Flavours of Finland

As you walk down Fredrikinkatu, one of Helsinki’s top shopping streets, let’s take a moment to talk about the local cuisine! Helsinki has plenty to offer for food lovers. This is a city where eating well is part of everyday life. Among the stars of Finnish gastronomy, you’ll find fish—especially herring and salmon—along with grilled sausages known as Grillimakkara, and reindeer and elk meat, which are sometimes found in soups. On the cheese front, there’s Leipäjuusto, a cow’s or reindeer’s milk cheese found across Finland. It’s often oven-grilled and served warm, either in salads or as a dessert with a spoonful of jam. It’s a must-try during your stay—especially with a slice of traditional Finnish rye bread! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss the Korvapuusti, delicious cinnamon and cardamom buns you’ll find in most bakeries and cafés. Another local favourite is Finnish blueberry pie, which varies slightly from one place to another but is always a delight—especially for berry lovers. These dishes give you a great first taste of what Finnish food is all about.