Winter for foodies
Winter in Finland typically lasts from December to February and is characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall. This is the season for hearty, warming dishes such as stews, casseroles and porridges.
Finns also tend to enjoy more preserved and pickled foods during the winter, such as pickled herring and cabbage. Additionally, winter is the season for traditional Finnish Christmas dishes such as ham and a variety of sweet pastries.
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
Restaurant Roux
Gastro Pub Mylly
Restaurant Trattoria
Restaurant Lokki
Don’t forget to try these in winter!
Runeberg’s tart
Runeberg’s tart is a traditional Finnish pastry and it got it’s name from the finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. The tart is a dense cake that is made with almonds, breadcrumbs, and a touch of rum or arrack.
Winter picnic and sausage
In Finland, sausage grilling is a popular activity, especially during the winter season. Sausage grilling is often done outdoors over an open fire, and it’s a fun and social activity that brings people together.
Porridge
There are many different types of porridge in Finland, with some of the most popular varieties including oatmeal porridge, barley porridge, and rice porridge. The porridge can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, including cinnamon, cardamom, honey, berries or jam.
Glögi
Glögi is a comforting and warming drink that is enjoyed by many Finns during the cold winter months. Its spicy and sweet flavors are a perfect match for the festive atmosphere of Christmas, and it is a beloved part of Finnish holiday traditions.
December
Winter is the season for traditional Finnish Christmas dishes such as ham and a variety of sweet pastries. At the local Christmas markets, you can find Finnish Christmas delicacies for example gingerbread cookies, chocolate candies and ingredients for Christmas dishes. Visit Lahti market hall and Iitti farmer’s market and enjoy Christmas lunch at local restaurants.
January
January is the coldest month of the year. This is the season for hearty, warming dishes such as stews, casseroles, and porridges. Finns also tend to enjoy more preserved and pickled foods during the winter, such as pickled herring and cabbage.
Blinis are a popular delicacy in winter time. In Finland, blinis are often served as an appetizer or as a main course. They may be served with a variety of toppings, including smoked salmon, pickled herring, mushrooms or cheese. Try blinis at restaurant Roux, restaurant Taivaanranta or restaurant Trattoria.
February
Game meat is an important part of Finnish cuisine and has a long history of being a traditional food in the country. Game meat such as elk, deer, and reindeer is in season during the winter months in Finland. These meats are often used in stews and casseroles.
Game meat is commonly used in modern Finnish cuisine and can be found on the menus of many high-end restaurants. Try game meat in restaurant Harald.
March
While fresh fish can be hard to come by in the winter, preserved and smoked fish are commonly eaten in Finland during this time of year. Smoked salmon, herring, and whitefish are popular choices.
Salmon soup is a popular dish in Finland, and the soup is typically made with salmon, potatoes, cream or milk, and sometimes vegetables such as carrots, leeks or onions. You can find great salmon soup at restaurant Lokki.