Don’t miss trying these traditional foods of Finland. Local. Fresh. Authentic. Delicious. This guide provides a list of what foods to try to experience the Finnish culture of the region.
Traditional foods of Finland
Rye Bread
Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious cinnamon rolls, known as korvapuusti, are very popular and offered at bakeries and cafes. They are often served with coffee. They are not sticky or gooey as sometimes found in North America.
Karelian Pies
Karelian pies are a traditional pastry found in Finland. These small savoury pies are called Karjalanpiirakka. They are also popular in Estonia and parts of Russia.
The crust is made with rye flour and filled with potato or a rice porridge mixture. The pie is served warm and often topped with a mixture of chopped eggs and butter.
Potatoes:
New potatoes, usually boiled, are a popular staple in the Finnish diet. Potatoes are often served with herring, fish roe or other fish.
Crayfish
Crayfish are crustaceans and look like a small lobster. Crayfish season runs from the middle of July through to mid-September.
Fish
Finnish people love most fish. Pickled, salted, smoked, poached, grilled and canned fish is plentiful. Herring, salmon, octopus and fish roe are favourites.
Fish is often served along with new potatoes or on a slice of bread.
Reindeer
Reindeer meat is called Poronkäristys. It is usually cooked medium rare. You will find it in many dishes including pates and soups. Bear and elk meats are also popular.
Salmiakki
Frazer Blue
Fresh Summer Berries
Bilberry, lingonberry and cloudberry are a must to try.
- The orange-coloured cloudberry comes from the north and is found in the mountains of the Nordic countries.
- Lingonberry is a popular Scandinavian berry usually made into jam.
- Bilberry is a dark blue berry used for pies and other baked goods. It is also popular served in a small dish with milk.
Be sure to check see Photos: Traditional foods in the markets of Helsinki, Finland
Discover Helsinki – UNESCO Creative City of Design.
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