Lapland Slow Food

The local classic – reindeer

Reindeer is an essential part of Lappish cuisine, for reindeer husbandry has been a form of livelihood dating back centuries in Lapland. Sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and fresh lingonberries or lingonberry jam is the most classic dish you must try when in Lapland.

Reindeer is a kingly meat and no parts of reindeer go unused: the meat is a delicacy as fillets, cold cuts, jerky, mince and sausages.

Fresh fish from Arctic waters

Salmon, trout, pike-perch, whitefish, arctic char, grayling and vendace are some of the fish commonly found on plates in the north. The iconic fish in Lapland dishes is salmon and you must try salmon soup at local restaurants or have a slow food experience like no other and take part in preparing glow fried salmon.

Lapland is famous for its pure Arctic waters and is popular among fishermen. Rovaniemi is situated at the confluence of two large rivers, the Ounasjoki and the Kemijoki. The locals are active fishers year-round and fishing trips are available for Rovaniemi visitors as well.

The most common side dish served in Lapland is definitely the Lappish potato. Lapland has its own potato variety; oval-shaped almond potato. A taste of this divine and velvety potato will always enhance the main ingredient of the dish.

Coffee on open fire

The most Finnish happiness thing you can do in addition to sauna, is sit by the fire in Arctic forests and fill your senses with the flavours of Lapland. Feel the smoky heat of the campfire, combined with the fresh aromas of the forest, when the Northern wind freely roams the forests – It is time to have coffee on an open fire! Many Rovaniemi activities include a campfire with hot drinks and snacks, so in fact a pure moment of Finnish happiness.

Korvapuusti – Cinnamon roll

Korvapuusti is filled with cinnamon, sugar and butter. Cardamom-flavored wheat dough and the charming scent of cinnamon combine to fill one´s mind with childhood memories. For many, the Korvapuusti brings back good times when ​​a beloved mother or grandmother baked these buns from all her heart.

The official Korvapuusti day in Finland is held annually on 4^th of October. This ear shaped, cinnamon filled delicacy is called “Korvapuusti” with a humorous meaning; slap on the ear.  These buns are a Finnish version of cinnamon buns loved widely in the Nordic countries.

Warm Korvapuusti and cold milk or freshly brewed coffee, are local life and homey Finnish slow food at their best. You will find cinnamon buns served at almost any local Rovaniemi coffee shops.

Lapland Slow Brewing

Lapland Brewery in Rovaniemi is Finland’s northernmost brewery. The slow brewing methods allow this Lapland beer to ferment and brighten in no rush and without any addition to it. Fresh aroma for the beer comes from naturally clean Lappish water, winds, touch of the Northern light, Midnight sun and Polar Night. Each beer has its own Lappish soul, perfect accompanied with Lapland slow food and local sauna experiences.

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