Search results
People also ask
What to eat in Finland?
When did Helsinki become the capital of Finland?
How many people live in Finland?
Which city in Finland is the largest urbanised area?
Aug 22, 2022 · Finland's rising capital of food. 22 August 2022. By Norman Miller,Features correspondent. AngieC/Alamy. (Credit: AngieC/Alamy) Once a trading gateway to the world, Finland's ancient...
- What Is Traditional Helsinki Food?
- Helsinki Food: Appetizers & Snacks
- Helsinki Food: Soups
- Helsinki Food: Main Dishes
- Helsinki Food: Confections, Desserts & Sweets
- Helsinki Food: Drinks
- Where to Eat in Helsinki?
- Further Reading For Your Helsinki Visit
Unlike many other European countries, Finland never had a strong bourgeoisie with the wealth and leisure to develop rich culinary traditions. The nation’s food history is a tale of austerity. Finland’s isolated rural economy and harsh climate, with short summers and long winters, meant that traditional Finnish food is primarily a blend of austerity...
1. Karjalanpiirakka
A culinary gem from Finland’s eastern province of Karelia, Karjalanpiirakka, or Karelian Pie, is one of the most beloved dishes of Finnish cuisine. The oval-shaped Karelian Pie features a thin, crispy rye crust that beautifully cradles a filling of creamy rice porridge or mashed potatoes. Fresh out of the oven, the pie is brushed with melted butter and is usually enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch. Karelian Pie is often topped with munavoi—an irresistibly flavorful spread of mashed hard-b...
2. Ruisleipä
Ruisleipä, or Finnish rye bread, is more than just a national staple – it’s a cherished symbol of Finnish culinary tradition, deeply intertwined with the country’s culture and history. Rye bread is the Finnish food that Finns living abroad miss the most. This coveted bread is even sold at Helsinki Airport to meet popular demand. Here travelers can pick up a last-minute gift for their friends and family, or make sure they have enough in stock when spending time outside of the country. Baked pr...
3. Graavilohi
Fish has always been important in the Finnish diet – unsurprising, considering the country’s myriad lakes and rivers and long coastline. Graavilohi is fresh salmon that’s been cured with a combination of salt, sugar, and dill. The fish is then left to rest for a few days, allowing the curing mixture to imbue the salmon with an exquisite balance of flavors. I love seafood and graavilohi has always remained one of my favorite Finnish foods. Its texture is silky and tender, somewhere between sas...
1. Hernekeitto
No list of foods to eat in Helsinki would be complete without mentioning Hernekeitto (pea soup), a very popular traditional dish that undoubtedly holds a special place in every Finn’s heart. Pea soup remains connected with Thursdays, and it is served as part of school and university lunches all over Finland. The highly nutritious soup is typically made from dried green peas, which are simmered until they break down and impart a creamy, slightly sweet taste. This sweetness of the peas is beaut...
2. Lohikeitto
Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup) is as simple as it is delicious, made with generous chunks of salmon, potatoes, leeks, dill, and cream. The real magic lies in the balance of flavors, which turn these ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. When you taste Lohikeitto, you’re met with a delightful medley of flavors. The star of the show is undoubtedly the salmon, which lends its rich, oily goodness to the soup, creating a luxuriously velvety broth. The potatoes add a comforting, earthy note, w...
1. Lihapullat
To start with the main dishes, we have Lihapullat, or Finnish Meatballs – one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. Lihapullat are traditionally made from a mix of ground pork and beef, combined with breadcrumbs, milk, onions, and seasonings. The mixture is shaped into small balls, which are then pan-fried until they develop a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside. The meat is often finely ground, resulting in a smooth, almost creamy interior. The flavor is a we...
2. Poronkäristys
Poronkäristys, the most typical dish of Lappish cuisine and a top recipe of Finnish gastronomy is a must-try for adventurous eaters and especially if you enjoy game meat. Sourced sustainably from the semi-wild roaming reindeer of Lapland, Poronkäristys involves sautéing thinly sliced reindeer meat in a hot pan with butter, before simmering it with water, beer, or stock, and flavorings like onions, garlic, and juniper berries. It’s then slow-cooked until tender and the braised thin-cut reindee...
3. Pyttipannu
Literally translating to “small pieces mixed in a pan,” Pyttipannu is a tasty Finnish dish that is the ultimate leftover food. Pyttipannu involves dicing potatoes, onions, and usually leftover meat (ham, smoked pork, or sausages), and then frying them together until golden brown. The result is a crispy, savory hash that is traditionally topped with a fried egg and served with pickled beetroot. Pyttipannu is one of the most-loved dishes in Finland, so much so that you can find a bag of it in e...
1. Leipäjuusto
Envision sinking your teeth into a slice of cheese that gives a slight squeak when biting, releases a gentle sweetness, and offers the comforting taste of freshly baked bread – that’s the wonder of Leipäjuusto. Known colloquially as “Finnish squeaky cheese”, Leipäjuusto is one of the most unique highlights of the Helsinki food scene. Leipäjuusto is traditionally made from cow’s milk, although variants using goat or reindeer milk can be found. The curd is pressed into flat round forms, and the...
2. Korvapuusti
Korvapuusti is Finland’s beloved version of the cinnamon bun. It is a sweet baked roll/bun similar to the Danish kanelsnegl, Norwegian kanelbolle, and Swedish kanelbulle. Derived from the Finnish words for “slapped ears” owing to its distinctive shape, Korvapuusti is as quintessentially Finnish as the sauna and a must-try for all those with a sweet tooth. This cinnamon bun is such an integral part of the Finnish daily regimen that it is baked on a massive scale at bakeries and cafés across th...
3. Mustikkapiirakka
Mustikkapiirakka is a traditional Finnish bilberry pie that’s one of my all-time favorite Finnish foods. Mustikkapiirakka is much cherished by Finns and is a staple during the summer season when bilberries are bountiful. Finnish bilberry pie has a layer of fresh, ripe bilberries buried in a creamy custard filling, all on top of a crust that resembles a sugar cookie. Bilberries are smaller, darker, and more intensely flavored than the commonly cultivated blueberries, giving the pie a unique fl...
1. Vodka
Vodka, or “viina” as it’s often called in Finnish, has been produced in Finland for centuries. Its history stretches back to the agrarian past of the country, where it was made from various grains and potatoes. Just like in Russia, Finland’s cold climate played a role in the popularity of vodka. This strong spirit was seen as a way to warm oneself during the long, cold winters. Vodka is deeply embedded in Finnish celebrations and rituals. It’s often consumed during holidays, family gatherings...
2. Craft Beer
Forget about sampling run-of-the-mill Finnish beers like Olvi, Karhu, Koff, and Lapin Kulta. Try some Finnish craft beers instead. Helsinki’s craft beer scene has experienced a significant surge in recent years, reflecting a broader global trend of artisanal and craft brewing. From hoppy IPAs, funky sours, and rich stouts to lighter lagers and experimental brews, Helsinki’s craft beer scene is diverse. Finnish brewers often infuse local ingredients, such as cloudberries, birch leaves, salmiak...
3. Salmiakki Koskenkorva
Salmiakki Koskenkorva, nicknamed “Salmari”, is a unique fusion of two of Finland’s most beloved products – the traditional Koskenkorva vodka and salmiakki, Finnish salty licorice. This drink was originally concocted by mixing salmiakki candies with vodka until the candies dissolved, creating a dark, syrupy liqueur. On the first sip, there’s an unmistakable hit of saltiness, which is characteristic of salmiakki. Following the saltiness, the deep, earthy tones of licorice start to dominate. Ben...
Here are just a few restaurant, café, and marketplace suggestions in Helsinki for sampling/buying the food we have mentioned above: 1. Ravintola Salve 2. Ravintola Sea Horse 3. Café Regatta 4. Ravintola Konstan Möljä 5. Ravintola Kolme Kruunua 6. Ravintola Zetor 7. Lappi Ravintola 8. Helsinki Central Market Hall 9. Ravintola Saaga 10. Ihana Kahvila...
That summarizes our definitive guide to Helsinki Food. We reckon you’ll also find the following resources useful for planning your trip to Helsinki! Now, what do you think? What are some of your favorite traditional foods in Helsinki? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Feb 10, 2018 · Turku. Known as the food capital of Finland, Turku holds a number of Finland’s oldest and best restaurants, including the country’s top-rated Indian restaurant, and a famous fish market held twice a year. As a student town, there is a wide variety of affordable food available, from American-style diners to sushi bars.
Dec 3, 2023 · Restaurants in Helsinki: where and what to eat in Finland’s culinary capital. With conservation at their core, Finns respect the forests and lakes that surround them. At once hearty and subtle, Finnish food today is refined, and inventive, playing with flavours – game meat, mushroom, fish, and even vegan – in hip city eateries, quaint ...
- Finnish Rye Bread. Finns love bread so much that they eat it with most meals. Finnish rye bread is the most common bread, and it’s dark, sour, and dense.
- Finnish Rieska Bread. The Rieska bread is a traditional Finnish flatbread. Finns often make this bread with oat, rye, barley or potato, and they serve it warm.
- Finnish crispbread (näkkileipä) I assure you that there is at least one box of crispbread in every house in Finland. People love crispbread, which is the Finnish equivalent of Swedish knäckebröd.
- Coffee (kahvia) Finnish people drink the most coffee per capita in the world, and coffee in the morning is the most important cup of the day. Those who don’t drink coffee usually just drink a glass of milk instead.
This guide is all about what to do, see and mostly what and where to eat in Turku, also considered the Food Capital of Finland: my advice is to stay at least 3 days so as to have time to savor its atmosphere. How to get to Turku
Helsinki [a] [b] is the capital and most populous city in Finland. It is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and serves as the seat of the Uusimaa region in southern Finland. Approximately 0.67 million people live in the municipality, with 1.25 million in the capital region, and 1.58 million in the metropolitan area.
