Vanha vohveliherkku makes a comeback — Katja Mäntyniemi’s café draws visitors from afar

Kauhajoki’s Katja’s Waffle Café has become a five-year-old overnight success, drawing visitors from across Finland to a town once known for little else.

The café, founded by entrepreneur Katja Mäntyniemi, now employs six part-time staff after she began with the intention of working alone.

Mäntyniemi’s visibility on national television and in social media helped turn the café into a destination, according to Päivi Rautanen of Yle.

The café’s open kitchen lets customers watch Mäntyniemi cook, a deliberate choice she says reflects her desire to meet people and exchange small talk even during busy periods.

“It’s natural for me,” she said. “That’s why I built the open kitchen: so customers are close to me and I’m close to them.”

Mäntyniemi, who wears traditional Romani dress at work, said she is proud of her identity but does not see herself as representing Romani culture. “I’m privileged that people see past the clothes to the person I am,” she said. “I treat everyone as an individual.”

Lahti resident Tuija Kaakinen stopped by with her husband and daughter during a family trip. “Absolutely wonderful person — caring, joyful, attentive,” Kaakinen said.

Jani Unkeri, chair of the Pohjanmaa chapter of Matkailu- ja ravintolapalvelut ry, said success in food service now demands passion and personality as much as a good product. “If you’re not out front, someone else has to be,” he said.