Food in Finland

Finland, a Nordic nation known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, is also home to a distinctive and hearty cuisine that reflects its deep connection with the environment. Finnish dishes, often characterized by their simplicity and the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offer a taste of the country's culinary traditions and modern innovations. For tourists venturing to this northern destination, understanding the typical Finnish foods and where to find them can enhance the travel experience. Discover the essential Finnish delicacies that you should not miss during your visit to Finland.

Finnish Dishes

Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Stew)

Karjalanpaisti is a hearty meat stew, traditionally made with a combination of pork, beef, and sometimes lamb. The meat is seasoned with black peppercorns and allspice, then slow-cooked in a pot with onions and root vegetables until tender. This rich and comforting dish is typically enjoyed during the cold winter months and is often served with potatoes and pickled beetroots or cucumbers.

Ruisleipä (Rye Bread)

Rye bread, known in Finnish as ruisleipä, is a staple of Finnish cuisine. Dense, dark, and slightly sour in taste, rye bread is packed with fiber and nutrients. It can be enjoyed with butter, cheese, or smoked salmon. The traditional Finnish way is to have it with a slice of cheese and a spread of butter, often accompanied by a glass of milk.

Hernekeitto (Pea Soup)

Hernekeitto is a simple, yet flavorful pea soup that is particularly popular on Thursdays in Finland. Made from green split peas, ham hock, and various vegetables, this thick soup is typically enjoyed with a dollop of mustard and rye bread on the side. It is a common tradition to eat hernekeitto followed by a dessert of pannukakku (oven-baked pancake).

Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)

Lohikeitto is a creamy salmon soup that is both a delicacy and a comfort food in Finland. This rich soup is made with fresh salmon, potatoes, leeks, and carrots, simmered in a broth with cream and dill. It's traditionally served hot with rye bread and is a quintessential Finnish dish, reflecting the country's deep connection with its lakes and rivers.

Kalakukko (Fish Pie)

Kalakukko is an iconic Finnish dish originating from the region of Savonia. It's a rye crust pie filled with a mixture of fish, usually perch or vendace, and pork fat. The pie is sealed tightly and baked for several hours until the flavors meld together. It's a portable meal that was traditionally taken by workers for lunch, and it can be eaten cold or warm.

Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer)

Poronkäristys is a Lappish specialty consisting of thinly sliced reindeer meat that is sautéed with onions and beer or water, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The meat is typically served over mashed potatoes and accompanied by lingonberry sauce and pickles. This dish is a true taste of the Finnish Lapland and its indigenous Sami culture.

Makkara (Finnish Sausage)

Makkara refers to various types of Finnish sausages, which are particularly popular during the summer when Finns enjoy them grilled at their summer cottages. They come in many different flavors and can be made from beef, pork, or a mix of both. Makkara is often served with mustard and enjoyed with a side of potato salad or just a simple piece of bread.

Finnish Desserts

Pulla (Finnish Sweet Bun)

Pulla is a traditional Finnish sweet bun that is flavored with cardamom and often braided or shaped into various forms. It can be topped with sugar or almonds and is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Pulla is central to Finnish coffee culture and can be found in almost every café and household in Finland.

Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Rolls)

Korvapuusti are Finnish cinnamon rolls that are distinctly shaped into a kind of knot with a tail. These sweet pastries are spiced with cinnamon and cardamom and sprinkled with pearl sugar on top. They are a common treat in Finnish coffee breaks, known as "kahvitauko," and are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie)

Mustikkapiirakka is a beloved Finnish dessert made with wild blueberries, which are abundant in Finland's forests. The pie typically features a buttery crust filled with a mix of blueberries and either a custard or a more cake-like filling. It's often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream and is a perfect way to enjoy Finland's natural bounty.

Laskiaispulla (Shrove Bun)

Laskiaispulla is a seasonal treat enjoyed before the beginning of Lent, on a day called "Laskiainen." It is a cardamom-spiced sweet bun filled with whipped cream and either almond paste or raspberry jam. This dessert is not only delicious but also a part of Finnish cultural traditions and festivities.

Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese)

Leipäjuusto, also known as Finnish squeaky cheese, is a fresh cheese traditionally made from cow's, goat's, or reindeer's milk. It has a mild flavor and a unique texture that squeaks against the teeth when bitten into. It is often served warm with cloudberry jam, a combination known as "lakkahillo ja leipäjuusto," which is a sweet and savory delicacy in Finnish cuisine.