fresh slightly toasted bun. Absolutely delicious! My Pimped Fries (€4.90) are thin fries covered with hot sauce, scallions, crispy fried onions and thinly sliced fresh jalapeños. No ingredient is particularly good, but together it is a great binge.

 

VERDICT: 94/100

One of best burgers I ever had. Sides ok. But pricey (even for Helsinki).