Finland, known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” is a convergence of romantic streets, cozy architecture, charming Santa Claus, and breathtaking snow and ice in this Nordic land.
The Finnish food structure primarily revolves around meats, fish, and rabbit, with beef and pork being the predominant meats. Common vegetables include tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage, while milk and cheese are essential staples.
Finland boasts a remarkably clean environment with minimal pollution. Fresh fish from the market or fish counters in supermarkets can be used to make raw fish slices. If you enjoy Japanese-style sashimi, you might want to try purchasing some from the market. Graavi, known as “Finnish sushi,” is a famous delicacy. It consists of marinated raw fish slices wrapped around small potatoes and garnished with buttery parsley. Compared to Japanese sushi with rice, Graavi offers a unique and distinctive flavor.
Fish roe is also beloved by Finns, especially during the winter months when cod roe is popular. Finns mix it with sour cream and finely chopped onions, best enjoyed with thin pancakes and cod roe soup enriched with cream. The combination offers the freshness of the fish roe, the richness of the cream, and the spiciness of the onions, creating an indescribable delight! It’s said that Finnish sailors used to favor this food the most when setting sail. Easily obtained ingredients, simple preparation, yet high in calories, enough to withstand the bone-chilling sea winds.
