Ruokasali

Ruokasali is a Finnish term for a room used for eating meals. The word combines ruoka, meaning food, and sali, meaning hall or room, and it traditionally denotes a dedicated dining room in a house or apartment. In many older Finnish homes, the ruokasali was a separate, formal space, while contemporary housing often integrates dining areas with the kitchen or living room in open-plan layouts.

Typical features of a ruokasali include a dining table with chairs and, in many cases, a sideboard or display cabinet. The room is usually located near the kitchen for convenient service and hosting. Designs range from formal, with traditional wooden furniture and finishes, to more casual, modern styles. In smaller homes, the ruokasali may function as a multi-purpose or secondary room, or its purpose may be described with the broader term ruokailutila.

Usage and context vary by era and housing type. In architecture and real estate descriptions, ruokasali often indicates a defined dining space within a residence. The term is more common in older estates and in traditional layouts, while newer properties may simply label such space as a dining area or incorporate it into an open-plan kitchen-living area. Overall, the ruokasali serves as a space for meals and entertaining, ranging from formal to semi-formal in character.