Traditional Finnish Food You Must Try When Visiting Finland
Indulge in cosy Traditional Finnish food, full of comforting classics. Like most European fare, you’ll find potatoes, rice, bread and meat mains punched up by spirited Finnish flair. With abundant fresh lakes and sea riches, tasty salmon stars in many meals. Numerous food traditions await discovery only in Finland.
Additionally, we’ve hand-picked top picks for premier Finnish dishes to sample on your adventure here. From tempting starters to sweet finales, get ready for an amazing tasty trip!
Our flavour trail map points to 8 mouthwatering masterpieces in this Finnish food paradise. Grab a fork and let’s feast on Finland’s finest!
As winter’s chill settles over Finland, kitchens come alive with comforting aromas. A steaming bowl of salmon soup, rich and creamy, beckons alongside a slice of hearty rye bread. The warmth spreads as you bite into a Karelian pasty, its crisp rye crust giving way to a velvety rice filling.
Golden, pan-fried potatoes—a versatile staple—accompany many dishes, their crisp exterior yielding to fluffy insides. They pair perfectly with traditional meatballs, made even more delightful by a dollop of bright lingonberry jam that adds a sweet-tart contrast.
For a heartier meal, smoky reindeer sizzles over an open fire, its savory scent mingling with pine-scented air. And no Finnish feast would be complete without the soul-soothing presence of Karelian pies, their cheesy filling a comforting embrace on a cold night.
1. Meatballs: Classic Traditional Finnish Food
Sweden is the meatball headliner—but don’t hesitate to indulge in Finland’s tantalizing version! They blend tender ground beef ‘n pork into the ultimate combo.
Then pack the mixture with crumbs for texture, sharp cheese for a flavour punch and the perfect spice blend to tie it all together. Form into balls and bathe gently in a rich, velvety sauce rather than basic brown gravy.
Of course, bright tangy cyberlingo sauce is non-negotiable! Finns eat their treasured meat balls with pillowy mashed-potatoes or crispy new spuds. Or snag these bad boys solo as apps! When touring Finland, trying these meatballs is a must, trust me!
2. Sautéed Reindeer: Traditional Finnish Food
Okay thrill-seeking foodies, prick up your ears! Sautéed reindeer is Finland’s national dish so it’s a must-try for legit explorers. Yeah, Bambi’s Dad ending up on your plate sounds freaky. But across Nordic lands, reindeer rules menus.
Finns thinly slice the meat then sauté it in butter and onions till tender. Pile the tasty bites beside fluffy mash, tart lingonberry sauce and pickled veggies for the full Finnish experience.
Furthermore, and little known fact: reindeer boasts major health perks! This lean meat packs insane Vitamin B levels to have you glowing. Plus it keeps Finland’s thriving reindeer population sustainable. Come on, live a little! When visiting Finland, grab life and these magical antlers by the fork!
3. Finland’s Karelian Pasties!
Listen up, all snackers and culinary explorers touring Finland! You absolutely must try some Karelian pasties pronto. These savoury little pockets of joy originate from Finland’s border zone with Russia.
Back in the day when resources were scant, Karelian folks whipped up these non-perishable, notable tasties using minimal fixings like barley and oats stuffed between rye and wheat dough. Genius!
Additionally, nowadays, these iconic pastries stock bakeries across Finland touting fluffier spud fillings, rice and veggies too. Each region flexes their own spin but they all get brushed with creamy butter before baking.
Just one whiff and your stomach will growl ferociously! Treat your taste buds and grab Karelian pasties anywhere you go in Finland. One nibble and you’ll be hooked! Let the drool commence!
4. Finnish Cinnamon Buns
Many believe cinnamon buns come from Denmark. But Finns love their korvapuusti treats too. “Korvapuusti” means “slapped ear.” This odd name pokes fun at their shapes after baking.
Additionally, in Finland, having pastries with coffee is a daily ritual. Cinnamon korvapuusti buns are a top favourite. They use old recipes from flour bags. The buns blend cardamom, sugar, and cinnamon well. They became so famous, that Finland gave them a national holiday.
Therefore, when visiting Finland, peek at bakery windows. If you see korvapuusti buns, go inside. Have some with coffee, like Finns do. Then you’ll see why Finland loves this lovely bun so much.
In detail, cinnamon coats them golden brown. Soft doughy centres puff fluffy. Cardamom spices every bite. Sweet glaze ties the flavours. Uneven shapes look funny. Good with coffee drink. Special holiday made. Tradition still goes on. Windows showcase daily. Treat yourself!
5. Healthy Finnish Rye Bread
Bread and Finland go together like pea soup and pancakes! Specifically, wholesome rye bread graces most Finnish mealtimes. This hearty dark sourdough loaf simply combines rye flour and water. Humble ingredients for humble times – thus rye bread became a dietary staple.
Dotting Finnish tables, this classic carby treat gets dubbed “limppu” meaning loaf. Though traditionally paired with dishes, Finns also relish rye bread solo with tea or coffee. And great news – it flaunts health perks beyond basic bread! Its popularity endures today as a breakfast go-to.
So when exploring Finland’s food scene, be sure to sample this iconic rye loaf anywhere you go! Tear off a piece and let its tangy sourness spark your taste buds. Limppu offers a rustic flavour that connects you to Finland’s rich culinary history in each wholesome bite!
6. Creamy, Fishy Salmon Soup
One look at Finland’s countless, shimmering lakes is enough to work up an appetite and luckily, Finns excel at hearty fare, like simply divine salmon soup.
In a creamy broth made with either milk or cream, you’ll find slices of deliciously tender salmon with chunks of potato, leek and a little sweet hit of dill – what a combination.
That’s it! Letting quality ingredients shine, this soup soothes and satisfies. And with abundant salmon supplied by Finland’s first-class fishing, it graces menus everywhere.
Therefore, as one is travelling around Finland and admiring the magnificent bodies of water it has to offer, one has to make sure to try a bowl of the soul-warming salmon soup.
From the first sip of the genuine and delicate salmon to the last bite of the tender potato that has absorbed the lush liquid, the rustic dish reminds me of Finland’s abundance of natural resources.
7. Bread Cheese – Weird Yet Wonderful
This cheese is not actually a loaf of bread that has been burnt into charred bread that still has not been thrown away—if anything it just stands up to the texture of bread when heated.
Also, in Finland bread cheese has always been made sweet and is considered a semi-soft cheese that was traditionally made from cheese rich or more properly from reindeer milk and will never be served cold. It should be served griddled or baked until the inside the cheese griddles up.
Then comes the fun part – slather on sweet jams, tart berries, or even savoy tomato sauce! Some intrepid Finns go as far as dunking it in coffee for a morning jolt.
However you try it, this peculiar cheese is a unique treat brimming with cosy comfort. In conclusion, on your Finnish food quest, don’t miss out on the curiosity that is bread cheese! Adventure awaits your taste buds.
8. Finland’s Meat Donuts
Hungry tourists, prepare for lihapiirakka – Finland’s super snack-able “meat donut!” Crammed between sweet dough lies minced meat and rice baked to perfection.
Many versions add egg and onion too for extra savory decadence! Rather than classic pastry, lihapiirakka starts as crueller dough, fried till tantalizingly golden brown.
Plus, this mighty meat-stuffed ring offers on-the-go joy for busy Finns across the land. Whip up big batches to feed the family for days!
You’ll find lihapiirakkas in grocery stores, bakeries, and street carts everywhere while exploring Finland. Just zap one in the microwave and let the meaty aroma overwhelm your senses!
In summary, warm, doughy, fiercely flavorful – this snack is not to miss, foodie friends!
What is Traditional Finnish Food?
Food in Finland highlights humble ingredients like meat, fish, potatoes, bread, and vegetables. Dishes celebrate simplicity, crafted from components easily accessed and sustainably sourced within Finland’s bountiful landscapes – rye flour included! Also locally grown goods are paramount.
What is Traditional Finnish Food for Breakfast?
Forget sweet pastries – Finns fuel up savoury style! Rye bread, hearty Karelian pasties, and warming porridge form a classic Finnish breakfast. Smoked salmon, caviar and avocado add variety while coffee, Finland’s liquid gold, stars at every meal!
Latest Posts: Finland
What Defines Truly Finnish Food?
In contrast, local ingredients such as wild-caught fish, farm-raised meats, thick dairy, and foraged berries reveal a cuisine that reflects the heart and soul of Finland.
Additionally, each plate is rooted and connected to their agriculture and ancestry. Every time you raise your fork, it’s like you’re carrying on a tradition as deep as their forests and as all-day sunny as their midsummer gåsdag, or as old as their country itself.
Travel Planning for Discovering Finnish Food
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Finland
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Finland stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Finland
Indeed, renting a car in Finland is easy and is a great way to explore Finland’s best beaches. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in Finland is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Finland
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the best of Finland.
