17 Finnish Delicacies to Experience Authentic Nordic Flavors

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” Finland is not only celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes but also for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. This Nordic country’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its pristine environment, offering a delightful blend of hearty comfort foods and fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by its lakes and forests. These delicious dishes offer an authentic taste of Finland that everyone should try.

Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasties)

These traditional Finnish pastries feature a thin rye crust filled with creamy rice porridge. To make them, prepare the rye dough, roll it out, place a spoonful of rice porridge in the center, fold the edges over, and bake until crispy. Serve warm with egg butter. These pasties offer a delightful taste of Finnish tradition with each bite.

Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)

This creamy soup combines salmon, potatoes, leeks, and dill for a comforting meal. Sauté leeks and potatoes in butter, add fish stock, simmer until potatoes are tender, then add salmon pieces and cream. Cook until the salmon is done and garnish with fresh dill. This soup is a perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day.

Ruisleipä (Rye Bread)

Dense and sourdough-style, this rye bread is a Finnish staple. Mix rye flour with water, salt, and a sourdough starter, let it ferment, shape into loaves, and bake until firm. Allow to cool before slicing. Enjoy this bread fresh from the oven with a pat of butter or a slice of cheese.

Hernekeitto (Pea Soup)

A hearty green pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays. Cook green peas with pork or ham hocks, onions, and spices until tender, blend if desired, and serve with rye bread. This classic soup is a true comfort food for any chilly day.

Lihapullat (Finnish Meatballs)

Juicy meatballs made from a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with spices, and usually served with lingonberry sauce. Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions, egg, and spices, form into balls, fry until browned, and serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. These meatballs are both hearty and flavorful, embodying Finnish home-cooking.

Kalakukko (Fish Pie)

A traditional pie with layers of fish, pork, and bacon encased in a rye crust. Fill a rye dough crust with fish, pork, and bacon, seal it, and bake until the crust is crispy and the filling is cooked through. Kalakukko is a savory pie that’s as satisfying as it is unique.

Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer)

This savory dish features sautéed reindeer meat with onions and spices, often served with mashed potatoes. Sauté reindeer meat with onions and spices until tender, and serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. It’s a taste of the Finnish wilderness that’s sure to impress.

Joulutorttu (Christmas Tarts)

Flaky pastries filled with plum jam, traditionally enjoyed during Christmas. Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, place a dollop of plum jam in the center, fold into pinwheels, and bake until golden. These tarts are a festive treat that brings a touch of holiday cheer.

Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie)

A delicious pie made with fresh blueberries and a buttery crust. Prepare a pie crust, fill with a mixture of blueberries, sugar, and flour, and bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. This pie is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors.

Lanttulaatikko (Swede Casserole)

A creamy casserole made with swede (rutabaga), ideal for holidays. Cook and mash swede, mix with cream, eggs, and spices, then bake until set and golden. It’s a rich and comforting side dish that’s a holiday favorite.

Sillia Salaatti (Herring Salad)

A colorful salad with pickled herring, potatoes, apples, and beets. Cube pickled herring and mix with boiled potatoes, apples, and beets, then dress with mayonnaise and season to taste. This salad is a vibrant and tangy addition to any meal.

Ruispuuro (Rye Porridge)

A hearty porridge made from rye flour, typically enjoyed for breakfast. Cook rye flour with water or milk until thickened, and sweeten with sugar or berries if desired. This porridge provides a warm and wholesome start to your day.

Leipäjuusto (Bread Cheese)

A mild, squeaky cheese traditionally enjoyed warm with cloudberry jam. Grill or bake slices of bread cheese until slightly melted and golden, then serve warm with cloudberry jam. This cheese is a delightful combination of creamy and tangy flavors.

Muikku (Vendace)

Small fried fish often served with a side of potatoes and creamy sauce. Dip vendace in flour, fry until crispy, and serve with boiled potatoes and dill sauce. These crispy fish are a tasty treat from Finland’s lakes.

Kaalikääryleet (Cabbage Rolls)

Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat and rice, then baked in tomato sauce. Prepare a filling of meat and rice, wrap in cabbage leaves, place in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake. These rolls are a hearty and comforting dish for any family meal.

Siskonmakkara (Sister’s Sausage)

A Finnish sausage made from pork, beef, and spices. Stuff sausage casings with a mixture of ground meat and spices, then grill or fry until cooked through. This sausage is flavorful and perfect for a casual meal.

Pannukakku (Oven Pancake)

A thick, custardy pancake baked in the oven, often served with berries or jam. Whisk together eggs, milk, flour, and sugar, pour into a baking dish, and bake until puffed and golden. Serve with fresh berries or syrup. This pancake is a delightful and indulgent breakfast treat.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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