Top 78 Finnish Foods

Loimulohi is a traditional method of preparing salmon or rainbow trout. The fish is smoked on a wooden plank that's placed vertically over an open fire. Before the process, the salmon is usually seasoned with sea salt and drizzled or brushed with lemon juice, honey, or juniper berries. The cooking time depends on the distance from the coals. Once done, the smoky fish can be eaten straight off the plank.Expand

Lohikeitto is a creamy Finish salmon soup, similar to laxsoppa in Sweden. Apart from chunks of salmon fillet, it traditionally incorporates diced potatoes and carrots cooked in a flavorful, buttery broth infused with fish stock and cream. This comforting winter dish is generously seasoned with dill and served alongside buttered rye bread or lemon wedges.Expand

Gravlax is a Scandinavian dish consisting of raw, salt-cured salmon that is traditionally seasoned with dill. Originally, the dish was made by fishermen who used to bury the salt, sugar, and dill-rubbed salmon above the line of high tide and leave it to ferment. At the time, it was characterized by its pungent flavor and odor, but today, gravlax is cured under refrigeration. The name gravlax comes from a combination of two words, grav, meaning buried, and lax, meaning salmon, referring to the original method of production. This delicacy is usually thinly sliced and served as an appetizer. It pairs well with crackers and pickled vegetables, but it can also be used as a stuffing for bagel sandwiches.Expand

Kalakeitto or fish soup has been a staple of traditional Finnish cuisine for a long time. Although there are numerous ways to prepare this classic Finnish specialty, it typically consists of cleaned and filleted fish chunks and diced vegetables that are simmered in a rich, buttery fish broth. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and leeks are among the most common vegetables used for the soup’s preparation, while the choice of fish includes salmon, rainbow trout, vendace, pike, perch, zander, or burbot. Traditionally, the soup is enhanced with the addition of butter and cooking cream (ruokakermaa), and it is usually flavored with dill, allspice, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. In Finland, a bowl of steaming hot fish soup is typically enjoyed for lunch or dinner, but it can also be served as an appetizer, accompanied by traditional Finnish rye bread and lemon wedges on the side. As of 2018, the country has started celebrating its National Fish Soup Day (Kalakeittopäivä) on the second Tuesday of February, a manifestation that has begun with the aim of boosting people’s consumption of fish.Expand

Kanttarellikeitto is a traditional soup originating from Finland. The soup is usually made with a combination of chanterelle mushrooms, butter, onions, parsley, flour, vegetable stock, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. The mushrooms are chopped and sautéed with onions and parsley in butter over medium-low heat. Once the moisture evaporates, the mixture is sprinkled with flour and stirred. The stock is added gradually, and the soup is then simmered for some time before cream is added to the pot. Kanttarellikeitto is seasoned with salt and pepper, garnished with chopped parsley, and served hot.Expand

Munkki, translated as monks, are popular Finnish deep-fried doughnuts made with buttery, cardamom-flavored, leavened dough. They are usually shaped into round forms that are occasionally complemented with sweet and fruity fillings, or in the shape of thick rings rolled in fine sugar. Numerous theories surround the origin of their name, from the idea that the round shape resembles the traditional hairstyle or the brown attire of the monks, to the claim that the monks originally prepared these deep-fried delicacies during Lent. Today, munkki are traditionally associated with May Day; the national festivity celebrated on May 1st.Expand

Mustikkapiirakka is a traditional blueberry pie originating from Finland. The crust for the pie is usually made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. The dough is pressed into a tart pan, pricked with a fork, and pre-baked. It is then topped with fresh blueberries (in Finland they traditionally use bilberries, which are very similar, but different to North American blueberries) mixed with sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cardamom, if desired. The pie is placed back in the oven and it's baked until the middle is set and the edges have browned. Once baked, mustikkapiirakka is cut into slices and enjoyed warm or cold. It's recommended to pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.Expand

The crispy, golden Finnish meatballs are traditionally made with beef, with the occasional addition of ground pork. The meat is frequently seasoned with allspice and combined with a mixture of breadcrumbs, eggs, and onions. Although they appear in numerous varieties throughout the country, Finnish meatballs are usually round and small in size, with a light, airy texture. Typically consumed as the main course doused in a creamy brown sauce, they can also be enjoyed as a light cocktail snack.Expand

Poronkäristys is the traditional dish of Sámi people in Finland, Norway and Sweden, prepared by sautéing reindeer meat. The dish originates from the Arctic Lapland where the semi-nomadic, indigenous people called Sámi have been herding reindeers for a very long time. Thin slices of reindeer meat are usually sautéed in butter, with or without onions, and slowly simmered in beer or stock until they develop a tender and succulent texture. The most common and traditional accompaniments for the dish include creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, but it can also be accompanied by pasta or rice. Although the dish can often be found in restaurants throughout Scandinavia, frozen meat can also be bought in most supermarkets. According to recent studies, along with being extremely tasty, reindeer meat is one the healthiest foods, high in B-12, omega-3, and omega-6, a possible reason why poronkäristys is consumed throughout the year.Expand

Munavoi is a simple Finnish spread consisting of whipped butter combined with mashed hard-boiled eggs. Characterized by a unique coarse texture and a mild, buttery flavor, it is only lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. Apart from Finland, where it is usually spread on bread or served atop Karelian pies, this simple and easily prepared delicacy is also a staple of traditional Estonian cuisine.Expand

The Koskenkorva distillery, located in the village of Koskenkorva in Southern Ostrobothnia, has a long tradition dating back to the 1940s. This distillery was founded by the Finnish state alcohol company Oy Alkoholiliike Ab on land purchased from the Koskenkorva family. The first experimental distillation process was completed in 1941, and by 1953, the production of spirits became permanent. Koskenkorva Viina, their first product, became Finland’s best-selling spirit as early as 1960. The distillery relies on local barley cultivation, especially the Kaarle and Elmeri varieties, which thrive in the fertile coastal fields around Koskenkorva village.Expand

Turku Distillery Ltd, established in 2021, is a craft distillery located in Raisio, Southwest Finland. The company is renowned for producing organic vodka and liqueurs using the finest organic winter wheat and crystal-clear artesian water from Southwest Finland. Distillation takes place in a high-quality copper column, resulting in premium products such as Kaiho™ Vodka and Kaiho™ Ruby Blackcurrant Liqueur. Turku Distillery has earned numerous international accolades for its products, including gold medals at competitions such as the Craft Spirits Awards™ 2023 and the European Spirit Challenge™ 2023. The company is committed to sustainable production, employing carbon-neutral processes and using bioenergy for heating. With its dedication to quality and authenticity, Turku Distillery Ltd continues to expand its presence in the international market.Expand

Anora Group is a Finnish multinational company that specializes in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits and wines. The company was formed in 2021 through the merger of Altia and Arcus Group, both prominent players in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Anora Group has a diverse portfolio of brands, including well-known names in spirits such as Koskenkorva, O.P. Anderson, and Mariestads. They focus on quality and innovation, using sustainable production practices to minimize environmental impact. The company is committed to expanding its presence in global markets, with operations spanning several continents. Anora also places a strong emphasis on responsibility, encouraging responsible drinking and supporting various social initiatives. As part of its business strategy, Anora Group continues to explore new opportunities for growth and enhance its brand offerings through acquisitions and strategic partnerships.Expand

Xanté Spirit is a brand owned by Anora Group, a leading Nordic alcoholic beverage company. Anora Group was formed through the merger of Altia and Arcus. Xanté, which is particularly known for its pear liqueur blended with French cognac, is one of the premium offerings in their portfolio. Xanté Spirit is a premium fruit spirit produced by the Xanté Distillery, which is known for creating high-quality liqueurs and spirits. Xanté Spirit is made using carefully selected ingredients, with a focus on quality and traditional distillation methods. This results in a refined product suitable for sipping or as an ingredient in premium cocktails.Expand

Arctic Blue Beverages is a Finnish company dedicated to crafting premium spirits and beverages inspired by the pristine nature of the Arctic. Based in Ilomantsi, Finland, the company emphasizes the use of locally sourced, organic, and wild-harvested ingredients, such as bilberries, oats, and wild herbs. Their flagship product, Arctic Blue Gin, captures the essence of Nordic forests with its fresh pine and bilberry aromas. Arctic Blue Beverages is also known for Arctic Blue Oat Liqueur, a dairy-free liqueur that blends the creamy texture of oats with the tartness of bilberries. Another standout product is Arctic Blue Rose, a pink gin infused with wild cinnamon rose petals and blueberries, offering a sweeter and more delicate flavor profile. The company also produces Arctic Blue Laku, a liquorice liqueur with a balanced sweet and salty taste. Their Arctic Blue Long Drinks provide refreshing, ready-to-enjoy beverages inspired by Finnish traditions. Sustainability is a core value, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact throughout production. Arctic Blue Beverages reflects a deep connection to the Arctic environment, offering products that celebrate Finnish heritage and natural purity. Their beverages appeal to those seeking authentic flavors rooted in nature. Expand

Minttu Spirit is a Finnish brand known for its distinctive Minttu Peppermint Liqueur, which delivers an intense and refreshing peppermint flavor. The liqueur is crafted using high-quality ingredients and is famous for its bold, smooth taste that combines the freshness of mint with a warming finish. Minttu offers several variations of its peppermint liqueur, including options infused with chocolate and other botanicals, catering to different taste preferences. The brand takes pride in its Finnish heritage, drawing inspiration from the pure, natural environment of Finland, which is reflected in the crisp, clean flavors of its products. Minttu is now part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, benefiting from the global reach and expertise of the world-renowned spirits company.Expand

Lilla Chokladfabriken Borgå is a chocolate producer based in Porvoo, Finland. The company specializes in crafting high-quality artisan chocolates. They focus on using natural ingredients, often incorporating local Finnish flavors. The factory is an attraction in Porvoo, where visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and purchase products directly.Expand