Step into the most delicious summer setting: Summer Table by Iida Laiho

On Saturday, July 12, Iida Laiho hosts a summery lunch at Aviatie, the restaurant at Finnish Design Shop’s showroom and shop in Turku, Finland. Come and enjoy fresh flavors, a relaxed atmosphere, and inspiring company. Get to know Iida and reserve your seat at the most delicious table of the summer!

ON SATURDAY, July 12, the restaurant at Finnish Design Shop’s showroom and shop in Turku transforms into a vibrant summer gathering. As part of the seasonal Summer Table concept, self-taught cook Iida Laiho will be serving up a lunch that celebrates color, creativity, and fresh flavors.

The menu features a vibrant Lithuanian-style beetroot soup, traditional Finnish archipelago bread, and a seasonal dessert to end on a sweet note.

If you’re spending the day in Turku, we’d love to have you join us! Reserve your seat in advance or simply drop by – our table is always open to spontaneous guests and delightful surprises.

While you enjoy the summery delights of Summer Table, take the opportunity to explore the seasonal art exhibition at our showroom & shop and discover your next favorite design piece to take home.

We had the chance to visit Iida’s home and kitchen, where we got a closer look at her unique cooking philosophy: a blend of aesthetics, atmosphere, and the freedom to do things her own way.

Read more and experience Iida’s beautifully curated table on Saturday, July 12, at Finnish Design Shop’s restaurant!

Hi Iida, it’s lovely to meet you! To start off, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?
“Hi! I’m Iida Laiho, a 26-year-old self-taught cook and creative all-rounder. I’ve studied various fields of culture at university and worked in many creative projects both in Finland and Belgium. Nowadays, I focus especially on designing and hosting food-centred events.

My background is anything but conventional, which is why I approach my work with openness and curiosity. I feel at home moving between different fields and enjoy combining the things that inspire me from aesthetics and spatial thinking to culture and the ways we come together.

What fascinates me most about food events is how they allow me to weave all these elements into one experience. At the heart of my work is a strong personal vision and a desire to do things honestly, in my own way.”

Where did your passion for cooking come from?
⁠“It started with my older brother and grew stronger while working in kitchens. When I moved to Belgium in 2022, I got a job at one of my favourite restaurants and slowly found myself drawn into the kitchen. I learned so much while working there, and after returning to Helsinki, I continued in the restaurant world. Eventually, I began organising my own food events and pop-ups as well.”

What kind of flavours can guests expect at the Summer Table pop-up?
⁠“I’ll be serving a Lithuanian cold beetroot soup called saltibarsčiai. It’s simply the best summer soup I’ve ever had! Crispy potatoes add a lovely contrast to the vibrant fuchsia-colored soup.

The pink theme continues with dessert: a delicious zabaglione foam served with rhubarb compote.”

How would you describe your cooking style?
⁠“I’m a very curious cook and always looking to learn and grow. I’m fascinated by different food cultures – tasting something new and learning through it is always enhancing!

I love working with complementary colors, and the visual appeal of my dishes often builds around them. It’s fun to consider how ingredients of different colours interact on the plate. I put a lot of thought into how a final dish will look.

When it comes to ingredients, I’m most interested in freshness, locality, and uniqueness. The best moments, of course, are when I get to cook with something from my own garden or fish I’ve caught myself. Nothing is more rewarding than that.”

Where do you find inspiration for your cooking?
⁠“I draw inspiration from travelling, new encounters, and all the talented people around me. I also love flipping through books and magazines as they often offer fresh perspectives and unexpected ideas.”

“I love experimenting and mixing things up. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s part of the fun.”

What’s your trusted favorite in the kitchen?
“I don’t usually stick to strict recipes — I love experimenting and mixing things up. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s part of the fun and how I learn the most.

If I had to name one trusted favorite, it would be mushrooms. They’re endlessly versatile, and dishes made with them always win people over.”

What is a food-related dream you’d still love to make come true?
⁠“I’d love to create as many visually striking dinners as possible in beautiful locations. My goal is to bring more cultural layers into food, making dinner not just about eating, but about creating an experience that sparks thought and conversation.

I also hope to meet inspiring and talented people from different fields along the way. Collaboration is something that truly fuels me. At its best, it leads to something surprising and one of a kind, both in the kitchen and beyond.”

Finnish Design Shop’s showroom & shop

The showroom is open on weekdays from 11 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. Address: Aviatie 2, 20360 Turku, Finland. You’re very welcome to drop by our showroom if you’re visiting Finland this summer!