Summer Delights: Long Queues for Giant Ice Creams in Kauniainen

A sweet scent of waffles fills the air in Kauniainen, where the new ice cream kiosk Jäätelöherkku has become an instant sensation. Owner Arimatti Alhanko has been working tirelessly, baking around 300 waffles daily even before the kiosk opens its doors to a rapidly growing line of customers.

“

The first few days I worked 14-hour days on bananas. My hands have been quite sore

Since opening on July 10, the family-run business has seen overwhelming popularity, forcing it to close early multiple times due to running out of ice cream and waffles. Customers have traveled from across the Helsinki metropolitan area, with queues sometimes stretching to an hour long.

“

Big portion sizes, homemade waffles, and chocolate dipping

Alhanko attributes the success to the generous portion sizes, homemade waffles, and the option for chocolate dipping. The concept is inspired by a beloved ice cream parlor in Skåne, Sweden, where Alhanko's wife is from. The couple decided to open their own kiosk in Finland after their children lamented the lack of similar offerings, noting that Finnish ice cream portions were often small and expensive, with subpar waffles.

“

It's very good

The kiosk has already sold an estimated three thousand ice cream portions. Due to the high demand, Alhanko has hired additional help and his wife, Veronika Alhanko Wendt, is expected to join him in August after finishing her holiday with their children in Sweden. The custom waffle molds were made by a local carpenter, adding a unique touch to the operation.

“

The business has been going very well