Gastronomy in Finland

Cold climates and an abundance of fresh ingredients have given rise to a cuisine that is hearty, wholesome and healthy in Finland. Bread, milk products such as yogurt and cheese, and cold cuts and sausage are popular food items. Meatballs, chicken and trout are also popular as is salmon, which is cooked in various forms.

Salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, vendace, perch and pike-perch as well as exotic game meats such as elk, duck and snow grouse are available at restaurants. In Lapland, steaks or stew of reindeer are a regional specialty. During the cold, winter months, the Finnish people eat casseroles, stews, hot meat, fish, cabbage, sausage or pea soup. Pancakes or crepes with jam are popular desserts. Sausage, pies, grilled meat, lager and strawberries make summer days occasions for celebration.

Finns are the world’s heaviest coffee drinkers. Other common beverages that quaff the Finnish thirst are berry juices and Pommac, a type of soda. Beer and vodka are very popular but alcohol is rather expensive in Finland.