Finland Famous Food

Going to Finland to see the Northern Lights and beautiful lakes? You should also try tasty local Finland food! Finnish meals are simple, hearty and perfect for cold weather – just like many Indian dishes. In this easy guide, you will learn about:

• 10 popular Finnish foods to taste
• 5 best Finland vegetarian dishes
• Indian restaurants in case you miss home food

The food might look different, but you’ll love the warm soups, fresh fish, and sweet desserts. Let’s explore Finland’s tasty dishes together!

Finnish Food Culture

Finland, like India, prefers its traditions when it comes to food. Finland food is influenced by Sweden and Russia. The food is not like the other Scandinavian countries. The ingredients are limited in supply due to harsh weather conditions half the year. So, the ingredients used in their food are mostly products that can survive and grow in those harsh conditions. Finland is a country of lakes. So, fishing and hunting has been a tradition here. Hence, fish and meat become a staple part of the food. The vast forests give a lot of fruits, mushrooms, and berries to make desserts and salads. You will find rye, oats, bread, mushrooms, cheese and wheat as the main cereals in Finnish dishes. Milk, buttermilk, and cheese are used in various dishes too. Finland has the highest consumption of coffee and milk in the world as beverages. The traditional breakfast is porridge, while you can find fish stew for lunch.

Top Ten dishes of Finland

 Karjalanpaisti (Finnish Meat Stew)

Finland’s favorite comfort food! It’s a simple but super tasty stew made by slow-cooking meat (usually lamb or beef) with onions, pepper, and garlic until it’s fall-apart tender. People eat it with mashed potatoes and sweet jam – the perfect warm meal for cold days.

Lohikeitto

Imagine the creamiest, dreamiest soup packed with fresh salmon, potatoes, and carrots. The secret is the buttery broth with dill that makes it extra special. Always served with dark rye bread for dipping – so good!

Silakat

These small fish are a big deal in Finland! They can be fried until crispy, pickled in vinegar, or baked with onions. No matter how you eat them, they always come with potatoes and rye bread on the side.

Kalakkuko (Fish Pie)

A super special pie that’s like a fish sandwich but way better! The crust is made of rye bread dough, and inside there’s fish (usually perch or salmon) with some pork fat for flavor. It bakes for hours until everything is perfect.

Korvapuusti (Finnish Cinnamon Rolls)
Finland’s version of cinnamon buns, but with a cool twist – they add cardamom to the dough which makes them smell amazing! These fluffy, sweet rolls are best eaten fresh with a hot cup of coffee.

Maksalaatikko (Liver Casserole)

Maksalaatikko is a traditional Finnish liver casserole which is known for its unique blend of savoury and sweet flavors. It is made with rice, minced liver, onions, eggs, and syrup, then baked to form a soft, rich dish. It is served with lingoberry jam.

Ruisleipä (Rye Bread)
This isn’t your regular bread – it’s dark, dense, and has a slightly sour taste that Finns love. They eat it every day with butter, cheese, or even just by itself. It’s super healthy and keeps you full for hours.

Leipajuusto ((Squeaky Cheese)
The funniest cheese you’ll ever eat – it literally squeaks when you chew it! It’s mild and slightly sweet, and People love eating it warm with cloudberry jam. The combo of warm cheese and sweet jam is awesome.)

Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie)

Mustikkapiirakka is a classic Finnish blueberry pie, often made with wild blueberries for an intense flavour. The pie has a buttery crust and a creamy yogurt or sour cream filling, making it a favourite summer dessert. It is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or vanilla sauce.

Salmiakki (Salty Licorice)
Finland’s most surprising candy! It looks like regular black licorice but has a crazy salty taste that might shock you at first. Some people love it, some hate it – but you’ve got to try it to know!

Best Finnish Vegetarian Foods to Try on Your Trip

1. Karelian Pie (Karjalanpiirakka)
This traditional Finnish pastry is a must-try for visitors. The thin rye crust holds a creamy rice filling, though some versions use potato or carrot. Served warm with egg butter spread, it’s a popular snack you’ll find at Finnish bakeries and markets. Many tourists enjoy it for breakfast with coffee.

2. Mämmi
Finland’s unique Easter dessert offers a taste of local tradition. The dark, pudding-like treat combines rye flour, malt and molasses for a mildly sweet flavor. Served cold with milk or cream, it’s available in stores around Easter. First-time visitors often find its appearance surprising but enjoy its distinctive taste.

3. Pea Soup (Hernekeitto)
A classic Finnish Thursday meal that travelers should experience. This thick, hearty soup made from yellow peas and onions is served nationwide every Thursday. Many restaurants follow it with pancakes and jam – a comforting Finnish tradition tourists love to try.

4. Rutabaga Casserole (Lanttulaatikko)
This sweet Christmas dish showcases Finnish holiday flavors. Made from mashed rutabaga with breadcrumbs and syrup, it’s a staple at Finnish Christmas markets. Visitors during December will find it served with traditional holiday meals.

5. Härkis
Finland’s popular plant-based protein made from fava beans. Used in burgers, stews and casseroles, it’s a great option for vegetarian travelers. Many Helsinki restaurants now feature Härkis dishes, making it easy for tourists to try this Finnish food innovation.

Famous Eateries Finland

Pure flavours and simple design are hallmarks of Finnish cuisine, and the elegance of fine dining is unmatched. If you want to experience Finnish cuisines, you should definitely go to the capital city of Helsinki. The capital city is also the capital of fine dining. Again, there are other restaurants in other parts of Finland to consider. I have listed all the Michelin-rated fine dining restaurants in Finland below:

• Palace, Helsinki

Palace is the first Finnish restaurant to receive a Michelin star in 1987, and it currently holds two Michelin stars. The interiors are elegant, with the 10th floor having stunning city and sea views. It has been a pioneer of excellent Finnish food since 1952. 

Notable Dishes:

1. Reimagined Nordic classics like herb-crusted Arctic char with birch-infused sauce.
2. Game dishes (elk or reindeer) paired with foraged berries and mushrooms.
3. Desserts featuring cloudberries — a Finnish delicacy.

 2 Michelin Stars | Elegant 10th-floor views of the city and sea

•  Kaskis, Turku

The first restaurant outside Helsinki to earn a Michelin star. This eatery is known for its cozy and intimate atmosphere, where you can dine with your friends for a casual meetup. 

Notable Dishes:

1. Seven-course tasting menu highlighting Åland archipelago ingredients.
2. Hand-caught Baltic seafood, such as smoked perch with dill emulsion.
3. Rye bread ice cream — a surprising Finnish twist.

 1 Michelin Star | Cozy, intimate setting for casual gatherings

• Vår, Porvoo

One of the few Michelin-starred restaurants outside Helsinki that focuses on sustainability. The interiors are charming and warm.

Notable Dishes:

1. “Field-to-table” vegetable dishes like roasted celeriac with lingonberry glaze.
2. Local lamb with juniper and wild herbs.
3. Fermented Finnish honey desserts.

 1 Michelin Star | Sustainable dining in a charming town

• Tapio, Ruka

Tapio is known for its unique location in the Ruka wilderness and commitment to sustainability. Therefore, the setting is Cosy and rustic, reflecting the surrounding natural beauty.

Notable Dishes:

1. Forest-inspired plates like chanterelle risotto with pine oil.
2. Smoked reindeer tartare with pickled crowberries.
3. Birch sap cocktails (seasonal).

 1 Michelin Star | Rustic luxury in the wilderness

• The ROOM, Helsinki

The Room offers a unique dining experience with a focus on creativity. The setting is modern and stylish, which provides an intimate dining atmosphere.

Notable Dishes:

1. Experimental dishes like “Ice of the Baltic” (a seafood dish served on ice).
2. Lavender-infused white chocolate with sea buckthorn.
3. Chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings.

 1 Michelin Star | Modern, artistic ambiance