What Food To Try in Helsinki and Food Prices

Perunamuusi - Mashed Potatoes (creamy and buttery) - Silky mashed potatoes made with local potatoes and butter, often served as a side but can be a hearty main when paired with a meat dish. Locals love it for breakfast alongside fried fish.

Poronkäristys - Sautéed Reindeer (savory and tender) - Slow-cooked reindeer with onions and cream, typically served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. This dish is a staple in Lapland, but you can find it in cozy Helsinki restaurants during winter.

Kalakukko - Fish Cake (dense and filling) - A traditional Finnish pastry made with rye crust, filled with fish, typically vendace, and bacon, baked until golden. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or quick lunch, commonly found at local markets, especially on weekends.

Hampurilainen - Hamburger (juicy and flavorful) - A hearty Finnish twist on the classic burger, made with high-quality beef and local toppings like Finnish cheese and beetroot. Locals usually grab one at food stalls during casual outings; ordering it with extra pickles is always a win.

Karjalanpiirakka - Karelian Pies (crispy and comforting) - Rye pastries filled with rice porridge and sometimes mashed potatoes, often served with a side of egg butter. They make for a popular snack or light meal, freshly made at many bakeries around the city.

Vapun sima - Sima (a seasonal sparkling drink)** - Usually a homemade fermented drink made from lemons, sugar, and yeast, enjoyed during the May Day celebrations. While traditionally not a food, it pairs perfectly with savory dishes, making it a unique seasonal offering.

Muikku - Vendace (crispy fried fish) - Small river fish, coated in flour and fried until crispy, often served with a side of fresh potatoes and tartar sauce. It’s a local favorite during summer festivals, perfect for enjoying by the lakeside.

By the way, if you’re in the city for lunch, you can't go wrong with grabbing a warm Karelian pie from a local bakery; they are best enjoyed piping hot!

Kahvi - Coffee (Finnish brew) - Strong and carefully brewed coffee, often served black or with a splash of milk. It's a ritual for many locals to enjoy it mid-morning and during the afternoon, with friends or colleagues at cozy cafés.

Sima - Sima (sweet lemonade) - A homemade beverage made from water, sugar, lemon, and yeast, often carbonated and lightly fermented. Traditionally consumed during Vappu (May Day) celebrations, it has a refreshing zing that locals love on sunny spring days.

Lonkero - Lonkero (grapefruit alcoholic cooler) - A mixed drink typically made with gin and grapefruit soda, served chilled in tall glasses. Commonly found at summer festivals or outdoor events, it’s a go-to for social gatherings. Just don't call it a spritzer—locals will know you've made a rookie mistake!

Karelian Pie - Karjalanpiirakka (savory pastry) - These rye crust pastries filled with rice porridge or mashed potatoes are a delight, often accompanied by a dollop of egg butter. You'll find them at breakfast and as snacks throughout the day, especially during family gatherings, served warm right out of the oven (heavenly!).

Jäätee - Cold Tea (iced tea) - This chilled tea is often brewed strong and lightly sweetened, served with lemon slices. Popular during the lengthy Finnish summer days, you can usually catch it at picnics and backyard BBQs, where it’s served in large pitchers—perfect for sharing.

By the way, if you’re looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day, this is the way to go!