From Dawn to Dusk: A Day in Finland, Told Through Food

In Finland, food is not rushed, it unfolds gently, mirroring the rhythm of the day and the landscape beyond the window. Each meal is an expression of seasonality, simplicity and a deep connection to nature.

First Light: Coffee, Cardamom and Quiet Beginnings

Begin the day with coffee and korvapuusti, the beloved Finnish cinnamon rolls, a delightful mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and butter, with a hint of cardamom for a unique flavour. Warm, soft and quietly indulgent, it’s best enjoyed slowly, often by a sunlit café window or at a market square where the city wakes at an unhurried pace.

Midday Traditions: Comfort, Perfected

As the day settles, time-honoured classics take centre stage such as Karelian pies, a traditional Finnish dish from the Karelia region between Finland and Russia. This delicious pastry combines simple yet flavourful rice porridge filling with delicate rye crusts and creamy rice filling are topped with egg butter, while leipäjuusto, Finland’s distinctive “squeaky” cheese, is served warm with golden cloudberries or paired, unexpectedly, with coffee. These are flavours shaped by time, not trends.

Afternoon Foraging: Nature on the Plate

As afternoon drifts in, nature finds its way onto the plate. Hand-picked berries, wild mushrooms and seasonal produce appear in cafés and kitchens, reflecting Finland’s forests and fields. From chanterelles to blueberries, the landscape defines the menu.

For many Finns, foraging is part of everyday life, be it strawberries from open fields or blueberries and raspberries from nearby forests. For visitors, local market squares offer an easier introduction, serving as the heart of Finnish towns and cities, where each season’s best produce, flowers and handicrafts are on display.

Evening Plates: From Lake to Table

Evenings celebrate the country’s lakes and wilderness. Creamy salmon soup, served with sweet archipelago bread, is a comforting classic, while game meats such as moose and grouse feature in refined Nordic kitchens, robust yet elegant, deeply rooted yet contemporary.

A Sweet Finish

The day ends on a sweet note with Finnish confectionery, a world of bold and comforting flavours. From the distinctive bite of salty salmiakki to smooth, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates, Finnish sweets cater to every palate. Iconic brands such as Fazer and Brunberg offer a wide range of confections that are as much a part of Finnish culture as they are a treat.

Where the Journey Truly Begin

For travellers from India, this journey begins well before arrival. With direct flights from Delhi to Helsinki, Finnair introduces guests to Nordic flavours at 35,000 feet through its thoughtfully curated Nordic Kitchen. From the first meal onboard to the final coffee in Finland, the experience is seamless, sensory and distinctly Scandinavian setting the tone for a destination where food tells the story of place.