9 Finnish foods that reveal the true Finnish spirit

You know how they say 'you are what you eat'? Well, if that's true, then Finns are sturdy, resilient, and a little bit bonkers. But in a good way! Today, we're looking at 9 Finnish foods that'll explain why Finns are the way they are. Trust me, it all makes sense once you've tried salmiakki! Let's dig in!

1. Fish: A simply fin-tastic feast 

Alright, time to get our feet wet and learn about the Finnish fish feast. Finland is basically one big fishing pond, with 188,000 lakes dotting the landscape. That's a lot of water, and where there's water, there's fish. But Finns don't just catch fish; they've turned it into an art form. Let's start with lohikeitto, or salmon soup. It's like a warm hug in a bowl. Creamy, comforting, and perfect for those days when the sun decides to take a holiday (which, let's be honest, is most of the year in Finland). It's simple stuff – salmon, potatoes, leeks, and sometimes a dollop of cream. No fancy frills, just good, honest food that'll warm you up faster than you can say "brrrr."

But wait, there's more! Ever heard of paistetut muikut? It's fried vendace, a tiny fish that packs a big flavor punch. They gut these little swimmers, coat them in rye and plain flour, and fry them up in butter. It's like fish and chips' cooler, more laid-back Finnish cousin. Now, you might be thinking, "what's the big deal about some fish?" Well, it's not just about the food. It's about the Finnish way of life. These dishes show how Finns make the most of what they've got. They're not trying to impress anyone; they're just enjoying the simple pleasures of fresh, local ingredients.

2. Berries: Nature's sweets, Finnish style

Now, if you thought fish was Finland's only natural bounty, you're in for a sweet surprise. Ever wondered what it'd be like to wander into any forest and legally pick nature's candy? In Finland, it's not just possible - it's a way of life. It's all thanks to something called 'Everyman's Rights', which basically means you can pick wild berries anywhere in the countryside. How cool is that?But we're not talking about your average British blackberry bush here. Finland's forests are bursting with bilberries, which are like blueberries' cooler, wilder cousins. And then there's the cloudberry - a rare, golden berry that's so prized, Finns will brave mosquito-infested bogs just to get their hands on them.Now, what do Finns do with all these berries? Well, they make some pretty amazing desserts.

Take mustikkapiirakka, for example. It's a blueberry pie, but not as Brits know it. As one Finnish friend told me, "Mustikkapiirakka actually has more of a cheesecake consistency, though it does still have a pie-like crust on the sides and bottom." Imagine that - a cheesecake and a pie had a baby, and it's filled with wild bilberries. Yum! But berry picking in Finland isn't just about stuffing your face (although that's a big part of it). It's a whole community thing. Families and friends head out together, picking berries and probably complaining about mosquitoes. It's like a national bonding exercise, but with more vitamin C.

3. Ruisleipä: The Humble Rye Bread

While Finns bond over berry picking, there's another food that's the true backbone of their diet. It's dark, it's dense, and it's been fueling Finnish resilience for centuries. What makes this simple bread so special that it was voted Finland's national food? Enter ruisleipä, the humble rye bread that's more than just a staple - it's a slice of Finnish identity. Now, you might be thinking, "It's just bread." But trust me, this isn't your average loaf. Ruisleipä is 100% rye, no wheat flour in sight. It's dense enough to use as a doorstop and dark as a Finnish winter night. And let me tell you, it's everywhere in Finland. Breakfast, lunch, snack time - you name it, there's probably some ruisleipä involved.

But here's the thing: this bread isn't just food, it's a testament to Finnish practicality. The ingredients? Just leaven, salt, water, and rye. That's it. No fancy add-ins, no unnecessary frills. It's like the Finnish approach to life in bread form - straightforward, no-nonsense, and incredibly resilient.Speaking of resilience, did you know rye thrives in Finland's harsh climate? Poor soil, short summers - no problem for this hardy grain. It's like the bread and the people have evolved together to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at them.And get this - the leaven used to make ruisleipä, called leivän juuri, is often passed down through generations. Imagine inheriting your great-grandma's bread starter instead of her china set. That's how important this bread is to Finns.

4. Salmiakki: The Polarising Black Gold

Now, speaking of inherited tastes, there's one Finnish delicacy that's truly in a league of its own. Ever wondered what happens when you combine candy with something that tastes like cleaning products? Welcome to the world of salmiakki. Salmiakki, or salty licorice, is Finland's black gold. It's not your average sweet treat – this stuff is flavoured with ammonium chloride, giving it a kick that'll make your taste buds stand up and salute. Or run away screaming, depending on who you ask. But here's the thing – Finns absolutely love it. They call it addictive, take it on trips abroad, and even use it to flavour everything from ice cream to vodka. It's like they've collectively decided that regular candy is just too boring.And that's what makes salmiakki so fascinating.

It's not just a sweet; it's a symbol of Finnish uniqueness. While the rest of the world is busy making sweets sweeter, Finns are out here embracing a flavour that could probably strip paint.This willingness to stand out, to be different, even if it means being misunderstood – that's pure Finnish spirit right there. It's like they're saying, "We know it's weird, but we like it that way." And honestly, I can't help but admire that.

5. Mämmi: The Easter Oddity

Now, if you thought salmiakki was a test of courage, wait until you hear about Finland's Easter surprise. What if I told you there's a dessert that makes people do a double-take, wondering if someone's playing a practical joke? Enter mämmi, the Finnish Easter treat that's as puzzling as it is traditional.Picture this: a dark, thick mixture that looks like... well, let's just say it wouldn't win any beauty contests. But don't let its appearance fool you – mämmi is a beloved Finnish Easter staple. It's made from water, rye flour, and malted rye, with a bit of molasses and orange zest thrown in for good measure. Sounds simple, right? Well, that's Finland for you – making magic out of the basics.The process is as straightforward as the ingredients. Mix it all up, bake it low and slow for hours, and voilà! You've got yourself a dense, pudding-like dessert that Finns typically serve cold with cream or milk. It's like they looked at a Christmas pudding and thought, "Nah, not challenging enough.

But you know what? That's part of the charm. Mämmi isn't trying to be the next viral food sensation. It's happy being its weird, wonderful self.And that's what's so Finnish about it. This dessert embodies the Finnish spirit of embracing tradition, no matter how odd it might seem to outsiders. It's like they're saying, "Yeah, it looks strange, but we love it anyway." It's a testament to their no-frills approach to life and their ability to find joy in the simple things.

6. Karjalanpiirakka: The Comforting Karelian Pasty

Alright, let's switch gears from strange-looking desserts to something a bit more... normal? Well, normal for Finland, that is. There's a pastry that's so quintessentially Finnish, it's practically the country's unofficial snack. But here's the thing - it's got a history that's as rich as its flavor, and it might just change how you see Finnish cuisine.Enter the karjalanpiirakka, or Karelian pie. Don't let the name fool you - this isn't your typical pastry. It's a savoury treat with a rye crust and a rice filling. Yep, you heard that right - rice! And get this: Finns love to top it with a spread made from chopped hard-boiled eggs and butter. It's like they took a look at our egg and cress sandwiches and thought, "Hmm, needs more carbs."

Now, you might be wondering, where on earth did this come from?" Well, it's all in the name. Karjalanpiirakka hails from Karelia, a region that's now split between Finland and Russia. It's like the pastry version of a family heirloom, passed down through generations and loved by all. But here's what's really cool about karjalanpiirakka - it's everywhere in Finland. You can find it in fancy cafes, corner shops, and even from street vendors. It's the ultimate grab-and-go snack for busy Finns. And let me tell you, nothing beats a warm karjalanpiirakka on a chilly Finnish day.The best part? Making karjalanpiirakka is a whole event in itself. Families often gather to make these little pies together, especially during holidays. It's like their version of a Christmas cookie bake-off, but with more savoury goodness.

7. Poronkäristys: Reindeer, the Arctic Delicacy

From family baking to... eating Santa's helpers? Yep, you heard that right. In Finland, reindeer isn't just a magical creature of Christmas tales - it's a staple on many dinner plates. But, there's more to this dish than meets the eye. Enter poronkäristys, or sautéed reindeer, a traditional dish that's as Finnish as it gets. In Finland, it's as normal as fish and chips back home. So, what's the deal with reindeer meat? Well, it's not your average steak. It's lean, gamey, and packs a punch in the flavor department. Imagine beef, but with a wild twist. And get this - it's actually pretty good for you! Low in fat, high in nutrients - it's like nature's own superfood. But poronkäristys isn't just about the meat. It's a whole cultural thing. Up in Lapland, reindeer herding is one of the oldest livelihoods around. It's not just a job; it's a way of life for many Sami people. And talk about sustainable living - these reindeer roam free in the forests, munching on local plants. It's like free-range taken to the extreme!

Now, here's a fun fact for you: in Finnish culture, they say the only part of the reindeer not used is its soul. Everything else? Fair game. It's like they've turned resourcefulness into an art form.But you know what really gets me? The way this dish represents the Finnish spirit. It's all about adapting to your environment, making the most of what you've got. In a land where winters are long and harsh, Finns have figured out how to thrive. Poronkäristys isn't just food; it's a testament to Finnish resilience and practicality.

8. Pulla: The Comforting Cardamom Treat

Now, if you think reindeer meat is unusual, wait until you hear about the spice that's taking Finnish baking by storm. What if I told you that one little seed could transform a simple sweet bread into a cultural phenomenon? Enter pulla, the Finnish cardamom-spiced bread that's as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day. Pulla isn't just any old pastry. It's the backbone of Finnish baking, and its secret weapon? Cardamom. This spice gives pulla a unique flavour that sets it apart from similar treats in other cultures. Trust me, one bite of this aromatic bread, and you'll understand why Finns are so obsessed with it.Now, let's talk about korvapuusti, the Finnish version of cinnamon rolls. The name translates to 'a slap on the ear,' which might sound a bit odd, but wait till you see these pastries. They're made from pulla dough, filled with cinnamon and butter, and topped with pearl sugar. It's like the Finnish take on comfort food – simple, but oh so satisfying.

You know how Brits love their tea breaks? Well, Finns have their own version called 'kahvitauko,' and you can bet pulla is always invited to the party. It's the perfect companion to a steaming cup of coffee, making those long Finnish winters a little more bearable. But pulla is more than just a tasty treat. It's a window into the Finnish soul. It embodies the concept of 'kotoilu,' which is all about staying cozy at home and enjoying life's simple pleasures. It's like the Finnish version of hygge, but with more carbs.

9. Rapujuhlat: The Crayfish Party Phenomenon

From cozy home comforts to raucous outdoor feasts, Finns know how to celebrate every season. But there's one summer party that takes the cake - or should I say, the crayfish. Imagine a gathering where slurping is encouraged and your main course comes with its own song. Welcome to rapujuhlat, the Finnish crayfish party!Every August, Finns go a bit cray-cray for crayfish. These parties are like nothing you've ever seen. Picture this: a bunch of adults wearing bibs, armed with special tools, ready to tackle a pile of bright red crustaceans. It's like a seafood version of a kid's birthday party, but with more schnapps! The star of the show? Crayfish, of course! These little guys are boiled with dill and served cold.

But it's not just about the food. Oh no, there's a whole ritual to it. Finns sing special drinking songs, down shots of schnapps, and generally have a jolly good time. It's like they're making up for all those quiet, introspective moments in one go! In short, Finns turn crayfish eating into an art form. It's all about savouring the moment and the company.These parties show a whole different side to Finns. They're not just about the food; they're a celebration of summer, friendship, and nature's bounty. It's like they're saying, "Hey, winter's coming, let's make the most of this!"

Wrapping Up: The Essence of Finnish Food Culture

So, there you have it, folks! We've munched our way through Finland's food scene, and what have we learned? Finnish cuisine is like the people - simple, practical, and full of surprises. It's all about making the most of what nature gives you, whether that's fish from crystal-clear lakes or berries from the forest floor. But it's not just about the food, is it? It's about coming together, sharing a meal, and maybe a laugh or two. From crayfish parties to baking pulla with the family, food brings Finns closer.As one expert put it, "Food is a window into cultural understanding." So, next time you're in Finland, give these dishes a go. You might just understand the Finnish spirit a bit better. And who knows? You might even develop a taste for salmiakki. Stranger things have happened!