Finnish Food, often understated in global cuisine, offers a unique and hearty experience deeply rooted in its Nordic environment and traditions. From the dark, dense rye breads to the fresh flavors of fish and wild berries, Finnish cuisine is a testament to resourcefulness and simplicity, creating dishes that are both comforting and distinctly flavorful. Let’s explore some must-try Finnish foods that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
Must-Try Finnish Foods: A Taste of Finland
1. Karjalanpiirakka (Rice Pies)
Karjalanpiirakka, also known as Karelian pies, are a beloved pastry originating from the Karelia region of Finland. These savory pies feature a thin, crispy rye crust that encases a creamy rice porridge filling. Traditionally, they are topped with munavoi, a rich egg butter, adding an extra layer of flavor and richness. Karjalanpiirakka are incredibly versatile, enjoyed throughout the day in Finland – from breakfast to a satisfying snack, and even as part of wedding celebrations. Their comforting taste and texture make them a staple in Finnish households.
2. Ruisleipa (Rye Bread)
Rye bread might be familiar, but Finnish ruisleipa stands apart with its authentic, 100% rye composition. Using unique Finnish yeasts, this bread achieves a dark color, dense texture, and deeply satisfying flavor. Ruisleipa is more than just bread in Finland; it’s a cornerstone of Finnish cuisine and a significant part of the national identity, with roots stretching back thousands of years. Often leavened, Finnish rye bread is sometimes dried into a thin, crisp form, perfect for open-faced sandwiches or simply enjoyed with butter as a hearty snack.
3. Leipajuusto (Bread Cheese)
Leipajuusto, humorously known as “Finnish squeaky cheese” in the United States, is a fresh cheese with a distinctive texture and mild flavor. Traditionally, it’s made from cow’s beestings, the nutrient-rich milk from a cow shortly after calving. This special milk contributes to Leipajuusto’s unique qualities. It’s a common custom to serve Leipajuusto alongside a cup of hot coffee or paired with the sweet and tart flavor of cloudberry jam, creating a delightful contrast.
4. Kalakukko (Fish Pie)
Hailing from the Savonia region of Finland, Kalakukko is a substantial and flavorful fish pie. This traditional dish is crafted with a rye flour crust, seasoned simply with salt, and generously filled with fish, often vendace or perch, along with pork and bacon for added richness. Baked for hours, the slow cooking process allows the fish bones to soften and the flavors of the meat and fish juices to permeate the rye bread, resulting in a moist and intensely flavorful filling. Kalakukko is a true testament to Finnish comfort food.
5. Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Buns)
Korvapuusti, which playfully translates to “Slapped Ears,” are the Finnish version of cinnamon rolls. These are a type of “Pulla,” a general term for Finnish sweet bread, and are a quintessential treat served with coffee in Finland. The dough for Korvapuusti is made rich with milk, fresh yeast, and a generous amount of ground cardamom, giving them a distinctive aromatic spice. Their fluffy texture and delicious cinnamon-sugar filling make them an irresistible Finnish pastry.
6. Muikku (Fried Vendance)
Muikku, or vendance, are small freshwater fish abundant in Finland’s numerous lakes. Their plentiful nature has led to many creative ways of preparing them, but frying is a particularly favored method. Typically, muikku are lightly breaded and then fried in butter until golden and crispy. These small, flavorful fish are a true delicacy; their bones are so fine that the entire fish can be eaten without concern, making for a simple yet delightful culinary experience.
7. Graavilohi (Cured Salmon)
Finns have a deep appreciation for salmon, and Finland boasts some of the purest and freshest fishing waters. Graavilohi is a classic Nordic dish featuring raw salmon that is cured, not cooked, in a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill. This curing process enhances the salmon’s natural flavors and creates a silky texture. Graavilohi is often served thinly sliced as an appetizer, accompanied by a dill or mustard sauce, and enjoyed on bread or with boiled potatoes, highlighting the fresh taste of Finnish salmon.
8. Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie)
During the summer months, Finnish forests become abundant with bilberries, the Nordic wild blueberry, known for its intense flavor and higher antioxidant content compared to cultivated blueberries. Mustikkapiirakka, Finnish blueberry pie, is a celebration of this seasonal bounty. While other berries like lingonberries are also used in pies, Mustikkapiirakka, often filled with a creamy yogurt base and served with fresh milk, remains a particularly cherished Finnish dessert.
9. Salmiakki (Salty Liquorice)
Salmiakki is a distinctly Finnish flavor that might be surprising to the uninitiated. While black licorice can be polarizing globally, in Finland, salmiakki, or salty liquorice, is a national obsession. It’s flavored with ammonium chloride, which gives it a unique astringent, salty, and slightly bitter taste. While often enjoyed as candy, salmiakki’s unique flavor also extends to ice cream, alcoholic beverages, and even savory dishes, showcasing its versatility in Finnish cuisine.
10. Poronkaristys (Sauteed Reindeer)
No exploration of Finnish food would be complete without a reindeer dish. Poronkaristys, sauteed reindeer, is a traditional Lappish delicacy. Thinly sliced reindeer steak or back is fried in fat, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then simmered in water, cream, or beer until incredibly tender. This hearty and flavorful Finnish dish is traditionally served with a side of sweet-tart sugared lingonberries, creamy mashed potatoes, and refreshing cucumber pickles, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying meal.
Photos: Julia Kivelä (main), Julia Kivelä, Visit Finland, Soili Jussila, Julia Kivelä, Julia Kivelä, Julia Kivelä, Jani Kärppä, Pirkko Kanervisto, Marimekko, Soili Jussila
