Traditional Finnish Foods You Need to Try (Besides Salmiakki) 🇫🇮🍽️

When people think of Finnish cuisine, salmiakki (salty licorice) often steals the spotlight. But Finland’s culinary traditions go far beyond this polarizing treat! From hearty stews to sweet pastries, Finnish food reflects the country’s harsh climate, rich forests, and deep connection to nature.

If you’re planning a trip to Finland or just want to explore Nordic flavors, here’s a mouthwatering guide to traditional Finnish foods you absolutely must try—besides salmiakki!

1. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies) 🥟

Keywords: Karelian pies, Finnish pastries, traditional Finnish snacks

These iconic rye crust pastries originate from the Karelia region and are a staple in Finnish households. The thin rye crust is filled with rice porridge or mashed potatoes, then baked to perfection.

How to Eat Them:

• Traditionally topped with egg butter (munavoi—a mix of butter and chopped hard-boiled eggs).
• Enjoy as a breakfast item or snack with coffee.

Fun Fact: UNESCO recognizes Karelian pies as part of Finland’s intangible cultural heritage!

2. Lohikeitto (Creamy Salmon Soup) 🐟🥣

Keywords: Finnish salmon soup, lohikeitto recipe, Nordic seafood dishes

This creamy, comforting soup is a must-try, especially during Finland’s chilly winters. Made with fresh salmon, potatoes, leeks, and dill, it’s simmered in a rich broth with a touch of cream.

Why It’s Special:

• Uses wild Baltic salmon, prized for its flavor.
• Often served with dark rye bread for dipping.

Pro Tip: Many Finnish families have their own secret twists—some add a splash of white wine or extra herbs!

3. Mustamakkara (Black Sausage) 🖤🌭

Keywords: Finnish blood sausage, mustamakkara Tampere, traditional Finnish sausage

A beloved dish from Tampere, mustamakkara is a dark, juicy sausage made from pork blood, barley, and spices. It might sound intense, but the flavor is rich and slightly sweet.

How to Eat It:

• Best served with lingonberry jam to balance the richness.
• Often enjoyed at market halls like Tampere’s Kauppahalli.

Did You Know? Locals love pairing it with a cold glass of milk—trust us, it works!

4. Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese) 🧀🔥

Keywords: Finnish squeaky cheese, leipäjuusto recipe, Nordic cheeses

Also called “bread cheese,” this mild, fresh cheese gets its name from the squeaky sound it makes when bitten into. It’s traditionally grilled or baked until lightly browned.

Serving Suggestions:

• Drizzled with cloudberry jam (lakkahillo) for a sweet-savory combo.
• Served warm as a dessert or snack.

Fun Fact: Some Finns enjoy it with a cup of coffee—yes, they dip it in!

5. Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer) 🦌🍛

Keywords: Finnish reindeer dish, poronkäristys recipe, Lapland food

A Lapland specialty, this dish features thinly sliced reindeer meat sautéed in butter and simmered in beer or water. It’s rich, tender, and packed with flavor.

How It’s Served:

• Typically with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickles.
• A must-try if visiting Rovaniemi or other Arctic regions.

Sustainability Note: Reindeer herding is an eco-friendly practice among the indigenous Sámi people.

6. Hernekeitto (Pea Soup) 🥄🌿

Keywords: Finnish pea soup, hernekeitto tradition, Nordic comfort food

A Thursday tradition in Finland, this thick, hearty soup is made from dried green peas, pork, and onions. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying.

Why Thursdays?

• Dates back to medieval times when Catholics fasted on Fridays.
• Still served in schools, military canteens, and homes every Thursday.

Perfect Pairing: Always followed by pannukakku (Finnish pancake) for dessert!

7. Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Rolls) �☕

Keywords: Finnish cinnamon buns, korvapuusti recipe, Nordic pastries

These cardamom-spiced cinnamon rolls are Finland’s answer to Sweden’s kanelbullar. They’re soft, buttery, and perfect with coffee.

Finnish Coffee Culture:

• Finns are among the world’s top coffee drinkers.
• Korvapuusti is a staple in “kahvitauko” (coffee breaks).

Fun Name Meaning: Korvapuusti translates to “slapped ears”—referring to their shape!

8. Kalakukko (Fish-Stuffed Bread) 🐟🍞

Keywords: Finnish fish bread, kalakukko Savonia, traditional Finnish pies

A Savonian delicacy, kalakukko is a rye bread loaf stuffed with fish (usually vendace or perch) and pork fat, then baked for hours.

Why It’s Unique:

• Acts as both bread and meal—great for travelers.
• A UNESCO-recognized food tradition.

How to Eat: Slice open and scoop out the filling—don’t eat the crust alone!

9. Ruisleipä (Dark Rye Bread) 🍞🖤

Keywords: Finnish rye bread, ruisleipä health benefits, Nordic breads

A Finnish staple, this dense, sourdough rye bread is packed with fiber and nutrients. It’s so important that Finland’s dietary guidelines recommend daily rye consumption.

Popular Varieties:

• Reikäleipä (hole bread) – Dried for long storage.
• Hapanleipä (sourdough rye) – Tangy and chewy.

Health Bonus: Linked to lower diabetes risk due to low glycemic index.

10. Lörtsy (Finnish Meat or Jam Pastry) 🥟🍓

Keywords: Finnish lörtsy, savory Finnish pastries, Nordic street food

A half-moon-shaped pastry from Savonlinna, lörtsy can be filled with:

• Meat (like ground beef)
• Sweet options (apple or lingonberry jam)

Best Place to Try:

• Sold at market squares and food stalls.

Pro Tip: Try both savory and sweet versions for the full experience!

11. Mämmi (Finnish Easter Pudding) 🍫✝️

Keywords: Finnish mämmi dessert, traditional Easter food, Nordic rye pudding

This dark rye pudding is a Must-Try Easter treat, though its looks can be deceiving—it’s sweet, malty, and delicious!

How It’s Served:

• Cold, with cream and sugar.
• Sometimes paired with vanilla sauce.

Love It or Hate It? Some Finns adore it, while others avoid it—but it’s worth a try!

Bonus: Finnish Berry Delicacies 🍓🫐

Finland’s forests are bursting with wild berries, and Finns use them in:

• Lakkahillo (cloudberry jam)
• Mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie)
• Hillonkiisseli (lingonberry dessert soup)

Foraging Fact: Finland’s “Everyman’s Right” allows anyone to pick wild berries and mushrooms!

Final Thoughts: Why Finnish Food Deserves More Attention 🌟

Finnish cuisine is underrated but unforgettable—rooted in seasonal, local ingredients and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re craving savory comfort food or sweet Nordic treats, Finland’s culinary scene has something for everyone.

Have you tried any of these dishes? Let us know your favorite in the comments! 🇫🇮❤️