10 Foods You Must Try When Visiting Finland

When going on a visit to the Nordic paradise, food is one of the best means to get acquainted with the Finnish culture. Finnish cuisine is a culinary experience that is unlike any other. Ranging between hearty dishes that fill your soul in the winter to lighter and fresher dishes in the summer, Finland has a lot to offer in the way of food. However, prior to enjoying local cuisines, you should obtain Finland Visa first. When that is done, be ready to explore Finnish food as you have never done before.

Here are 10 Foods You Must Try when visiting Finland

1. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies)

Karjalanpiirakka (also Karjalanpiirakka or Karelian pies) are one of the most famous foods in Finland. They are thin rye crust pastries that are usually filled with rice porridge but nowadays the filling may include potato or carrot. They are normally served warm and with egg butter. This is a Finnish snack that is soft, savory, and comforting and a must-eat snack by a traveling person.

2. Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)

Finns adore salmon, and Lohikeitto is the best dish to demonstrate their love to this fish. A cream soup prepared with chunks of salmon, potatoes and leeks with fresh dill, Lohikeitto is served hot, especially in winter. The subtle tastes are complemented with a drop of cream and butter, which gives a rich flavor that is in tune with the relationship that Finland has with the sea.

3. RuisleipA (Rye Bread)

Rye bread is a staple food within Finnish cuisine and is widely regarded as the centre of their diet. Ruisleip is dense, a bit sour, and is rich in nutrients, it is served with just about every meal. Be it combined with cheese, smoked fish or just butter, this bread is the traditional means of Finns supplying their daily activities. If you want to experience local life, tasting Ruisleipä is non-negotiable.

4. Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie)

When the summer comes to Finland, the forests are overwhelmed with wild berries, which are used in a range of dishes by locals. Blueberry pie, Mustikkapiirakka is a popular dessert. Topped with a dollop of vanilla sauce or custard, the pie is sweet and tart and represents the natural flavor of Finnish berries. It’s one of the most delightful foods you must try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

5. Hernekeitto (Pea Soup)

A centuries-old tradition, Hernekeitto is a thick green pea soup that is flavored with mustard, smoked ham and onions. Traditionally, this dish was served on Thursday but today it is still widely served in homes and restaurants in Finland. Unassuming but comforting, it is representative of the nation and its passion to warm and hearty food to make it through the long winters.

6. Poronk-aristys (Saute Reindeer)

The culture and traditions of the Finnish Lapland are firmly established in reindeer meat. Poronkahri (or sautced reindeer) is a dish of thinly sliced reindeer meat sauteed in butter and onions and generally eaten with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers. Soft and juicy, this is another dish you must taste to get in touch with the Arctic tradition of Finland.

7. Graavilohi (Cured Salmon)

Graavilohi is a treat in case you are a sea food fan. This dish is prepared by salting raw salmon in salt, sugar and dill. It is normally eaten in thin slices on bread or with boiled potatoes. The mild sweetness and the light and airy nature of Graavilohi makes it a great appetizer and one of the most sophisticated Finnish dishes you will ever come across.

8. Kalakukko (Fish Pie)

Kalakukko is a conventional pie of fish usually perch, vendace or salmon baked in a thick rye crust. Occasionally pork or bacon is also added as an additional flavoring. Although it requires hours of preparation, the final result is a tasty and saturating dish that is perfectly balanced in terms of meat, fish, and bread. Visitors that are fond of wholesome, rustic foods will enjoy this Finnish delicacy.

9. Finnish Squeaky Cheese (m. Leipajusto)

Leipajuusto, commonly known as squeaky cheese, is a soft cheese made of cow, goat or reindeer milk. It is called this because of the squeaky sound it makes when bitten into. It can be typically served warm and with cloudberry jam, mixing creamy, salty and sweet tastes. This combination is a show of the Finnish skill of simple but memorable food.

10. Finnish Meatballs

Although the meatballs are a Swedish specialty, the Finnish meatballs should not be left behind. Finnish meatballs are made of a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs and spices, which are usually served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Rich and tasty, they are some of the comfort foods you should eat during your visit.

Experiencing Finnish Cuisine

Finnish food is not only about food, it is more about the history, culture and nature of this country. The food itself is a story to be told; whether it be reindeer in Lapland or fresh berries in the south. Tasting these 10 foods that you must try will not only satisfy your appetite but also raise your awareness of the traditions and lifestyle of the Finnish people.

Finnish food is something that every traveler will remember, as it can be the sweet Mustikkapiirakka, the hot Lohikeitto, or the rustic Kalakukko. It is a necessary component of the experience- just as are the beautiful scenery, the picturesque towns, and the friendly people.

Plan Your Culinary Journey with Go Kite Tours

And prior to indulging in these food treats, make sure your Finland Visa is in place so you can go round every nook and cranny of this Nordic nation without any problem. At Go Kite Tours, we are experts in making travelers enjoy the best of Finland- be it in the form of guided tours, cultural experiences or food adventures.

Are you fantasizing about the flavours of these foods you must try? Go Kite Tours can make it come true. To begin planning your memorable journey to Finland, Click here!