It's surprising to know that Finland's cuisine is not more well-known considering many dishes in this country are iconic in their own right. Travelers might not be game to try all of them but most of them have a pretty appetizing edge to them, and considering Finland is the happiest country in the world, well... they have to be doing something right. And happiness all starts with food, right?
In Finland, foraging is something that's done commonly especially when it comes to forest-grown vegetables and herbs. This adds a freshness to many dishes that are unparalleled around the world and it means that no matter where a diner is eating, they can rest assured their meal is fresh. Traditional cooking methods are also part of what makes Finland's traditional cuisine so alluring, as fish is abundant and cooked in several different ways. Even something as seemingly strange as reindeer meat (those who eat venison can't shake a finger at this one) is cooked with such precision and care that it shines as the main dish or as an ingredient in one.
Korvapuusti, AKA Cinnamon Bun
Those who are familiar with Scandanavian food likely know that a cinnamon bun in Finland is not like a cinnamon bun in the US or elsewhere in the world. Rather than being saturated in a layer of thick, almost sickeningly sweet icing, a Finnish cinnamon bun (korvapuusti) is served quite bare, but it's the spices that make this sweet treat sing. Pastry dough is filled with cardamom, sugar, and cinnamon before being rolled, and it's the simplicity that makes the korvapuusti so delicious.
Ruisleipä
There's no one else in the world who loves bread more than the Finns, as rye bread was actually voted their national dish back in 2017. That's what ruisleipä is and it's commonly found baked fresh throughout Finland. It's served during nearly every meal and often eaten with a meat such as ham or just plainly with butter, but you can guarantee that it'll be there in some form or another. The cooking method for rye bread also varies as it can be made dry, like a cracker, or baked into different shapes if it's being sold as a fresh loaf of bread. This also a healthy option as opposed to many bread options so it's no wonder that Finns are so happy!
Poronkäristys
When translated, poronkäristys is sauteed reindeer. It might seem unusual considering much of the world has one reaction to seeing the jolly Christmas animal: "Awe!" But in Finland, reindeer are as much food as a cow or deer is in any other part of the world. The level of protein in reindeer meat makes it a great, healthy addition to any meal and it's both hearty and full of flavor.
Finland has a long-standing history with the reindeer and it being a source of steady food for the population, as they're allowed to roam free throughout the country. They're also naturally grass-fed since Finland is full of yummy plants for them to graze on throughout the year. With the meat being low in fat and super lean, it lends itself well to being sauteed and is most commonly served with local vegetables, so don't be surprised when you see this on the menu. Lingonberries - another Scandanavian food - are also a popular topping for reindeer meat, as they're slightly sweet and very tart in flavor.
Lohikeitto
It's not surprising that Finland values its seafood and fish is found commonly throughout the country. Another thing that's commonly found is lohikeitto, which is salmon soup. This soup is quite simple and allows the natural flavor of the cooked salmon to shine through; made with a base of somewhat milky broth or sometimes a clear broth, dill is added for freshness and flavor, and the only vegetables added are potatoes, carrots, and leeks. This soup is light and traditional and perfect for the summertime as a light option, or served with extra cream as a hearty meal in the winter. It's often served with - surprise surprise - rye bread.
Lihapiirakka
While this pastry resembles a donut, those who assume it to be so will be in for quite the surprise. A lihapiirakka is actually a savory pastry that is made in very much the same way as a donut but is filled with a mixture of ground beef and rice. It's essentially a meat pie in all its simplicity and is commonly eaten as a late-night snack or a treat to grab while on the go. The fillings can vary from vendor to vendor and there's even a vegetarian version for those who don't eat meat.