Finnish cuisine is a delightful blend of hearty flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. From savory stews and comforting soups to mouthwatering desserts and unique delicacies, Finnish cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes that reflect the country’s natural resources and cultural heritage. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through Finland, exploring the 50 most popular Finnish dishes that are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

50 Most Popular Finnish Dishes:

  1. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies): Karjalanpiirakka is a traditional Finnish pastry made from rye flour and filled with a savory rice or potato filling. These oval-shaped pies are often served with a spread of butter on top and are a staple in Finnish cuisine.
  2. Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup): Lohikeitto is a creamy salmon soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, onions, and dill. It is a comforting and hearty dish enjoyed throughout Finland, particularly in coastal regions.
  3. Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer): Poronkäristys is a classic dish from Finnish Lapland, featuring thinly sliced reindeer meat sautéed with butter and served with lingonberry sauce. It is a delicacy that showcases the flavors of the northern wilderness.
  4. Kalakukko (Fish Pasty): Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish dish from the region of Savonia. It is a rye bread filled with fish, typically vendace or perch, and pork fat. The dish is baked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie): Mustikkapiirakka is a Finnish blueberry pie made with a buttery crust and a sweet-tart blueberry filling. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  6. Graavilohi (Marinated Salmon): Graavilohi is a popular Finnish dish made by marinating raw salmon with a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill. The salmon is thinly sliced and served as an appetizer or on rye bread with mustard sauce.
  7. Hernekeitto (Pea Soup): Hernekeitto is a traditional Finnish pea soup typically made with yellow split peas, pork, and root vegetables. It is often enjoyed on Thursdays, known as “Pea Soup Day,” and is accompanied by a side of Finnish-style pancakes.
  8. Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Stew): Karjalanpaisti is a hearty Finnish stew made with beef or pork, root vegetables, and spices. The dish is slow-cooked to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors.
  9. Sima (Finnish Mead): Sima is a traditional Finnish mead, typically consumed during the Vappu (May Day) festivities. It is a sweet and sparkling drink made from water, sugar, lemons, and fresh yeast.
  10. Salmiakki (Salty Licorice): Salmiakki is a unique Finnish candy that combines licorice with ammonium chloride, giving it a salty and slightly bitter taste. It is a beloved treat among Finns and can be found in various forms, including candies, chocolates, and ice creams.
  11. Riisipuuro (Rice Pudding): Riisipuuro is a creamy rice pudding made with short-grain rice, milk, and a hint of cinnamon. It is traditionally served with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
  12. Makaronilaatikko (Macaroni Casserole): Makaronilaatikko is a Finnish comfort food made with macaroni, ground meat (often beef or pork), onions, and a creamy egg-milk mixture. The dish is baked until golden and served with lingonberry jam.
  13. Pikkupizzat (Mini Pizzas): Pikkupizzat are bite-sized pizzas topped with classic ingredients such as cheese, tomato sauce, ham, and vegetables. They are a popular snack or appetizer in Finland.
  14. Muikku (Vendace): Muikku, also known as vendace, is a small freshwater fish commonly found in Finnish lakes. It is often lightly battered and fried, served with a side of potatoes and dill.
  15. Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese): Leipäjuusto, also called squeaky cheese, is a traditional Finnish cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a squeaky texture and is typically served warm with cloudberry jam.
  16. Raparperipiirakka (Rhubarb Pie): Raparperipiirakka is a Finnish rhubarb pie made with a buttery crust and a tangy rhubarb filling. It is a popular dessert, especially during the summer months when rhubarb is in season.
  17. Lihapullat (Meatballs): Lihapullat are Finnish meatballs made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices. They are often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and pickles.
  18. Siskonmakkara (Sister’s Sausage): Siskonmakkara is a Finnish sausage made from a mixture of ground pork, beef, and spices. It is often grilled or pan-fried and served with mustard and ketchup.
  19. Runebergintorttu (Runeberg Cake): Runebergintorttu is a traditional Finnish almond cake named after the Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. It is typically flavored with almonds, rum, and raspberry jam, and topped with a sugar glaze.
  20. Ruisleipä (Rye Bread): Ruisleipä is a staple in Finnish cuisine, known for its dark and dense texture. It is typically made with whole grain rye flour and often enjoyed with butter, cheese, or fish.
  21. Sillisalaatti (Herring Salad): Sillisalaatti is a traditional Finnish salad made with marinated herring, boiled potatoes, pickles, apples, and mayonnaise. It is a popular dish served during festive occasions.
  22. Mämmi: Mämmi is a traditional Finnish Easter dessert made from rye flour, water, and molasses. It has a unique dark color and is typically enjoyed with cream and sugar.
  23. Porojuusto (Reindeer Cheese): Porojuusto is a Finnish cheese made from reindeer milk. It has a strong and distinctive flavor and is often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter.
  24. Kalakeitto (Fish Chowder): Kalakeitto is a creamy fish chowder made with various types of fish, potatoes, carrots, and dill. It is a comforting and flavorful dish enjoyed throughout Finland.
  25. Janssonin kiusaus (Jansson’s Temptation): Janssonin kiusaus is a traditional Finnish potato casserole made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, onions, cream, and anchovies. It is baked until golden and creamy.
  26. Maksalaatikko (Liver Casserole): Maksalaatikko is a Finnish liver casserole made with minced pork liver, rice, onions, and spices. It is often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.
  27. Omenapiirakka (Apple Pie): Omenapiirakka is a Finnish apple pie made with a buttery crust and a sweet apple filling flavored with cinnamon. It is a popular dessert, especially during the autumn season.
  28. Lanttulaatikko (Swede/Rutabaga Casserole): Lanttulaatikko is a Finnish casserole made with grated swede (rutabaga), rice, syrup, and spices. It is often served as part of the traditional Finnish Christmas meal.
  29. Sienisalaatti (Mushroom Salad): Sienisalaatti is a Finnish mushroom salad made with a variety of mushrooms, onions, pickles, and sour cream. It is often enjoyed as a side dish or served on rye bread.
  30. Silakat (Baltic Herring): Silakat, or Baltic herring, are small saltwater fish commonly enjoyed in Finland. They are often marinated, grilled, or pickled and served as a topping for bread or as a side dish.
  31. Karjalanpihvit (Karelian Steak): Karjalanpihvit are Finnish beef steaks typically made from ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, and spices. They are pan-fried and served with a creamy sauce.
  32. Lihapirakka (Meat Pie): Lihapirakka is a Finnish meat pie made with a savory pastry crust and filled with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices. It is a popular snack or street food option.
  33. Tiernapojat (Star Boys): Tiernapojat is a Christmas tradition in Finland involving a group of boys dressed as the Wise Men who go from house to house singing Christmas carols. The tradition is often accompanied by treats and festive foods.
  34. Lakkalikööri (Cloudberry Liqueur): Lakkalikööri is a Finnish liqueur made from cloudberry, a tart and aromatic berry that grows in the wild in Finland. It is often enjoyed as a digestif or used in cocktails.
  35. Munkki (Finnish Donut): Munkki is a Finnish donut made from sweet dough that is deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. It is a popular treat enjoyed with coffee or as a dessert.
  36. Vorschmack: Vorschmack is a Finnish dish made from minced lamb or beef, herring, anchovies, and spices. It is typically served with mashed potatoes and pickles.
  37. Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Roll): Korvapuusti is a Finnish cinnamon roll made with a sweet yeast dough and filled with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or with coffee.
  38. Makkarakeitto (Sausage Soup): Makkarakeitto is a Finnish sausage soup made with a variety of sausages, potatoes, carrots, and onions. It is a hearty and flavorful dish often enjoyed during the colder months.
  39. Rapujuhlat (Crayfish Party): Rapujuhlat is a traditional Finnish crayfish party that takes place in late summer. It involves feasting on crayfish, typically boiled and seasoned with dill, and accompanied by various side dishes and drinks.
  40. Vihreä salaatti (Green Salad): Vihreä salaatti, or green salad, is a simple and refreshing dish made with a variety of fresh salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and a light dressing. It is a common side dish in Finnish meals.
  41. Lohimousse (Salmon Mousse): Lohimousse is a creamy and elegant salmon mousse made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill. It is often served as an appetizer or as part of a festive spread.
  42. Kropsu (Blood Pancake): Kropsu is a traditional Finnish dish made with blood, flour, and milk. It is similar to a pancake and is often served with lingonberry jam.
  43. Korvasienimuhennos (Stewed False Morels): Korvasienimuhennos is a Finnish dish made with stewed false morel mushrooms, cream, and onions. It is a seasonal delicacy and is typically served with mashed potatoes.
  44. Pannukakku (Finnish Pancake): Pannukakku is a Finnish pancake made with eggs, flour, and milk. It is similar to a Dutch baby pancake and is often served with jam or syrup.
  45. Pikkupiirakat (Mini Pies): Pikkupiirakat are small savory pies filled with various ingredients such as minced meat, mushrooms, or cheese. They are often enjoyed as appetizers or as part of a buffet.
  46. Savustettu lohi (Smoked Salmon): Savustettu lohi, or smoked salmon, is a popular Finnish delicacy. Salmon fillets are traditionally cured with salt and sugar and then smoked over an open fire, resulting in a rich and smoky flavor.
  47. Saaristolaisleipä (Archipelago Bread): Saaristolaisleipä is a traditional Finnish rye bread often associated with the archipelago regions. It is dense and packed with various grains and seeds, offering a hearty and nutritious option.
  48. Lihamureke (Meatloaf): Lihamureke is a Finnish meatloaf made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, onions, breadcrumbs, and spices. It is typically served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
  49. Raparperihillo (Rhubarb Jam): Raparperihillo is a Finnish rhubarb jam made with fresh rhubarb, sugar, and a hint of lemon. It is a popular preserve enjoyed on bread, pancakes, or as a filling in pastries.
  50. Leipäjuustokeitto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese Soup): Leipäjuustokeitto is a unique Finnish soup made with leipäjuusto (squeaky cheese), milk, and lingonberries. It is a sweet and savory combination that highlights the flavors of Finnish cuisine.

50 Most Popular Finnish Dishes Conclusion

Finnish cuisine offers a wide array of dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional favorites like Karjalanpiirakka and Lohikeitto to unique delicacies such as Leipäjuustokeitto and Vorschmack, Finnish dishes showcase the use of fresh ingredients and the skillful blending of flavors. Whether you’re savoring a comforting stew or indulging in a sweet treat, exploring the 50 most popular Finnish dishes provides a delicious insight into the gastronomic delights of Finland.