kamppi
Hanko Sushi in the Forum mall sells fixed salmon, prawn and maki sets at fair prices, a fast, predictable sushi lunch in the shopping core of the centre.
Try: Fixed sushi sets
Tip: Inside the Forum on Mannerheimintie. Not destination sushi, but a cheap fixed set and a fast turnaround at lunch.
kallio
Way Bakery in Kallio does a cheap daytime spread of sourdough with toppings, yogurt with granola and avocado toast from around 7 euros before dinner service.
Try: Sourdough toppings and buns
Tip: The daytime bakery menu is the budget play; prices climb when Maukku takes over at night. Sourdough with toppings is the staple.
keskusta
In summer the Market Square stalls fry vendace and salmon and ladle pea soup for around 10 euros, an open-air harbour lunch as cheap as it is local.
Try: Fried vendace and pea soup
Tip: Summer only and weather dependent. Eat by the water, but guard your plate from the bold harbour seagulls.
keskusta
Soppakeittiö in the Old Market Hall serves a big bowl of creamy salmon soup with all the rye bread you can eat for around 11 euros, great Finnish value.
Try: Salmon soup with unlimited bread
Tip: The salmon soup with unlimited bread is the deal. Come at lunch; the market hall closes by early evening.
punavuori
Fafa's on Iso Roobertinkatu fills a generous pita with falafel or halloumi and sweet-potato fries for about 11 euros, the original of a fast veggie chain.
Try: Falafel or halloumi pita
Tip: The halloumi pita is the move if you want a change from falafel. Branches are dotted across the city for a cheap quick lunch.
keskusta
Eromanga near Kasarmitori sells the lihapiirakka meat pie to a secret 1946 recipe, loaded with sausage and a fried egg for just a few euros, very cheap.
Try: Lihapiirakka meat pie
Tip: Order the meat pie with the works: sausage and a fried egg on top. Weekday daytime only, cash-friendly and very cheap.