Traveling and Eating in Finland: A Culinary Journey Through the Land of a Thousand Lakes
Finland, the land of endless forests, pristine lakes, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, is a country where nature is closely intertwined with culture and cuisine. Finnish food is a reflection of its Nordic geography—simple, hearty, and deeply connected to the seasons. While Finland shares many similarities with its Scandinavian neighbors, the country has its own unique culinary traditions influenced by its harsh climate, indigenous Sami culture, and long-standing foraging practices.
From the vibrant streets of Helsinki to the remote wilderness of Lapland, traveling and eating in Finland offers a blend of traditional dishes, modern innovations, and a deep respect for local, sustainable ingredients. This blog will guide you through the flavors of Finland, from fresh Arctic fish and wild berries to reindeer meat and the beloved korvapuusti (cinnamon roll), highlighting the must-try foods and experiences in this Nordic paradise.
Helsinki: A Hub of Modern Finnish Cuisine
As the capital of Finland, Helsinki is the beating heart of the country’s culinary scene, blending traditional Finnish fare with international influences. In recent years, the city has become a hub for New Nordic cuisine, which emphasizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and a minimalist approach to cooking. Helsinki’s restaurants, markets, and cafés provide the perfect starting point for a culinary journey through Finland.
1. Market Halls: A Taste of Finnish Traditions
Helsinki’s vibrant market halls, or kauppahallit, offer a true taste of Finnish traditions and a chance to sample regional specialties. The iconic Hakaniemi Market Hall and Hietalahti Market Hall are must-visit spots for any food lover. Here, you can find vendors selling everything from fresh fish and reindeer meat to handmade sausages and local cheeses.
One of the highlights of any visit to a Finnish market hall is sampling the country’s beloved kalakukko, a savory pie filled with fish (usually perch or salmon), pork, and rye dough. It’s a hearty, rustic dish from the Savonia region that has been enjoyed by Finns for centuries. Also, don't miss karjalanpiirakka, Karelian pasties filled with rice porridge and often served with egg butter—a comforting snack perfect for any time of day.
2. New Nordic Dining: Innovation and Sustainability
Helsinki’s restaurant scene has embraced the principles of New Nordic cuisine, with many chefs focusing on sustainability, foraging, and showcasing Finland’s natural bounty. One of the standout restaurants in this movement is Olo, a Michelin-starred eatery that offers a tasting menu based on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. At Olo, you might enjoy dishes like foraged mushrooms, Arctic char, or reindeer, each presented in a beautifully minimalist style.
Other notable Helsinki restaurants include Grön, which highlights plant-based and foraged ingredients, and Savotta, where you can savor traditional Finnish dishes like creamy salmon soup (lohikeitto) or slow-cooked reindeer, all served in a cozy, log cabin-inspired setting.
3. Fika, Finnish Style: Café Culture and Cinnamon Rolls
Finland, like its Scandinavian neighbors, has a strong coffee culture, and the Finns are among the world’s top coffee consumers. A visit to Helsinki’s many cozy cafés is an essential part of experiencing Finnish life. While enjoying your coffee, you’ll likely indulge in korvapuusti, Finland’s version of the cinnamon roll. These generously spiced buns are usually larger than their Swedish counterparts and are often enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee.
One of the best places to experience Finnish café culture is at Café Regatta, a charming red cottage by the sea that serves up excellent coffee and freshly baked pastries. In the winter months, you can warm up by the fire after a walk along the snowy shoreline, while in the summer, the outdoor seating offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea.
Lapland: The Taste of the Arctic
Lapland, located in the far north of Finland, is a region known for its stunning landscapes, Sami culture, and unique Arctic ingredients. The Sami people, indigenous to this region, have a rich culinary heritage that is deeply tied to the land and animals of the north, particularly reindeer and wild game. For travelers seeking an authentic Finnish experience, Lapland offers a chance to explore a more rustic, traditional side of Finnish cuisine.
1. Reindeer: The King of Lappish Cuisine
Reindeer is the staple meat in Lapland, and you’ll find it prepared in various ways throughout the region. Whether it’s slow-cooked in stews, smoked, or served as a steak, reindeer is lean, flavorful, and sustainably sourced, as Sami herders continue to raise reindeer using traditional methods. One of the most popular dishes is poronkäristys, a sautéed reindeer stew served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickled vegetables. It’s a hearty, warming dish that is perfect for the cold Arctic climate.
Another way to experience reindeer is through leipäjuusto, or Finnish squeaky cheese, often served with warm reindeer meat and cloudberry jam. This dish exemplifies the simplicity and resourcefulness of Lappish cuisine, combining only a few ingredients to create something deeply satisfying.
2. Wild Berries and Mushrooms: A Forager’s Paradise
Lapland is a forager’s dream, with forests rich in wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs. Finland’s jokamiehenoikeus (Everyman’s Right) allows everyone to pick wild berries and mushrooms freely, making foraging a popular activity among locals and visitors alike. In Lapland, the most prized berry is the lakka (cloudberry), a golden-hued, slightly tart fruit that grows in the Arctic bogs. Cloudberries are often turned into jams, desserts, or served with pancakes, adding a unique flavor to many dishes.
Other popular wild berries include lingonberries and bilberries, which are used in sauces, desserts, and drinks. Mushrooms like chanterelles and porcini are also commonly foraged and are often used in soups, sauces, or simply sautéed with butter.
3. Sami Cuisine: A Window into Indigenous Culture
To truly immerse yourself in Lappish food culture, you must explore Sami cuisine. The Sami people have lived in harmony with the Arctic environment for thousands of years, and their traditional foods reflect their deep connection to the land. In addition to reindeer, fish from the pristine rivers and lakes of Lapland, such as Arctic char and whitefish, play a central role in Sami dishes.
One of the most traditional Sami dishes is bidos, a reindeer stew cooked with potatoes and carrots, often served during Sami celebrations. Another Sami specialty is suovas, which is salted and lightly smoked reindeer meat, typically served with flatbread or potatoes. Sami cuisine is simple, yet it carries the essence of the Arctic landscape and a respect for nature.
The Finnish Archipelago: Seafood and Island Life
Finland’s vast archipelago, particularly in the south and southwest, offers a unique culinary experience centered around the bounty of the Baltic Sea. The archipelago is home to thousands of islands, each with its own charm and traditions. Seafood naturally takes center stage here, with dishes featuring fresh fish, shellfish, and the iconic Finnish rye bread.
1. Baltic Herring and Fresh Fish
Baltic herring, or silakka, is a staple of Finnish coastal cuisine. Whether fried, pickled, or smoked, herring is often served with boiled potatoes, rye bread, and a dollop of butter. One of the most popular ways to enjoy Baltic herring is at one of Finland’s many herring markets, such as Helsinki’s annual Silakkamarkkinat, where you can sample various preparations of the fish along with other local delicacies.
In addition to herring, the archipelago is famous for its salmon dishes. Lohikeitto, a creamy salmon soup with potatoes, carrots, and dill, is a comforting and satisfying dish often found in coastal towns. Smoked salmon, served with rye bread and mustard sauce, is another favorite and a must-try for any seafood lover.
2. Rye Bread: A Finnish Staple
Rye bread, or ruisleipä, is an essential part of Finnish cuisine, especially in the archipelago. Made from sourdough, Finnish rye bread is dense, dark, and slightly tangy, often served as an accompaniment to fish, cheese, or cold cuts. It’s a beloved staple that reflects Finland’s agricultural heritage and is enjoyed at almost every meal.
One of the more unique forms of Finnish rye bread is näkkileipä, a crispbread that is often served alongside soups or topped with butter and cheese. Many Finnish families still bake their own rye bread at home, and some restaurants in the archipelago offer freshly baked versions, giving you the chance to taste the bread at its finest.
3. Åland Islands: Pancakes and Apple Orchards
Located between Finland and Sweden, the Åland Islands are an autonomous region with their own unique culinary traditions. One of the most famous dishes from Åland is Ålandspannkaka, a rich, custardy pancake made with semolina or rice, flavored with cardamom, and typically served with whipped cream and stewed prunes or jam. It’s a delicious treat that is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
The Åland Islands are also known for their apple orchards, which produce some of Finland’s best apples. Many local farms and cafés in Åland offer fresh apple products, including cider, apple pies, and jams, making it a sweet stop on any culinary tour of the archipelago.
Finnish Sweets: A Nordic Indulgence
No exploration of Finnish cuisine would be complete without diving into the country’s beloved sweets and desserts. From cinnamon rolls to chocolate, Finnish sweets are an essential part of the food culture, offering a delicious way to end a meal or enjoy a coffee break.
1. Salmiakki: Finland’s Love for Licorice
One of Finland’s most unique and polarizing sweets is salmiakki, a salty licorice that has a distinctive, intense flavor. Salmiakki is a favorite treat among Finns, found in everything from candy and ice cream to vodka. While it may be an acquired taste for some, salmiakki is a quintessential Finnish sweet that reflects the country’s love for bold flavors.
2. Mustikkapiirakka: Blueberry Pie
During the summer months, Finland’s forests are filled with wild blueberries, or bilberries, which are smaller and more flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. One of the most popular ways to enjoy these berries is in mustikkapiirakka, a Finnish blueberry pie made with a shortcrust or rye dough and filled with sweetened bilberries. It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that captures the essence of Finnish summer.
3. Fazer Chocolate: A Finnish Icon
Founded in 1891, Fazer is one of Finland’s most famous chocolate brands, known for its rich, smooth milk chocolate and a variety of other confections. A visit to any supermarket or café in Finland will reveal a wide selection of Fazer products, from chocolate bars to pralines. Whether you’re indulging in a Fazer chocolate bar or enjoying their signature Geisha chocolates filled with hazelnut cream, Fazer is a must-try for any sweet-toothed traveler.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Through Finland
Traveling and eating in Finland is an experience that goes beyond mere sustenance—it’s a journey through the country’s history, landscapes, and culture. From the innovative restaurants of Helsinki to the traditional Sami dishes of Lapland, Finnish cuisine reflects a deep connection to nature, sustainability, and seasonality. Whether you’re savoring reindeer stew by a crackling fire, enjoying fresh herring by the Baltic Sea, or indulging in a sweet cinnamon roll with a cup of coffee, every meal in Finland tells a story.
So pack your bags and your appetite, and get ready to explore the unique flavors of Finland—a land where simplicity and nature are at the heart of every dish.