Welcome to the Wonderful World of Lapland Cuisine!
If you’re reading this, you’re likely heading to Lapland and looking to immerse yourself in the unique and delicious world of Lappish cuisine. As a keen foodie and traveller myself, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling the culinary wonders of this region. I can’t wait to share with you the amazing gastronomic delights that await you in Lapland!
Land of the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
Located in the far north of Scandinavia, Lapland is a region filled with breathtaking natural beauty, from the shimmering Northern Lights to the endless days of the Midnight Sun. This region spans across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. It’s home to the Sami people, who have a unique and rich culinary heritage. This guide will focus on Finnish Lapland, but a lot of the cuisine is shared or similar across the entire region. Let’s dive in!
The Heart of Lappish Cuisine
Lappish cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients. The harsh climate and long winters mean that the food is often hearty and warming. At the heart of the cuisine, you’ll find reindeer, fish, berries, and wild mushrooms. The flavors are earthy and robust, and the preparation methods are often simple to allow the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
Reindeer – The Star of the Show
If you’ve never tried reindeer before, you’re in for a treat. This lean meat is rich in nutrients and has a slightly gamey taste, somewhere between beef and venison. It can be prepared in numerous ways: smoked, dried, roasted, or served in a stew. You can’t leave Lapland without trying sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), a traditional dish often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
From the Lakes and Seas
Lapland is home to many lakes and a long coastline, providing an abundance of fish. Salmon, pike, perch, and whitefish are common catches and are often served grilled, smoked, or in a soup. ‘Kalakukko’, a traditional Finnish fish pie where fish is baked inside a rye bread crust, is a must-try!
Berries and Mushrooms
During summer and autumn, the forests of Lapland become a forager’s paradise. Bilberries, cloudberries, lingonberries, and cranberries are among the many berries you’ll find. They’re often used in desserts, jams, or as accompaniments to savory dishes. The mushroom varieties are equally diverse. Chanterelles and porcini are favorites and are often sautéed or used in soups and stews.
Unmissable Lappish Delicacies
Leipäjuusto (Cheese Bread)
This traditional cheese has a unique squeaky texture and is often served warm with cloudberry jam. The cheese is grilled, which gives it its characteristic brown or black spots, and it’s sometimes called “Finnish squeaky cheese”.
Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)
This creamy salmon soup, often flavored with dill, is a comforting dish especially during the chilly Lappish nights. It’s simple, delicious, and a staple in Finnish homes and restaurants.
Rieska (Finnish Flat Bread)
Rieska is a traditional Finnish flatbread, typically made with barley, rye or potato. It’s a great companion to many Lappish dishes, particularly stews. Fresh, warm rieska right out of the oven is truly irresistible.
Pulla (Finnish Sweet Bread)
Pulla is a sweet, cardamom-flavored bread that is often enjoyed with coffee (Finns are one of the biggest coffee consumers in the world!). It’s buttery, lightly sweet, and often braided into beautiful shapes.
Traditional Drinks in Lapland
Lapland’s beverages complement its food culture beautifully. ‘Kotikalja’, a home-brewed beer, and ‘sahti’, an ancient beer made with rye and juniper, are traditional alcoholic beverages that you might want to try. Finland is also known for its unique spirits like ‘Koskenkorva’ (a clear spirit similar to vodka) and ‘Salmiakki Koskenkorva’ (which is flavored with salty licorice).
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, Finnish berry juices, particularly made from bilberries and lingonberries, are refreshing and packed with vitamins. Coffee lovers are also in for a treat. Coffee in Finland is often light-roasted and slightly acidic, a bit different from the darker roasts found in many other countries.
A Journey Through Lapland’s Culinary Scene
Lapland’s culinary scene goes beyond traditional cuisine. You’ll find creative chefs who beautifully fuse international influences with local ingredients. Some restaurants worth mentioning include ‘Restaurant Aitta’ in Rovaniemi, which serves a modern interpretation of Lappish food, and ‘Kota Restaurant’ in Luosto that offers an authentic Lappish dining experience inside a traditional Lappish kota (hut).
In the spirit of trying new things, don’t miss out on a ‘Dinner Under the Northern Lights’ or ‘Midnight Sun Dinner’ experience, which are offered by several operators throughout Lapland. These unique dining experiences allow you to enjoy Lappish delicacies while admiring the region’s natural wonders.
Sampling local cuisine is one of the most exciting parts of travel, and Lapland will not disappoint. From hearty reindeer stews to sweet pulla and a vibrant array of fish and berries, the food in this region is as captivating as its landscapes. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply a curious traveller, I hope this guide encourages you to explore and savour the unique flavours of Lapland.