The Hoito
314 Bay St
Thunder Bay, ON 807–345–6323
Thunder Bay, ON 807–345–6323
This world–famous restaurant is best known for its ‘Finnish Pancakes’. A Thunder Bay tradition since, well as long as I can remember anyway. The food is simple, tasty, comfort food.There is a mixture of Finnish items like piirakka with egg salad, salt fish and vili that add to the cultural significance of the establishment. Also on the menu is Moyakka, a clear broth soup with potatoes and meat, some vegetables and whole pepper corns that at least the locals consider authentic, and a whole host of simple Canadian cuisine like hot turkey sandwiches with gravy.
Breakfast is served all day, as it should be, in this historic Thunder Bay restaurant. Kids young and old seem to thoroughly enjoy the breakfast menu with one of the biggest hits being Finnish style pancakes!
There is always a line at the door but it usually moves fairly quickly. When asked about their continued success the usual explanation is “good food” at a “good price”. Whatever it is Thunder Bay loves this restaurant and never fails to recommend it to visitors.
Breakfast time at the Hoito is also an interesting opportunity to stay on top of the social scene in Thunder Bay. A frequent choice for the morning after the night before, a breakfast at the Hoito can offer both residents and visitors an interesting view of who is sleeping with who and a chance to eaves drop on conversations reminiscing about events of the previous night.
Staff and guests speak both official languages of the Bay street area; Finnish and English with Thunder Bay hosting one of the largest populations of Finns outside of Helsinki. Is anyone upset with the conversations in Finnish? No I think it really adds flavour and authenticity to this coffee shop community.