The Best Food In Finland – A Guide To Finnish Cuisine

Finland is known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful lakes, and incredible wildlife. But there is more to this Nordic nation than just its natural beauty. Finland is a foodie’s paradise with an array of delicious dishes and traditional delicacies. From hearty meat dishes to sweet pastries and everything in between, Finland has something to offer even the most discerning of foodies. In this article, we will explore the best food in Finland and what makes it so special.

Why Finnish Cuisine Is Unique

Finland’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography and climate. The country is known for its long, harsh winters, which have shaped the way people eat and cook. Traditional Finnish cuisine is hearty and filling, with a focus on using local ingredients such as fish, game, and berries. Finnish food is also known for its simplicity; dishes are often made with just a few ingredients, allowing the natural flavours to shine through.

Key Ingredients In Finnish Cuisine

Some of the key ingredients in traditional Finnish cuisine include:

Salmon – Finland is famous for its delicious salmon dishes, which are often smoked or grilled.
Reindeer – A staple of Finnish cuisine, reindeer meat is lean and tender, with a unique flavour.
Berries – Finland is home to an array of delicious berries, including lingonberries, cloudberries, and blueberries.
Potatoes – Potatoes are a staple in Finnish cooking and are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
Rye bread – Finnish rye bread is dense and flavourful, often served with butter or cheese.
Dill – Dill is a popular herb in Finnish cooking and is often used to flavour fish dishes.

The Best Food In Finland

Now that we’ve covered some of the key ingredients in Finnish cuisine, let’s take a look at some of the best food in Finland:

Salmiakki (Salty Liquorice) 🍬

Salmiakki is a type of liquorice that is flavoured with ammonium chloride. It has a salty, savoury taste that is popular in Finland. Salmiakki is often used in sweets, ice cream, and even in alcoholic drinks.

Reindeer Meat 🦌

Reindeer meat is a staple in Finnish cuisine and is often used in stews, casseroles, and sausages. It has a gamey, yet tender flavour that is unique to Finland.

Karelian Pies 🥧

Karelian pies are a traditional Finnish pastry made with rye flour and filled with rice pudding or mashed potatoes. They are often served with butter or egg butter and are a popular snack or breakfast food in Finland.

Gravlax (Cured Salmon) 🐟

Gravlax is a traditional Nordic dish that is made by curing salmon with salt, sugar, and dill. It is often served as an appetizer or on open-faced sandwiches.

Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie) 🥧

Mustikkapiirakka is a traditional Finnish blueberry pie that is often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It is made with a buttery crust and a sweet blueberry filling.

Lihapullat (Meatballs) 🍴

Lihapullat are Finnish meatballs that are made with a combination of ground beef and pork. They are often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and gravy.

Kaalikääryleet (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) 🍲

Kaalikääryleet are stuffed cabbage rolls that are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. They are often served with lingonberry jam and boiled potatoes.

Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese) 🧀

Leipäjuusto is a Finnish cheese that has a unique texture; when heated, it squeaks against your teeth. It is often served with cloudberry jam and is a popular dessert or snack in Finland.

Kalakukko (Fish Pie) 🐟

Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish fish pie that is made with rye dough and filled with fish, pork fat, and onions. It is often cooked in a wood-fired oven and is a popular food in the Savonia region of Finland.

Pulla (Sweet Bread) 🍞

Pulla is a sweet bread that is flavoured with cardamom and often served with coffee. It is a staple in Finnish baking and is often eaten during celebrations such as birthdays and Christmas.

Poronkäristys (Reindeer Stew) 🍲

Poronkäristys is a Finnish stew made with reindeer meat and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.

Mämmi (Sweet Rye Pudding) 🍮

Mämmi is a traditional Finnish dessert that is made with rye flour, malt, and water. It has a unique, slightly sweet flavour and is often served with cream or milk.

Viili (Finnish Yogurt) 🍶

Viili is a traditional Finnish yogurt that is made by fermenting milk with a specific type of bacteria. It has a thick, creamy texture and a slightly sour taste.

FAQs About Finnish Cuisine

What Is The Traditional Finnish Breakfast?

The traditional Finnish breakfast consists of rye bread, cheese, and cold cuts such as ham or salami. It is often served with coffee or tea.

What Is The National Dish Of Finland?

The national dish of Finland is Kalakukko, a traditional fish pie that is made with rye dough and filled with fish, pork fat, and onions.

What Is The Most Popular Finnish Dessert?

The most popular Finnish dessert is probably pulla, a sweet bread flavoured with cardamom and often served with coffee.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Finland For Food?

The best time to visit Finland for food is in the summer months when the country’s forests and fields are filled with berries, mushrooms, and other delicious ingredients. The Christmas season is also a great time to visit Finland for traditional holiday dishes.

What Is The Best Drink To Pair With Finnish Food?

Finnish food pairs well with a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and traditional Finnish spirits such as aquavit or koskenkorva.

Are There Any Vegetarian Finnish Dishes?

Yes, there are several vegetarian Finnish dishes, including kasviskeitto (vegetable soup), raparperipiirakka (rhubarb pie), and perunarieskat (potato cakes).

What Are Some Finnish Street Foods?

Some popular Finnish street foods include makkara (sausages), lihapiirakka (meat pies), and korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls).

What Is The Best Place To Try Finnish Food?

The best place to try Finnish food is in a traditional Finnish restaurant or at a local market. Helsinki’s Old Market Hall and Tampere’s Market Hall are both great places to sample traditional Finnish dishes.

Do Finnish People Eat A Lot Of Fish?

Yes, fish is a staple in Finnish cuisine and is often served in a variety of dishes, including gravlax (cured salmon), salmon soup, and fish pie.

What Is The Most Unusual Finnish Food?

One of the most unusual Finnish foods is mämmi, a sweet rye pudding that is often served with cream or milk.

What Is The Best Finnish Snack?

The best Finnish snack is probably karjalanpiirakat (Karelian pies), a traditional Finnish pastry made with rye flour and filled with rice pudding or mashed potatoes.

What Is The Best Finnish Cheese?

The best Finnish cheese is probably leipäjuusto, a unique cheese that squeaks against your teeth when heated. It is often served with cloudberry jam.

What Is The Most Popular Finnish Beer?

The most popular Finnish beer is probably Lapin Kulta, a lager that is brewed in Finland.

What Is The Most Popular Finnish Wine?

Finland is not known for its wine production, but there are several Finnish wineries that produce quality wines. Some popular Finnish wines include Lapin Marja, a berry wine, and Munskänkarna, a white wine made