15 Must-Try Finnish Foods for First-Time Visitors

When I visited Helsinki and Tampere in 2024 I had a laundry list of "must eat" items. I truly believe when you visit a country you should try to eat as many things that are either iconic or exclusive to that country. I could make this list super-duper long, but I figured I'd pare it down to the essentials that will give you a true taste of Finland.

1. Poronkäristys - Sautéed Reindeer

No joke, this was the first thing I ate when I landed in Finland. Went straight to the poronkäristys. Contrary to popular belief it is not an "everyday occurrence" dish because it's a bit expensive, so it may not grace the dinner table as often as you think. BUT, it is still VERY Finnish and common. It will usually be served thinly sliced like this with lingonberries, pickles, potatoes, and butter. Delicious. Reindeer is quite lean, yet flavorful. A must try.

2. Karjalanpiirakka - Karelian Pastry

You might find these at your hotel breakfast buffet. This traditional pastry is a rye crust filled with a sort of savory rice pudding, topped with egg butter. (Egg butter, or munavoi, is boiled eggs mashed with butter... just as it sounds.) They are hearty and filling, and I love them. You can find different variations with additions to the fillings or maybe toppings (the one I had in this photo had some pink pepper on it) but the good 'ol standby is plain version.

3. Lohikeitto - Salmon Soup

Another buttery delicious dish. This soup is not overly fishy and can be found many places. We sampled this version in the Helsinki market hall, where it is suspected they add in some pickle juice as a secret ingredient... (a trick I copied when making this at home). Topped with fresh dill and served with bread, this tasty soup is a crowd pleaser, even for those who don't like seafood.

4. Juustoleipää ja lakkahilloa - "Bread Cheese" with Cloudberry Jam

Juustoleipää is called bread cheese because it has a sort of unique texture. It's along the lines of halloumi, but firmer. It's also called "squeaky" cheese because of the noise it makes when it is fried (also maybe cause when you eat it it squeaks??). This is served as a dessert or appetizer, depending on where you get it. Cloudberry jam is traditionally served with this and tastes mildly of apricot.

5. Korvapuusti - Finnish Cardamom Rolls

Korvapuusti roughly translates to "slapped ear" which illustrates the shape of this pastry. Filled with cardamom and topped with pear sugar, it's quite a cute pastry. You can find these in any cafe and they go great with a cup of coffee. Obviously.

6. Voisilmäpullat - Butter Eye Buns

Listen closely. The korvapuusti gets all the glory. And I get it, it's iconic. It's delicious. But DO NOT SLEEP on the voisilmäpullat. This is another cardamom based confection, and is filled with a decadent sugar and butter crust. Fazer cafe has an AMAZING one, and this became my new favorite Finnish pastry. Look for ones with a good crust on them!

7. Lonkero - The Finnish Long Drink

This photo is clearly of a can here in the US (they've become popular here and you can get them in many liquor stores). But do yourself a favor and get a cold lonkero in Finland. My favorite place to do this is at a sauna. They come in a variety of flavors, but the classic is reminiscent of Fresca, deliciously grapefruity. It's also gin-based if that's your vibe.

8. Paistettu Muikku - Fried Vendace Fish

Vendace fish are a small, tasty treat. This is a popular streetfood and the fish are so small and tender, that you eat them bones and all. Coated in rye flour and fried, they are quite tasty! It's best to find them in outdoor markets or near the pier.

9. Tyrni Mehu - Sea Buckthorn Juice

Everyone raves about the cloudberry and wants to eat that in Finland, which I get. But do also get some sea buckthorn juice! It's super packed with vitamin sea, tart, and delicious. There is a common juice bar chain called Jungle Juice Bar where you could get it in a shot (like above) or mixed into other juices.

10. Terva - Pine Tar Liqueur

When you think of Finland, you probably think of vodka. But if you want to try something more traditional and interesting, find terva! I know pine tar does not sound edible, but it's been used in Finland since forever to make candies and liquor. I've also had it in ice cream! I liken it to root beer or sarsparilla (our Finnish waitress went "ok" at this comment haha). It is strong though. Drink responsibly haha!

11. Ruisleipä - Rye Bread & Anything

Finns love rye bread, and they make it right. None of that filler shit, it's TRUE rye. You can get so many forms of ruisleipä, and I recommend starting with the common sandwich style like pictured above. BUT, if you can find it, look for saaristolaisleipä. This version of rye bread is also called "archipelago bread" it is sooooo good. It's a sweeter and denser rye bread made with malt. Honestly though, you can't go wrong with any rye bread in Finland. It's built different. And by different I mean better.

Side note, many years ago I watched an episode of Samantha Brown travel where she ate these exact sandwiches pictured above in the Helsinki market hall. I was elated to eat one myself years later.

12. Salmiakki - Salty Licorice

Sample salmiakki anything in Finland for a true experience. Pictured above is a Fazer salmiakki ice cream bar. Salmiakki is a Finnish black licorice candy that is flavored with ammonium chloride (yes, I'm serious), that gives it a distinctive salty, almost pungent taste. Many people hate it. I like a lot of it! The salmiakki ice cream bar was DELICIOUS, and I like many different candies. But I will say... the ones with menthol added (like panterri) are awful. Taste like straight up nyquil. Go for a traditional salmiakki though and you might be surprised! Hit up a grocery store to find some easy cheap things to sample!

13. Mustikkapiirakka - Blueberry Pie

You can find a few versions of this. There is the kind pictured above that is more cake-based and comes with vanilla sauce. But there are also creamy kinds that are more like a cheesecake with wild blueberries. Fun fact: they are actually made with bilberries! Which are more wild variation of a blueberry.

14. Munkki - Caradamom Doughnuts

Are you noticing a trend in the baked goods? Cardamom. It's cardamom. Finns love spicing desserts with cardamom, and it's because it's delicious. This munkki is from Pyynikki Tower in Tampere, which is famous for them. It is a treat to hike up the hill and join all the locals lining up out the door for this doughnut, but you can find them all over!

15. BONUS Mustamakkara - "Black Sausage"

I'm putting this as a bonus, because you will only find it in Tampere. Meaning you have to make a special trip to eat this. But if you ask me, this is a bucket list food item. Super local, unique, and delicious. Do not be alarmed... it is indeed blood sausage. But of all the blood-based foods I've eaten, this one does not have the usual iron-y taste. Probably because it is twice fried, making it crispy on the outside too. It also has rye grains inside, adding a nice texture. This is served with lingonberries, and in my opinion, should be eaten the Finnish way with a side of milk.

Hopefully you've gotten some ideas from this list! Finland has an interesting food culture, and is very practical yet filling. I also recommend hitting up a grocery store and just milling about. See what they have and try what you like!

Honorable mentions:

• Viili: a unique yogurt type thing - it has a ropey and sort of slimy texture. But it tastes like yogurt.

• Vorschmack: a sort of pate made with minced meat, anchovies, and spices. Super salty, and used as a spread.

• Jenkki: Finland's favorite gum - it's made with xylitol and is actually good for your teeth!

• Fazer Chocolates: this is a brand of candies and the "Geisha" chocolate bar is a classic.

• Bear Meat: This is seasonal, and maybe touristy, but fun to try!