Finland, a land of pristine lakes, dense forests, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, offers more than just stunning natural beauty. Venture into its culinary landscape, and you’ll discover a unique and fascinating world of flavors. Influenced by its geographical location, harsh climate, and neighboring countries like Sweden and Russia, the common food in Finland tells a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to nature. This article explores common and traditional Finnish foods, offering insights into the country’s culinary heritage and providing a taste of what to expect when dining in Finland. Prepare your palate for a journey through the diverse and delicious offerings of Finnish cuisine.
Bread and Grains: The Foundation of the Finnish Diet
Bread holds a central role in the Finnish diet. Beyond simple sustenance, it represents tradition and a connection to the land. Among the most iconic breads is Rye Bread, known locally as Ruisleipä. This isn’t your average loaf; it’s a dense, dark, and intensely flavorful bread that stands apart. The unique flavor comes from the use of rye flour and often, a sourdough starter, resulting in a slightly sour and deeply satisfying taste.
Varieties of Rye Bread
You’ll find several varieties of Ruisleipä. Reikäleipä, easily recognizable by the hole in the center, was traditionally hung from rafters to dry, ensuring it lasted through the long winter months. Limppu, another popular type, is a round, denser loaf of rye bread. Ruisleipä is a staple at nearly every meal, serving as the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, and especially, open-faced sandwiches. To experience Finnish cuisine, a slice of Ruisleipä topped with butter and a slice of cheese is a must-try.
Oatmeal (Puuro)
Oatmeal, or Puuro, is another fundamental element of the Finnish diet. This simple yet nourishing dish is a common breakfast option, providing a hearty and warming start to the day. Puuro can be made with water, milk, or even cream, depending on personal preference. It’s often served with a dollop of butter, a sprinkle of sugar, or fresh berries, especially during the summer months when berries are abundant.
Other breads
Beyond Ruisleipä and Puuro, you’ll also find Näkkileipä, which is crispbread. This is a very dry and flat type of bread, and is often made with rye flour. It’s a great snack, and often eaten topped with things like cheese or butter.
Dairy Delights: Milk, Viili, and Finnish Cheeses
Dairy products play a significant role in Finnish cuisine. With a strong tradition of dairy farming, Finland offers a variety of milk-based products that are integral to the national diet. Milk is often drunk with meals, a practice that reflects the country’s long-standing dairy culture.
Viili: A Unique Fermented Milk
One unique dairy product you’ll encounter is Viili. This is a fermented milk product that has a gelatinous consistency. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that is quite distinct. Viili is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack, often topped with fruit, berries, or muesli. Its probiotic properties make it a healthy and refreshing choice.
Finnish Cheeses
Finland also boasts a selection of unique cheeses. Leipäjuusto, often translated as “bread cheese,” is perhaps the most well-known. This cheese is baked or grilled, giving it a slightly charred surface and a squeaky texture when you bite into it. It’s often served warm, topped with cloudberry jam, creating a delightful combination of savory and sweet.
From the Sea: Fish and Seafood
Given Finland’s extensive coastline and numerous lakes, it’s no surprise that fish and seafood are prominent in the Finnish diet. Salmon, known as Lohi, is a particularly popular choice, prepared in a variety of ways. Smoked salmon (savulohi) is a delicacy, offering a rich and smoky flavor. Grilled or baked salmon is also common, showcasing the natural flavor of the fish. Gravlax, salmon that’s been cured with salt, sugar, and dill, is another favorite, often served as an appetizer. Lohikeitto, a creamy salmon soup with potatoes and vegetables, is a quintessential Finnish dish.
Herring
Herring, or Silli, is another widely consumed fish, typically pickled. You’ll find it in various marinades, ranging from sweet and sour to spicy, each offering a unique flavor profile. Pickled herring is a common part of Finnish holiday meals and is often served with boiled potatoes and rye bread.
Other Fish
Beyond salmon and herring, other commonly eaten fish include whitefish (Siika), vendace (Muikku), and perch (Ahven). These fish are often pan-fried, grilled, or used in soups and stews, offering a taste of the diverse aquatic resources of Finland.
Meat Dishes: Reindeer, Pork, and More
While fish holds a significant place in Finnish cuisine, meat dishes also play a vital role, especially in the colder months. Reindeer, known as Poronkäristys, is a delicacy, particularly in Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. Poronkäristys consists of thinly sliced reindeer meat that is sautéed with butter and onions. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Lapland. It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, creating a balanced combination of savory and sweet.
Other Meats
Pork is another popular meat choice, often roasted or used in sausages. Finnish sausages, known as Makkara, come in various forms, from grilled sausages sold at street kiosks to more traditional varieties flavored with herbs and spices. Beef and chicken are also relatively common, prepared in a variety of ways, from stews to roasts.
Soups and Stews: Hearty Comfort Food
Soups and stews are essential elements of Finnish cuisine, providing warmth and nourishment during the long, cold winters. Lohikeitto, the creamy salmon soup mentioned earlier, is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the abundance of salmon in Finland.
Pea Soup
Hernekeitto, a thick pea soup, is another staple, traditionally served on Thursdays. This hearty soup is made with dried peas, pork, and various vegetables. It is typically accompanied by mustard and, surprisingly, pancakes. The combination of savory soup and sweet pancakes is a Finnish tradition that many locals cherish.
Karelian Stew
Karelian Stew, also known as Karjalanpaisti, is a mixed meat stew that is a classic example of Finnish comfort food. It usually contains pork and beef, slow-cooked with onions and root vegetables.
Berries and Desserts: Sweet Treats from the Forest
Berries are an integral part of Finnish cuisine, thriving in the country’s vast forests. Lingonberries, known as Puolukka, are perhaps the most versatile. They are used in jam, sauce, juice, and as an accompaniment to savory dishes. Their tart flavor provides a perfect counterpoint to rich meats and creamy sauces.
Blueberries
Blueberries, or Mustikka, are another common berry, used in pies, muffins, and eaten fresh. Picking blueberries in the forest is a popular summer activity for families.
Cloudberries
Cloudberries, known as Lakka, are a prized berry with a unique flavor, often described as a blend of apricot and raspberry. Due to their scarcity, cloudberries are considered a delicacy and are used in liqueurs, jams, and desserts.
Finnish Pancakes
Finnish pancakes, called Pannukakku, are another must-try dessert. These are oven-baked pancakes that are thick and slightly chewy. They are typically served with jam, whipped cream, or fresh berries, making for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Runeberg Tarts
Runeberg Tarts, or Runebergintorttu, are almond-flavored tarts traditionally eaten around Runeberg’s Day on February fifth, celebrating Finland’s national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg.
Drinks: Coffee, Beer, and Lonkero
No exploration of Finnish cuisine is complete without mentioning the country’s drinking habits. Coffee, or Kahvi, holds a special place in Finnish culture. Finland has one of the highest coffee consumption rates in the world. Coffee is often served after meals and throughout the day, acting as a social lubricant and a source of comfort.
Beer
Beer, or Olut, is also a popular beverage, with a growing number of local breweries producing a variety of beer styles. From light lagers to hoppy ales, there’s a Finnish beer to suit every taste.
Lonkero
Lonkero, also known as Long Drink, is a distinctly Finnish alcoholic beverage. It’s typically made with grapefruit soda and gin, offering a refreshing and slightly bitter taste.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Through Finland
Exploring the common food in Finland reveals a cuisine that is deeply connected to nature, shaped by its climate, and influenced by its neighbors. From the hearty rye bread and creamy salmon soup to the tart lingonberries and aromatic reindeer stew, Finnish food offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience. The simplicity, freshness, and emphasis on local ingredients are hallmarks of Finnish cuisine. By embracing the natural flavors of the land and sea, Finnish cooks have created a culinary heritage that is both comforting and distinctive. So, the next time you have the opportunity, be sure to try Finnish food and experience the culinary culture of this beautiful and fascinating country. You’ll discover a world of flavors that will leave a lasting impression and a newfound appreciation for the common food in Finland.
