The Chef of the Year academy has awarded the City of Helsinki for its work in the field of food culture. Helsinki was recognised with the award, which was presented for the first time, at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Chef of the Year competition on 25 October 2025.
“The City has carried out consistent work to promote food culture and support local operators in Helsinki. This recognition shows that our work has not gone unnoticed and is appreciated," says Deputy Mayor Maarit Vierunen who accepted the recognition.
Last year, for example, the City brought together the restaurant and event industries to organise Feast Helsinki food and drink events. Throughout the year, there were around 800 events organised by more than 200 operators.
The summer terrace pilots have also produced inspiring results, with new initiatives this year including the Lönnrotin puistikko park terrace and three summer evening events on Eteläesplanadi. The City has also drawn up a plan for the development of squares and intensified cooperation with the restaurant industry through the ‘Helsingin tekijät’ (Makers of Helsinki) partnership network. Food and restaurants are also heavily featured in Helsinki's new strategy for the next four years.
“Food culture plays an important role in terms of the sense of community, vitality and the city's identity. We want to strengthen cooperation with restaurant operators and create the best possible conditions for restaurant and food culture to flourish in Helsinki," Vierunen emphasises.
This year's Chef of the Year Piero Silvani presented the award to the City of Helsinki. The Chef and Waiter of the Year are chosen annually at the Viini&Ruoka wine and food fair. The Chef of the Year cooking competition has been held since 1995.
