Noodle Story – Summer Tori
Freshly made noodles meet a Nordic street corner. What will happen? That is the story unfolding at Noodle Story’s newest location in Ruoholahti, Helsinki, a former industrial and port warehouse district that was transformed into a residential area in the 1990s and now accommodates many offices.
To embrace the home-made comfort of its food, Yatofu drew inspiration from the Finnish summer tori — open-air markets where people gather to buy groceries, flowers, and coffee. The delightful, welcoming atmosphere of these markets naturally invites ease and connection.
Soft nude tones and warm materials set the overall mood, recalling the relaxed joy of a summer afternoon.
Textured walls and ceilings give a crafted tactility, while red beech chairs from FDB Møbler, stools from Artek, and Yatofu’s bespoke pine benches create a casual, familiar setting.
Sixteen solid oak beams bring structure and rhythm to the space, connected by a light metal grid that supports linen curtains and hanging plants reminiscent of market tents.
Outdoor awnings in red-orange hues extend this feeling to the street, turning the once-grey corner into a lively, down-to-earth meeting place — where the lights are always on and the food always warm.
Photography: Aleksi Tikkala