Spring for foodies
Finnish spring usually lasts from March to May and is characterized by warming temperatures and increasing sunshine. This is the season for all kinds of vegetables and fish dishes – not to forget Easter treats.
When the temperature and amount of light increase, Finns tend to make their food more colourful again. For example, when asparagus is in season, many restaurants in Lahti have special asparagus weeks honouring the ingredient. Moreover, as the waters begin to melt, the fishing season truly kicks off and is visible on the plate during spring.
Taste the local flavours
Cafés
Try for example Wine Café Olavi or Kahiwa Coffee & Wine at the Lahti city centre. Enjoy the best cinnamon rolls ever at Kariranta at Lahti harbour or visit Viipurilanen Deli Cafe at Vääksy or the cosy Lintan Kammari in Sysmä. La Kar de Mumma in Hartola provides you also a variety of gluten free pastries.
Lunches
How about an organic lunch at MeaManna or Lipterin in Lahti? Make a day trip to the Hollola Medieval church and enjoy the buffet at Kunnantupa. And admire the views of the ski jumps at Voitto or Lake Vesijärvi at Lokki or Nosturi.
Dinners
Restaurant Roux, popular Restaurant Taivaanranta, Coppa Eatery at Lahti city center or Kokka Bar & Bistro and Restaurant Lastu in the harbour, Viking restaurant Harald, lovely italian Mamma Maria, Kumpeli Spa at Heinola. Try them all!
Local flavours
The local bakeries, farmers’ markets, farms, mills that grind fresh flour and breweries all produce clean and fresh ingredients. Take these treats home with you!
We recommend these
Bistro Tango&Matto
Restaurant Taivaanranta
Restaurant Bistro Popot
Restaurant Malskin Bistro
Don’t forget to try these in springtime!
Munkki
Munkki or donut is a deep-fried sweet pastry made from bun dough or cake dough. The most common forms of donuts are a ball with jam or other sweet filling inside, and a ring, traditionally made by wrapping the dough around a stick.
Sima (mead)
Sima is a traditional Finnish sweet, sparkling drink that is typically consumed during the Vappu or May Day celebrations. It is a type of mead, a fermented beverage made from water, sugar, and yeast, and is flavored with lemon and raisings.
Mämmi (Finnish Easter pudding)
Mämmi is a traditional Finnish dessert that is typically eaten around Easter time. It is a dark brown, sweet pudding-like dish that is made from rye flour, malted rye, and water. It is typically served cold, topped with cream or milk, and sometimes sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon.
April
In Finland, April marks the beginning of spring and the arrival of Easter, which is an important holiday in the country. There are several traditional foods that are enjoyed during the Easter season in Finland, including gravlax, Mämmi (Finnish Easter pudding), pasha and lamb dishes. Enjoy Easter menu’s in different restaurants. Try restaurant Taivaanranta or restaurant Malskin Bistro.
May
May Day, or “Vappu” in Finnish, is a festive holiday celebrated on May 1st in Finland. It is a time of great celebration and social gatherings. Traditional May Day foods in Finland include funnel cakes, sugar doughnuts and mead.
The second Sunday of May, is a Mother’s Day. You can pleasantly surprise your mother by taking her to a local cafe to enjoy some treats. Try, for example, Café Harjupaviljonki, where they serve charming waffles that will take your breath away.