Table of Contents
Introduction
Finnish cuisine may not be as renowned as those of its Nordic neighbors, but it offers a unique blend of comforting, hearty dishes and sweet treatsbrew. With influence from both Eastern and Western traditions, the flavors of Finnish cooking reflect the country’s forested landscapes and chilly climate. This guide will highlight some of the key ingredients, savory dishes, baked goods, and beverages that make up Finland’s distinctive food culture.
Savory Dishes
Finnish cooking makes ample use of local ingredients like fish, meat, potatoes, and rye. Here are some of the most iconic savory foods to savor.
Meatballs
Meatballs are beloved in Finland, with nearly every culture having its own unique variety. Finnish lihapullat are traditionally made from a mix of ground beef and pork, flavored with just salt and pepper to let the meat shine. More modern recipes might incorporate onions and breadcrumbs. Enjoy lihapullat with lingonberry jam and buttery mashed potatoes.
Fish
With Finland being surrounded by water on three sides, it’s no wonder that fish plays a major role in the cuisine. Salmon and Baltic herring are particularly popular and served smoked, baked, fried, and more. Other frequently eaten fish include rainbow trout, whitefish, pike, andvendace.
Potatoes
Humble potatoes are cheap and abundant in Finland. They’re prepared in dozens of ways – mashed, boiled, baked, roasted, fried, and more. Enjoy them on their own or paired with meatballs, sausages, stews and soups for heartiness.
Dark Rye Bread
Dark rye breads make up a dietary staple and cultural icon in Finland. The nutritious whole grain bread offers a rich, dark color and sourdough tang. Finnish ruisleipä is traditionally enjoyed with cheese, smoked fish, or butter and jam.
Sweet Treats
While Finns aren’t known for an overly sweet palate, they do excel at a few beloved baked goods and treats.
Pulla
Cardamom-scented pulla can be found in nearly every Finnish bakery. This sweet, golden bread topped with pearl sugar can be shaped into rounds, braids, and figure-eights. Enjoy pulla on its own or with coffee or tea.
Korvapuusti
Literally translating to “slapped ears,” these sweet, tender cinnamon rolls are pulled into ear-like shapes before baking. Their gentle cinnamon flavor makes them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.
Lakritsi
The Finnish love affair with lakritsi, or black licorice, surprises many outsiders. The preferred salmiakki variety has a bold, salty tang from ammonium chloride. It may be an acquired taste, but Finns love the stuff.
Karelian Pies
These hearty pastries hail from the region of Karelia and consist of a rye crust wrapped around a filling of rice or barley. They’re often served with egg butter, and enjoyed with coffee.
Beverages
Finland runs on coffee and milk. Here’s a primer on the country’s beloved beverage culture.
Coffee
Finns drink more coffee per capita than just about anywhere else in the world. Coffee culture is strong, with lingering morning coffee breaks being the norm. Expect to see lots of light roasts and Finnish brands like Paulig.
Milk
Milk is also cherished in Finland, widely believed to promote good health. It’s served with meals or enjoyed plain throughout the day. Cultured buttermilk is also common and used for drinking or baking.
Conclusion
From comforting meatballs to aromatic pulla, the cuisine of Finland offers some unique and memorable flavors for food lovers to sample. While often underrated, Finnish cooking shines when it comes to hearty, stick-to-your-ribs fare and just-sweet-enough treats. With its bounty of fish, gardens of berries, and love of rich dairy, this chilly Nordic country serves up some warmth on a plate. Expand your culinary horizons, and savor the diverse flavors of Suomi. Hyvää ruokahalua! (Enjoy your meal!)
FAQs
What are the main ingredients in Finnish cooking?
Some of the core ingredients in Finnish cuisine include meat (beef, pork), fish (salmon, herring), potatoes, dairy (milk, butter), rye, and berries (lingonberries, blueberries).
Which Finnish dishes are must-tries for visitors?
Iconic Finnish foods to seek out include karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), lohikeitto (salmon soup), lihapullat (meatballs), graavilohi (cured salmon), and pulla (cardamom bread).
Is Finnish cuisine similar to other Scandinavian cuisines?
There are some overlaps with Scandinavian and Nordic cuisine, like the use of meatballs, pickled fish, and cardamom baked goods. But Finland also has its own distinctive dishes and ingredients.
What are some unique aspects of Finnish food culture?
Finns have a deep love for coffee drinking, dairy products, and salty black licorice. Rye breads and potatoes are dietary staples. Meals tend to be simple and unfussy.
Where can I find authentic Finnish restaurants outside of Finland?
Look for Finnish restaurants in areas with large Finnish immigrant communities like Michigan, Minnesota, and the Pacific Northwest in the United States.