The food culture of Helsinki is essentially traditional Finnish cuisine, based on fresh, natural ingredients that vary depending on the season. Finnish cuisine is similar to Swedish cuisine, and many Swedish dishes are commonly served in Finland. The distinction between the two is that Finns prefer unsweetened dishes. For instance, traditional Swedish rye bread includes plenty of ingredients like syrup and spice, while Finnish rye bread is unsweetened, with a bitter taste to it.
Other Finnish cuisine like sausages and buttered breads are influenced by German and Russian cuisine, like Butterbrot. The distinction of Finnish cuisine is that fresh ingredients are used as opposed to canned or pickled ingredients, which is largely due to the year-round availability to fresh vegetables, fish, and meat. Another notable influence is Scandinavian, with the use of salmon in Finnish cuisine.
Each season in Helsinki offers culinary treats to both locals and visitors alike. Summer brings an abundance of fresh vegetables and fish, while early autumn is berry season, late autumn brings an abundance of mushrooms, and winter brings wild meat and preserves made in other seasons.
Many traditional Finnish recipes are prepared by stewing for several hours, making them very hearty meals. A main source of food comes from the nearby forests, which is responsible for the distinction of traditional Finnish cuisine. Hunting and fishing is a historical tradition in Finland, therefore many dishes contain deer, moose, and bear meat. Reindeer meat is also used in many popular dishes served in Helsinki restaurants.

Traditional Breakfast Foods of Helsinki


Ruisleipä (Rye Bread Sandwich): Ham and cheese sandwich on Finnish rye bread. You can also add lettuce and tomato if you like.

This is commonly served at many Helsinki restaurants and breakfast buffets, however you can also buy the ingredients at any local supermarket.

Riispuuro (Rice Porridge): Basic rice porridge recipe made with water, milk, and rice. You can add butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a special treat.

This is a great way to fuel up for a day of sightseeing, and a common breakfast food for locals. It is also a Christmas tradition to eat this dish for breakfast.

Traditional Soups of Helsinki


Hernekeitto ja Pannukakku (Pea Soup and Pancake): Pea soup usually made with ham, onions, and bay leaf. Salt and pepper are also added to taste. Fresh peas are used during the summer months, and dried peas are used during the winter months.

This dish is available on Thursdays in Helsinki restaurants throughout the city, served with a slice of baked pancake and jam, or buttered rye bread.

Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup): Made with salmon, vegetables, and milk. Served with buttered rye bread.


Siskonmakkarakeitto (Sausage Soup): An unusual soup made with raw sausage that is made to use specifically in this soup. The sausage must be squeezed out of the casing.

This dish is not typically served in many Helsinki restaurants, because this soup is made often in local households.

Traditional Meals of Helsinki


Lihapullat Muusilla ja Puolukkahillolla (Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Ligonberry Jam): Traditional Finnish Meatballs served with Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, and Ligonberry Jam. This is a local favorite, and can be found on the menu in many Helsinki restaurants.


Karjalanpaisti (Meat Stew): Cooked for several hours in a special pot similar to a crock pot, except you bake this dish in an oven. The meat melts in your mouth.

This dish is not found on many Helsinki restaurant menus, because it takes so long to prepare.

Savulohi (Warm Smoked Salmon): Locals rave over this traditional dish in Helsinki. The fresh salmon is either smoked over an open campfire or in a smoker. Typically, the smoked salmon is served with potatoes. It is a traditional food served during the Christmas holidays, and you will find all sorts of smoked salmon dishes in buffets throughout Helsinki during Christmas.


Traditional Desserts of Helsinki


Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Bread): Sweet pastry made with cinnamon, and served with butter, and topped with icing made from sugar. You will find this both in local Helsinki restaurants, as well as in supermarkets.


Leipäjuusto (Cheese Bread with Cloudberry Jam): Traditional Finnish dish of cheese baked over an open fire, then served as a dessert with Cloudberry Jam.


Local Specialty Dish of Helsinki


Blinis and Fish Roe: This dish originates from Russian cuisine. The Blinis are fried into thick, fluffy, crispy pancakes. These are offered in restaurants throughout Helsinki during the winter months.

There are many tasty recipes and local specialties for you to experience during your visit, as you explore and discover the food culture of Helsinki.