Check out traditional Finnish food!
Traditional Finnish food is characterized by the simplest and heartiest dishes made of natural resources available in the country. Here are some traditional Finnish foods you may want to try:
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies):
- Description: Savory pastry with a thin rye crust, filled with rice porridge. Usually served with egg butter.
- Serving Suggestion: Warm and enjoy it with a spread of egg butter.
- Kalakukko:
- Description: A classic fish pie from the Savonia region, made with fish (such as perch or salmon), pork, and rye dough.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve sliced as a filling meal.
- Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup):
- Description: A creamy soup consisting of salmon, potatoes, leeks, and dill.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with a slice of rye bread.
- Hernekeitto (Pea Soup):
- Description: A thick soup made from dried peas, usually enjoyed on Thursdays, traditionally served with mustard and Finnish pancakes (lettu) for dessert.
- Serving Suggestion: Add a dollop of mustard for extra flavor.
- Poronkaristys (Sauteed Reindeer):
- Description: Thinly sliced reindeer meat sauteed with onions and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with mashed potatoes and a side of lingonberry sauce.
- Blueberry Pie (Mustikkapiirakka):
- Description: An old-fashioned Finnish dessert full of fresh blueberries and buttery crumb.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Ruisleipa (Rye Bread):
- Description: Crusty and dark rye bread is a staple in every Finnish kitchen.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with butter or cheese.
- Graavilohi (Cured Salmon):
- Description: A big salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill.
- Serving Suggestion: Slice very thinly and serve with a squeeze of lemon, on rye bread or as part of a salad.
- Mammi:
- Description: Traditional Easter dessert from rye flour, malt, and molasses. Traditionally, served with cream and sugar.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy cold with a splash of cream and a sprinkle of sugar.
- Leipajuusto (Bread Cheese):
- Description: Squeaky fresh cheese. Traditionally warm, served with cloudberry jam.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a generous helping of cloudberry jam.
These dishes highlight the hearty and comforting nature of traditional Finnish food, making the most of local ingredients and traditional recipes.
