The 9 best dishes in Finland

What do you think people eat in Finland? Good question, because Finnish cuisine is comparatively unknown. 

Today we present you the 9 best dishes of Finland and introduce you to the national specialties. So you can enjoy on your Finland adventure experience the traditional Finnish flavors. 

Due to the geographical conditions of the north, Finnish cuisine is characterized by potatoes, rye and fish, so you can expect hearty home cooking. 

Be forewarned: the names of the dishes are quite challenging.

Karjalanpiirakka

This is a pastry that originates from Karelia, a landscape in Eastern Finland. Karjalanpiirakka or also known as Karelian pierogi are a classic of Finnish cuisine. Behind the name are small, filled dumplings. The shell is traditionally made of rye flour and water, while the fillings can vary regionally. There are variants that are filled with potatoes or carrots, but also those that surprise with rice pudding or barley porridge. The pastry is often accompanied by egg butter, a mixture of butter and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Best dishes

Kalakukko

Kalakukko are very similar to Karelian pierogi. However, they are larger and filled with fish. Traditionally, muikku, a small herring-like fish from the Eastern Finnish Lake District, is used for the filling. Besides the fish, bacon and pork are also added to the filling.

The kalakukko is baked in the oven for a few hours and then remains edible even up to six weeks. In the past, kalakukko was considered a food for the road, ideal for all travelers and sailors who were away from home for a long time at that time. Nowadays, kalakukko is usually served with buttermilk as a main dish. best dishes finland

Grillimakkara

Grillimakkara belongs to the Finnish summer for many. As the name already reveals something, behind it hide grilled food. These are large sausages, which are grilled and then eaten with mustard. Finns love them, especially with children this snack is very welcome. Grillimakka are not only popular for barbecues in the summer, but also in the winter at a campfire. best dishes finland

Silli ja uudet perunat

If you order this dish, you will be served herring with young potatoes. New potatoes (uudet perunat) are a highlight for Finns and are served with all kinds of side dishes. Popular combinations are: new potatoes with herring (silli), potatoes with fresh sea fish and chanterelle sauce, new potatoes with fish roe (mäti) or potatoes with butter, dill and a pinch of salt.

The options are endless and everyone has their favorites. New potatoes are harvested around midsummer and are considered the promise of the upcoming summer. A real highlight for Finns. best dishes finland

Leipäjusto

Leipäjusto is squeaky cheese, which, as the name suggests, makes squeaking sounds when bitten into. This cheese is also known as Juustoleipä or bread cheese. The taste is very mild and is traditionally made from cow's milk, but also from goat's or reindeer's milk. To make it, the milk is first soured, then fried, and then baked in a pie dish before the cheese is then sliced. Finns especially like to eat the famous cloudberry jam with it! best dishes finland

Ruisleipä and Näkkileipä

Here you can expect no dish, but a delicacy that is indispensable in Finnish cuisine. Finnish rye bread is made from sourdough and is an indispensable part of the country's cuisine. There are several varieties to choose from, but the most popular and widespread is the Reikäleipa, the bread with the hole. This hole comes from the fact that in the past the bread was kept on sticks under the roof. Characteristic of the bread is that it is very flat and dense, which is why it is so heavy.

There is also a crispbread variant of this, which is known as Näkkileipä and is available in many varieties. The crackers are eaten at all times of the day, for breakfast with butter, cheese and other spreads, for lunch with soup or as an evening snack. best dishes finland

Sweets from Finland: Pulla

Finland has the second highest per capita coffee consumption in the world. Accordingly, it is impossible to imagine the Finns' everyday life without suitable pastries. Pulla, the sweet yeast pastries that are eaten with coffee and have nice names like omenapusu (apple kiss) and korvapuusti (slap), are popular.

Omenapusu

What is behind Omenapusu? The pastry is made of yeast dough, which is formed into circles, spread with applesauce, folded in half and pressed tightly at the edges. After baking, this pastry resembles a kissing mouth and is therefore called apple kiss.

Korvapuusti

Korvapuusti means slap in the face, but also refers to the delicious cinnamon rolls of the Finns. For this, yeast dough is filled with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar and butter, rolled and baked in pieces. The favorite way to enjoy this tasty pastry is with a cup of coffee. It is impossible to stop already after one of the delicious cinnamon rolls.

Finnish specialties reflect the country's closeness to nature and regional characteristics. They form an important part of Finnish culture and are therefore available everywhere in the country. 

Do you want to try these delicacies? Then let's go to your Finland adventure.

This country has a Variety of activities to offer and enchants with pristine lakes and great Cities. 

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