Traditional Finnish Foods

Finland, famed for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, takes pride in its diverse cuisine.

Rooted in fresh, natural ingredients harvested directly from the waters, fields and forests, the food is a tapestry of flavors that reflect the country’s history, climate and local produce. Here are some traditional Finnish foods that have delighted taste buds for generations!

Karjalanpiirakka
Karjalanpiirakka or karelian pie, is a beloved Finnish pastry. This dish features a thin rye crust filled with a mixture of rice porridge or mashed potatoes. Often served with a dollop of butter, these pies are a staple in Finnish households and a symbol of comfort food.

Korvapuusti
Korvapuusti, similar to a cinnamon bun is a soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar. It’s a wonderful treat often eaten with a cup of coffee.

Ruisleipä
Ruisleipä, or rye bread, holds a special place on Finnish tables. Cherished for its dark and dense texture, along with its robust flavor, this bread is a dietary cornerstone, often served alongside various dishes or used as a base for open-faced sandwiches.

Mustikkapiirakka
Mustikkapiirakka, the Finnish blueberry pie, is not your usual dessert. It combines shortbread, blueberry tart and cheesecake flavors. With the sweet tang of wild blueberries, it presents a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make it a distinct treat.

Poronkäristys
Poronkäristys features thinly sliced reindeer meat stewed to tender perfection with onions and spices. This delicacy showcases the use of local ingredients in Finnish cuisine that is well-loved not only by Finns but also by other Northern communities.

Lohikeitto
Lohikeitto is a creamy soup made with salmon, potatoes, leeks and dill. It’s a comfort food loved all over Finland, particularly in coastal areas. Perfect for cold winter days, especially in Lapland, it provides warmth and nourishment in extreme cold.

Lihapiirakka
Lihapiirakka, a savory pastry filled with minced meat, onions and spices. It’s a popular on-the-go snack or part of a hearty meal in Finnish cuisine.

Leipäjuusto
Leipäjuusto (bread cheese) or Juustoleipä (cheese bread) also known as “squeaky cheese,” is a mild, fresh cheese typically served warm with cloudberry jam. Its unique texture and mild taste make it a distinctive Finnish delight.

Lihapullat Muusilla ja Puolukkahillolla
Lihapullat Muusilla ja Puolukkahillolla, Finnish meatballs served with creamy mashed potatoes and tart lingonberry jam, create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Mansikkakakku
Mansikkakakku, a strawberry meringue cake, combines airy meringue and fresh strawberries, creating a sweet, tart taste reflecting Finnish summers.

Lasimestarin Silli
Lasimestarin Silli, or marinated herring, is a traditional Finnish appetizer. The herring is pickled in a sweet and tangy marinade, often served with onions and a side of dark rye bread.

Lakkalikööri
Lakkalikööri, or Lakka is a liqueur made from cloudberries. It has a unique taste of the Nordic wilderness and its vibrant flavor profile encapsulates the essence of Finnish berries.

These traditional Finnish foods (and drink) are wonderful reflections of Finland’s culinary heritage that you’re sure to enjoy throughout your visit!