Note: The blog was originally published on my old blog.
Looks like all I can write about is food. But that’s alright because writing about food will never be boring. There are many options for what to eat or drink in Finland, regardless of your dietary restrictions. As I explored Helsinki, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of dishes available, especially when it came to moose and reindeer. So, let’s start from the beginning, as the list of tasty delights from is long! Join me on this culinary journey as I explore the wild flavours of Finnish cuisine and share my experiences of savouring moose and reindeer dishes in traditional Finnish restaurants.
Finnish cuisine: Starters
Vovan Vorschmack
As a food lover, trying new dishes is always an exciting experience for me. And while exploring the culinary scene in Helsinki, my friend and I found ourselves in a dilemma about what to order from the menu. So we decided to take a local’s advice and try Vovan Vorschmack. However, our waiter seemed hesitant when we ordered the dish, warning us that it was not for everyone.
The combination of lamb, herring, pickles, and sour cream created a unique and savoury flavour I had never tasted. It was a true adventure for our taste buds. And while Vovan Vorschmack might not be for everyone, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend giving it a try.
Haugesundin silliä (Herring from Haugesund)
Another starter we tried was Haugesundin silliä, or Herring from Haugesund. While the portion size was smaller than expected, the presentation and the taste were beautiful. It was a perfect starter dish that left me wanting more.
Lohikeittoa (Salmon soup)
Next up on my list of Finnish cuisine was the classic Salmon soup, or Lohikeittoa. As someone who is lactose intolerant, I was hesitant to try it at first. However, I was happy to find a restaurant offering lactose-free milk soup. The soup was creamy and rich, with just the right amount of dill to give it a perfect balance of flavours.
Paistettuja muikkuja (Pan-fried vendace)
But my real challenge was trying the Pan-fried vendace or Paistettuja muikkuja. I had never heard of this fish before and had to Google it before ordering. But to my surprise, it was a deep-fried little fish that could be eaten whole, including the tail and skeleton.
It was served with mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of dill, which added a unique touch to the dish. Lactose-free options were available, making my dining experience even more enjoyable.
Leipäjuusto (aka squeaky cheese)
This unique cheese is known for its squeaky texture when you bite into it. It’s often served hot with cloud-berry jam. However, we didn’t have the time to prepare it, so we enjoyed it cold with cranberry jam, which was still a delicious combination.
Finnish cuisine: Mains
Poronkäristys (Sauteed reindeer)
Despite the unusual name, this dish is a delicious delicacy in Finland. The meat is sautéed until tender and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. It was one of the best dishes I had in Finland, and even my friends, who were sceptical at first, couldn’t resist stealing a few spoonfuls from my plate. I always wanted to reindeer dishes, which was one of the main reasons for visiting Finland.
Venison sausage
This lactose-free and gluten-free sausage was a tasty surprise. The meat was juicy and flavorful. My friend had dietary restrictions and had to be extremely careful about what she ate. As a good friend, I volunteered to test this amazing-looking dish and confirm that she could eat it.
Finnish cuisine: Pastry
Mustikkapulla, Omenalörtsy
To top off my Finnish culinary adventure, I couldn’t resist trying the sweet apple Omenalörtsy (doughnuts) and Mustikkapulla (blackberry pie) I stumbled upon in the Market Square. They were so delicious and the perfect way to end a delightful meal.
Kalakukko (Fish pie)
This fish pie was a standout dish for me during my trip to Finland. It’s made with a mix of salmon and rice and has a hearty, satisfying flavour. My friends enjoyed it so much that they returned to buy their own after I refused to share mine.
Korvapuustit (Cinnamon rolls)
These cinnamon rolls are a must-try pastry in Finland. They’re best when they’re still warm, and the sweet cinnamon flavour is the perfect treat for breakfast or a midday snack.
Finnish alcohol
Salmiakkikossu
This popular Finnish liqueur has a unique taste, like salted liquorice. While I’m not a fan of liquorice, I still tried one shot.
Valhalla
Another Finnish liqueur, Valhalla, is a herb liqueur made by a local company called Koskenkorva. It’s a blend of angelica, artemisia, and achillea millefolium, among other herbs, and has a distinct, refreshing flavour.
Finnish cuisine offers a diverse range of flavours and dishes that are definitely worth trying. Every bite was a delicious adventure, from the savoury reindeer meat to the sweet cinnamon rolls. If you’re planning a trip to Finland, make sure to add these traditional Finnish foods to your must-try list.