Our Story

Born in the North, Baked for You

It all started with a simple, persistent craving — a yearning for the unmistakable aroma of freshly crushed cardamom and caramelizing sugar wafting from a warm oven.

Growing up in Finland, baking was never just about food; it was a heart-centered daily ritual. It was pullakahvit — that magical time of day when you slow down, pour a hot cup of coffee, and gather around the table with the people who matter most.

For us, those memories are deeply personal. As a child, nothing equaled the comfort of a soft, pillowy korvapuusti freshly baked by my grandmother (mummi). Her kitchen was a place of endless warmth, where flour dusted every surface and the sweet scent of spiced dough made everything feel safe and whole. Moving to Chicago, we searched everywhere for that same nostalgic texture — the cloud-like softness, the delicate crunch of pearl sugar, and the authentic depth of real Nordic cardamom. But we quickly realized: if we wanted the true taste of home, we had to bake it ourselves.

Meet Katja & Sampo

We are Katja (40) and Sampo (41), a Finnish couple living in Chicago, united by our deep love for Nordic tradition, cozy moments, and exceptional baked goods.

For Katja, baking has been a lifelong passion. What began in Finland as a favorite pastime evolved over the years into a true craft — from making elaborately decorated birthday cakes for our children to perfecting classic family recipes for every gathering. Today, Katja's greatest dream is to bring her mummi's sweet legacy to life right here in Chicago, acting as the heart and hands in the kitchen to ensure every batch carries that same nostalgic warmth.

Sampo is the engine behind the scenes. As a self-taught startup entrepreneur, he brings strategy, vision, and drive to our family business. Sampo manages everything beyond the oven — from operations and management to logistics — ensuring that every order arrives seamlessly from our kitchen to your table.

Bringing the Art of "Pullakahvit" to Chicago

Together, we are thrilled to bring these cherished family recipes straight to your doorstep. Every single item we offer — from our golden, buttery cinnamon-cardamom rolls (korvapuusti) to our delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Hanna-täti cookies — is crafted by hand using traditional techniques, authentic spices, and honest, high-quality ingredients.

Whether you are seeking a comforting taste of home or discovering Finnish baking for the very first time, we invite you to take a pause, pour a cup of warm coffee, and share a sweet moment with us.

Welcome to Pulla & Friends. Tervetuloa!

Katja & Sampo