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Top Dishes to Try in Finland: Food & Dining Guide


Finland may not be the first place you think of when it comes to food, but the dining scene here is seriously underappreciated. With its unique blend of fresh ingredients, innovative chefs, and traditional dishes, Finland offers food lovers plenty to get excited about. Whether you’re into street food, local favorites, or upscale dining experiences, you’ll leave Finland with a satisfied belly and a craving for more.

Finnish Cuisine: Traditional Dishes to Try

Finnish food is hearty and comforting, often using ingredients from the forests and lakes that cover the country. If you’re visiting, these are some of the most iconic dishes you shouldn’t leave without trying:

Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)

Salmon is a staple in Finnish cuisine, and Lohikeitto is one of the most popular ways to enjoy it. This creamy soup is filled with chunks of fresh salmon, potatoes, carrots, and leeks. It’s perfect on a cold day and easily found in most local restaurants.

Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pie)

Karjalanpiirakka is a simple but delicious pastry originating from the Karelia region. It’s made with a thin rye crust and filled with rice porridge. It’s often enjoyed with egg butter (a mix of butter and boiled eggs). You’ll see these little pies everywhere, from local markets to casual cafés.

Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer)

Reindeer may sound exotic, but it’s a common source of meat in Finland, especially in the northern regions. Poronkäristys is a traditional Lappish dish where reindeer is thinly sliced and sautéed with onions, butter, and beer or water. It’s typically served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Ruisleipä (Rye Bread)

Rye bread is a staple of the Finnish diet. You’ll find it in every household and on every restaurant table. It’s dark, dense, and slightly sour, making it the perfect accompaniment to soups and stews or eaten on its own with butter and cheese.

Kalakukko

This is a unique Finnish dish from the region of Savonia. Kalakukko is a fish-filled pie baked in a dense rye crust. It can be filled with fish like perch, salmon, or vendace, and sometimes also includes pork. It’s a meal in itself and a must-try for those wanting a taste of authentic Finnish soul food.

Popular Finnish Street Foods

While Finland is known for its traditional dishes, its street food scene is equally irresistible. From markets to food trucks, there’s plenty to snack on as you wander through the cities.

Grillimakkara (Grilled Sausage)

This is Finland’s answer to street sausages. These thick, juicy sausages are grilled over an open flame and served with mustard or ketchup. You can find them at street vendor stalls, especially in Helsinki, or even at outdoor events and festivals.

Hernekeitto (Pea Soup)

This hearty green pea soup is most commonly served on Thursdays. It’s a tradition that dates back to the Swedish rule over Finland. Market stalls and casual eateries serve bowls of hernekeitto alongside pancakes, making it a perfect mid-week street meal.

Lihapiirakka (Meat Pie)

If you’re after something quick and filling, grab a lihapiirakka. This savory snack is a pie stuffed with minced meat and rice, then deep-fried for a crispy, golden finish. You’ll find these at kiosks and street stalls, especially in Helsinki and other big cities. It’s the perfect comfort food on the go.

Regional Specialties

Finland’s different regions have their own culinary specialties, so if you’re traveling around the country, keep an eye out for these local gems:

Hapankorppu (Sour Rye Crispbread)

In western Finland, you’ll come across hapankorppu, a sour, crunchy alternative to the more common soft rye bread. It’s often served as a snack or a breakfast item, topped with cheese or smoked fish.

Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie)

If you’re in Finland during the summer, head to the coastal regions for mustikkapiirakka, a Finnish blueberry pie. Made with wild blueberries from the forests, this pie is a local summer favorite. It’s often served with a dollop of vanilla sauce. It’s light, delicious, and a great way to taste Finland’s fresh berries.

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Kampanisu

This sweet biscuit is a specialty of northern Finland, particularly in Lapland. Kampanisu is a small, horseshoe-shaped pastry made with butter and flavored with a hint of cardamom. It’s usually served with coffee and is a popular snack in traditional Lappish homes.

Where to Eat: From Local Markets to Fine Dining

Where you eat in Finland can totally change your food experience. Whether you’re grabbing a bite in a bustling market or sitting down for a meal at a high-end restaurant, there are plenty of exciting options to explore.

Market Halls

Finland’s market halls are perfect for sampling small bites of local cuisine. Two of the most popular markets are the Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) in Helsinki and the Turku Market Hall. These historic spaces are filled with vendors selling cured fish, pastries, meat pies, and more. You can grab a quick snack or put together a picnic with foods like smoked reindeer, fresh bread, and local cheeses.

Casual Restaurants and Cafés

If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxed meal, Finland is full of cozy restaurants and cafés. Many of them serve traditional dishes with a modern twist. Olo Ravintola in Helsinki offers a tasting menu that blends traditional Finnish flavors with contemporary cooking methods. If you’re after more casual fare, Café Ekberg serves excellent cinnamon buns and local pastries like the Karelian pie.

Fine Dining

Finland has a growing fine dining scene, with some truly innovative chefs putting a new spin on traditional ingredients. In Helsinki, restaurants like Grön focus on local and seasonal produce to create amazing tasting experiences. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, head to Restaurant Palace for high-end Finnish cuisine that has earned Michelin recognition.

Drink Like a Finn: Popular Beverages

No meal in Finland is complete without trying some traditional beverages:

Koskenkorva

This famous Finnish vodka is about as clean and pure as it gets. Koskenkorva is often served as a shot or mixed into cocktails. Smooth and strong, it’s a favorite among locals and a must-try for anyone wanting to drink like a Finn.

Glögi

During the colder months, Finns love their glögi. This mulled wine is spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and served hot. Spiked with a bit of vodka or brandy, it’s the best way to keep warm after a day out on the wintery streets.

Sahti

Sahti is a traditional farmhouse beer that has been brewed in Finland for centuries. Made from malted barley, rye, and juniper, this unfiltered beer has a cloudy appearance and a rich flavor. It’s somewhat rare, but if you have the chance, order a glass for a taste of Finland’s oldest brew.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, dining in Finland is a uniquely delicious experience. From traditional salmon soups to modern takes on street food, food in Finland is hearty, full of flavor, and incredibly diverse. As you make your way through the country, don’t hesitate to explore beyond the restaurants to markets and street stalls. It’s in these casual, unscripted moments that you’ll often discover the most memorable bites!


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