Summer for foodies

Summer in Finland usually lasts from June to August and is characterized by an abundance of daylight, with the Midnight Sun phenomenon occurring in the northernmost parts of the country. The Finnish food culture in the summer revolves around fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as fish and other seafood, fresh vegetables, berries, and new potatoes.

With warmer temperatures, Finns eagerly embrace outdoor activities and revel in the beauty of their surroundings. All the beautiful lakes and forests offer both activities and delicacies on the plate. In addition, the Finnish summer is intrinsically linked to the concept of cottage or “mökki” culture. As soon as the weather permits, Finns move to their summer cottages to relax, swim, sauna, and barbeque.

 

 

Marketplace

During the summer, marketplaces in Finland are lively and vibrant, offering a delightful experience for locals and visitors. The market square in Lahti showcases a variety of fresh products, including vegetables, berries, peas, and local sweet and savory treats, such as fried vendace and meat pie. Finns eat the most ice cream in Europe, and in the summer ice cream stands in the Lahti market square are extremely popular. Other sweet treats found there are Finnish crepes and bubble waffles.

The marketplace in Lahti city center is a popular place to start your morning or have an afternoon tea in the summer. Have a seat and enjoy a cup of coffee accompanied by a sweet or savory oven-fresh pastry.

Terrace culture and small breweries

 

Summer is here

As the temperatures increase even a bit, Finns gather to enjoy outdoor dining, drinks, and socializing on terraces. In the Lahti area, there are many places to do this, such as the popular tourist attraction, Ace Café, which operates in connection with the Motorcycle Museum in Niemi harbour and are known for their delicious burgers.

Popular terraces

The most popular terraces in Lahti during summertime are Teerenranta, Arla, Bricco, and Kaunis Veera in the harbor. In the city center, restaurants like Trattoria Seurahuone, Wine Café Olavi, Amarillo, and Santa Fe have their terraces open.

Local breweries

We have several local breweries that offer opportunities for beer enthusiasts to explore and taste a variety of unique and locally crafted beers. Often, the breweries have also seasonal brews for the summertime. For example, Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery offers their products in several restaurants and bars in Lahti.

Check out wineries, breweries and coffee roasters in Lahti region.

Midsummer goods

Finnish Midsummer or as the Finns call it, “Juhannus”, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Finland. It takes place on the weekend closest to the summer solstice, typically falling between June 20th and 26th. Midsummer is a time when Finns come together to celebrate the joyous arrival of the summer. Typically, Finns celebrate Midsummer at their summer cottages or some Midsummer festivals. Culinary-wise, Midsummer is a time for feasting with traditional Finnish summer delicacies. Grilled meats, sausages, and vegetables, fresh fish, variety of salads, new potatoes, and fresh berry desserts are the center of a typical Finnish Midsummer table – not to forget about drinks. The crown of the table is of course, all year around, the Finnish long drink “lonkero”.

Street food

Street food vendors and food trucks can be found in different locations throughout the city, providing locals and visitors with a delicious and convenient dining experience. For example, Cilantro has a food truck at the market square, where other local traditional savory dishes can be found. Don’t forget the best street food place in the city, Kuja Street Food.

Where to eat