Arabia アーカイブ - Photomo Walking, shooting, and writing through the cities of the world.

Warming Up at Pho Viet Helsinki: A Perfect Vietnamese Food Experience in the Nordic Winter 2026

2026年9月30日 by CityNomix

A large bowl of beef pho with red chopsticks.

The cold touch of the cobblestones transmits slowly through my shoes. Winter trees reflect quietly on the glass windows. Heavy European architecture surrounds the streets. I wander around the unfamiliar city looking for souvenirs. The cold and fatigue reach their absolute peak. I am completely absorbed in beautiful Nordic design plates and fabrics. I do Continue reading “Warming Up at Pho Viet Helsinki: A Perfect Vietnamese Food Experience in the Nordic Winter 2026”

Treasure Hunting at Prisma Tripla Helsinki: The Ultimate Souvenir Guide

2026年9月19日 by CityNomix

A bright green neon sign glowing in a minimalist gray space welcomes you. As the cool air conditioning hits your skin, a faint scent of freshly baked rye bread and sweet chocolate drifts through the entrance. This is the massive hypermarket located inside the Mall of Tripla, directly connected to Pasila Station in Helsinki. Beyond Continue reading “Treasure Hunting at Prisma Tripla Helsinki: The Ultimate Souvenir Guide”

Midnight Grocery Run: Souvenir Haul Near K-Supermarket Kamppi & Moomin Unboxing

2026年9月19日 by CityNomix

Three opened Moomin chocolate egg figures on a hotel table.

The crisp night air brushed against my flushed cheeks as I walked through the streets of Helsinki. Returning to the hotel after dinner, the fluorescent lights of a quiet corner supermarket cast a stark white glow in the darkness. Stepping inside on a whim, my eyes caught a glint of metallic blue piled haphazardly on Continue reading “Midnight Grocery Run: Souvenir Haul Near K-Supermarket Kamppi & Moomin Unboxing”

Treasure Hunting at Retronomi Retro & Vintage Shop in Helsinki: Rare Arabia Finds

2026年9月30日 by CityNomix

Vintage Arabia plate with hand-painted fruits.

Bottom line: Retronomi is my pick for vintage tableware in Helsinki. Two visits, nine pieces, €236 in total — an Arabia GOG hand-painted plate for €68 and an Aatami for €42, in this condition, at these prices. Second-hand items show 0% VAT on the receipt (margin scheme), so they are not eligible for tourist tax Continue reading “Treasure Hunting at Retronomi Retro & Vintage Shop in Helsinki: Rare Arabia Finds”

Discovering the Best Avocado Toast at Andante Helsinki

2026年9月30日 by CityNomix

Tiramisu and a fork on a brown plate over tiles.

The crisp, cold air of the city immediately brushes against your cheeks as you step outside. After a long flight and finally dropping off heavy luggage at the hotel, the quiet warmth of this northern capital feels deeply comforting. With an empty stomach and a dry throat craving a perfect cup of coffee, there is Continue reading “Discovering the Best Avocado Toast at Andante Helsinki”

Retronomi: The Only Stop You Need for Vintage Shopping in Helsinki

2026年9月30日 by CityNomix

Five pieces of vintage tableware on a wooden table: a blue cup and saucer, a yellow plate with a floral pattern, a creamer with stripes, a creamer with a strawberry pattern, and an iittala glass dessert bowl.

A Sun-Drenched Welcome to Helsinki’s Premier Vintage Shopping Destination It was the final day of my stay in Helsinki. A formidable heatwave had descended upon the city, with a brilliant sun beating down as if to savor the last moments of summer. Earlier in my trip, I had explored the famous Hietalahti flea market, an Continue reading “Retronomi: The Only Stop You Need for Vintage Shopping in Helsinki”

Stockmann Helsinki Moomin Guide: A Journey Through Adorable Souvenirs and the 80th Anniversary Exhibition

2026年3月16日 by CityNomix

The exterior of the Stockmann department store in Helsinki. A giant, white, inflatable Moomin is sitting behind the large 'STOCKMANN' sign on the brick building's facade.

Entering the Moomin Universe at Stockmann, the Heart of Helsinki Walking under the clear blue sky of a Helsinki summer is an experience that enriches the soul. After indulging in a delightful bilberry tart, a true taste of the Finnish forest, at CAFE AALTO inside the Academic Bookstore, my feet naturally led me to the Continue reading “Stockmann Helsinki Moomin Guide: A Journey Through Adorable Souvenirs and the 80th Anniversary Exhibition”

Shock in Omotesando! Iittala & Moomin Arabia Store Closing July 2025 – A Final Look

2025年5月28日 by CityNomix

Iittala Ultima Thule limited edition color sake glass for Tapio Wirkkala's 110th anniversary

Omotesando. This Tokyo district, a sophisticated hub of cutting-edge boutiques and trendsetting style, has always been a source of inspiration for me. After a client meeting on a Tuesday evening, my feet carried me purposefully towards one specific destination: the IITTALA & MOOMIN ARABIA Omotesando store. Finland holds a special place in my heart ever Continue reading “Shock in Omotesando! Iittala & Moomin Arabia Store Closing July 2025 – A Final Look”