Frantsila’s Kehäkukka invites you in—to gather, taste, and experience

Frantsilan Kehäkukka is more than a lunch restaurant. It’s a shop, café, herbal garden, and the main retail home of Frantsila products—a living meeting place in Hämeenkyrö that brings Frantsila’s world to life. Housed in a charming old school building and nestled beside a blooming garden, Kehäkukka is like Frantsila in miniature. A glimpse into our philosophy, where healing plants are at the heart of everything we do.

And yet—perhaps because of that—Kehäkukka is first and foremost a lunch restaurant: the oldest continuously operating vegetarian restaurant in Finland.

For many, Kehäkukka is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Hämeenkyrö—and for good reason. This beloved local landmark is much more than a place to eat: it’s a café, a shop, a community hub, and the gateway to a beautiful demonstration garden. Kehäkukka radiates the spirit of Frantsila, as if a piece of our herbal fields had been brought into the heart of the village for all to enjoy.

The garden showcases around 150 plant species, including many of the same herbs that grow in Frantsila’s fields. Some of these herbs make their way straight onto the plate. In summer, visitors can explore the garden, learn plant names, and discover their healing uses and qualities.

Walking in the footsteps of a pioneer

Tiina Ahonen, who has long led Kehäkukka’s kitchen, trained directly under Frantsila’s co-founder, Virpi Raipala-Cormier. Kehäkukka is a true family business, just like Frantsila: Tiina and her husband Olli Ahonen have run Kehäkukka together since 1996, and their daughters Veera Wallius and Emma Mariama Kassama now work there too.

That shared legacy means a shared philosophy: here, plants are more than ingredients—they are allies in holistic well-being. They nourish not only the body, but also the spirit, by bringing people together—around a table, in a garden, and in a place that welcomes everyone.

In Kehäkukka’s kitchen, plants are used not only for their flavour, but also for their healing properties—a principle Frantsila has followed for decades. In 2024, Kehäkukka was named the 7th best lunch restaurant in Finland in a nationwide competition—and the only fully vegetarian restaurant among the top 50.
This honour is no coincidence, but the result of years of dedicated work in nurturing the bond between people and plants.

At Kehäkukka, vegetarian food isn’t an alternative—it’s the starting point. The dishes speak to everyone: vegetarians, omnivores, families with children, and professionals looking for a nourishing lunch.

A shop where Frantsila’s whole world comes together

In Kehäkukka’s store, you can explore the full breadth of Frantsila’s offerings—from herbal pillows to essential oils, skincare, and plant-based extracts. You might discover a new favourite, ask questions directly from an expert, or get personal tips for your own well-being.

Here, you’ll also find maps of Hämeenkyrö, local brochures, and—perhaps most importantly—you’ll hear the latest news from Frantsila first.

Come, taste, and take a moment

When you sit down for a meal at Kehäkukka, you step into a story that spans generations. Whether you’re heading to Frantsila Farm or just passing through, Kehäkukka is worth the stop. Everyone else is here too—locals and visitors alike.

And in summer, so are the bees: yes, a glass-walled beehive, buzzing with life, sits by the garden. A secret world worth seeing for yourself.

You can find Kehäkukka’s current opening hours and weekly lunch menu here.