Finnish cuisine is cozy, hearty, and full of soul-warming flavors.
It’s the kind of food that takes you on a wild ride through rich stews, crispy fish, and buttery pastries.
Whether you’re craving something comforting or adventurous, there’s always a Finnish dish to satisfy your taste buds.
In this list, we’ll introduce you to 11 must-try Finnish recipes.
Get ready to explore comforting soups, irresistible desserts, and traditional meals that will make you feel like you’re dining in a charming Finnish countryside cabin.
1. Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh salmon, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Melt the butter in a large pot and sauté the onion until soft. Add the diced potatoes and carrots, then pour in the fish broth.
Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the salmon chunks and cook for another 10 minutes.
Pour in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
Why did this make it to our list? This creamy salmon soup is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich, simple, and highlights the fresh flavors of the Nordic region.
2. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasties)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
How to Make It:
Combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll out thin oval-shaped pastries.
For the filling, heat the cooked rice with milk and butter until creamy. Place a dollop of the rice mixture in the center of each pastry and crimp the edges to create a boat-like shape.
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Brush with melted butter once they’re out of the oven.
Why did this make it to our list? These savory pastries are a Finnish classic. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on their buttery crust and creamy filling.
3. Hernekeitto (Finnish Pea Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried peas, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Drain the soaked peas and place them in a large pot with the vegetable broth. Add the onion, carrots, and celery.
Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the peas are tender. Stir in mustard and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with rye bread.
Why did this make it to our list? This hearty soup is a staple in Finnish homes, especially during the colder months. It’s simple, filling, and incredibly satisfying.
4. Kalakukko (Finnish Fish Pie)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 lb white fish (like perch or pike), filleted
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Mix the flours and water to create a dough. Roll it out into a large circle. Place a layer of fish and sliced onions in the center, then season with salt and pepper.
Fold the dough over the filling to seal it completely. Bake at 375°F for 2 hours.
Why did this make it to our list? Kalakukko is a rustic dish that blends bread and fish in the most delicious way.
5. Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb reindeer meat (substitute with beef if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lingonberry jam (optional, for serving)
How to Make It:
Thinly slice the reindeer meat. Melt the butter in a large pan and sauté the onions until soft.
Add the meat and brown it for a few minutes. Pour in the water or beef broth, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with mashed potatoes and a dollop of lingonberry jam for a traditional touch.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s a true taste of Lapland! This dish is rich, hearty, and the lingonberry jam adds the perfect sweet contrast to the savory meat.
6. Lihapullat (Finnish Meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt, pepper, and allspice to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
How to Make It:
In a bowl, mix the ground meat, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings until well combined.
Form small meatballs. Melt the butter in a pan and fry the meatballs until browned and cooked through.
Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal.
Why did this make it to our list? Finnish meatballs may be simple, but they’re packed with flavor and make for the ultimate comfort food.
7. Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Pie)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup sour cream
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the melted butter and egg, stirring until it forms a dough.
Press the dough into a pie dish. Spread the blueberries over the crust and top with sour cream. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden.
Why did this make it to our list? This sweet, tangy blueberry pie captures the essence of Finnish summer in every bite.
8. Ruisleipä (Finnish Rye Bread)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
How to Make It:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, mix the rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.
Let it rise for an hour. Shape into a round loaf and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list? Finnish rye bread is dense, earthy, and full of flavor—a must-try for bread lovers.
9. Korvapuusti (Finnish Cinnamon Rolls)
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- Cinnamon and sugar for filling
How to Make It:
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cardamom, and yeast. Gradually add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise for an hour. Roll out the dough, spread with cinnamon and sugar, then roll it up and cut into slices. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list? These cinnamon rolls are soft, fragrant, and perfectly spiced—ideal for a cozy afternoon treat.
10. Vispipuuro (Whipped Lingonberry Porridge)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lingonberries (or cranberries)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Boil the lingonberries in water until they burst. Strain to remove the skins, then return the liquid to the pot.
Add the semolina flour, sugar, and salt, whisking continuously until thickened.
Let it cool slightly, then whip the porridge with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Why did this make it to our list? This vibrant pink porridge is light, tangy, and a truly unique Finnish treat.
11. Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese)
Ingredients:
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon rennet
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the milk to 98°F and add the rennet. Let it sit for 30 minutes until curds form.
Cut the curds and heat gently until they separate from the whey. Press the curds into a round shape and bake at 400°F until golden spots appear on the surface.
Why did this make it to our list? This cheese is squeaky, salty, and traditionally served with cloudberry jam—perfect for cheese lovers!
Conclusion
There you have it—11 Finnish recipes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable Nordic adventure.
From savory stews to sweet pastries, these dishes are guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, these recipes will add a bit of Finnish magic to your table.