Eating Reindeer in Lapland (and Other Surprisingly Delicious Foods in Finland)

Lapland AdventuresWinter TravelFood & Drink

Apr 24

Written By Women Who Explore Partnerships

I’m as adventurous in my eating as I am in exploring—and Finland definitely gave me a taste of both.

On a recent Women Who Explore trip to Lapland, I set out with a group of curious, brave, and open-minded women ready to chase the northern lights, experience a snow-covered wonderland, and—of course—eat our way through it.

For anyone wondering what to eat in Finland or planning a trip to Lapland, this blog is for you. From traditional dishes like reindeer stew to unexpected local treats like lemon licorice cheesecake (yes, really), here’s a look at our favorite Finnish eats, a few tips on local food culture, and what you can expect when dining your way through the land of a thousand lakes.

First Things First: Yes, I Ate Reindeer

Reindeer is a staple in Lapland cuisine, and it's not just a novelty—it's a big part of life in northern Finland. Typically served in a rich stew with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, it reminded many of us of a more tender version of venison or slow-cooked beef.

It’s lean, earthy, and surprisingly comforting. And in true Lapland spirit, nothing goes to waste—respecting the animal and the land is a key part of Sámi culture and local tradition.

More Things to Eat in Finland

While reindeer might be the headline act, the supporting cast of Finnish cuisine is just as memorable. Here are some of our favorites:

Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto): Creamy, dill-infused, and soul-warming—perfect after a snowy adventure. We loved the one at Kalakauppa E. Eriksson in Old Market Hall in Helsinki.
Finnish Pastries: From buttery karjalanpiirakka (rice pies) to cinnamon-swirled korvapuusti (think a spiced cousin of the cinnamon roll), baked goods here are next level.
Dinner on Ice: One of our most unique experiences—eating a full meal at a table made of ice at the Arctic SnowHotel. Equal parts magical and delicious.

What Our Group Loved Most

We asked everyone to share their favorite bites from the trip—and the answers were as varied and delightful as our group:

“I had a really delicious lemon licorice cheesecake at Café 21[in Rovaneimi].” – Haley
“Everything at Aurora Village…including the fries 😂” – Danielle
“Blueberry juice!!” – Carissa

We all seemed to love the Finnair branded version you can get on flights and at grocery stores and shops.

“The sauces with meals (especially at Aurora Village) were next level.” – Kristiann
“Rynkeby Ginger Shot and Fazer Marianne chocolate-filled mint candies.” – Darcy
“Loved the salmon soup by the pier in Helsinki. Reindeer was delicious in Rovaniemi.” – Laurie
“Salty licorice. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!” – Andrea
“Licorice ice cream. So weird, so good.” – Tamera

Food Culture in Lapland

One thing that stood out to all of us was the deep respect for food. In Lapland especially, nothing is wasted. Meals are intentional, ingredients are local and seasonal, and there’s a quiet reverence around the table. Even leftovers are treated with care—it’s a beautiful contrast to the fast food culture many of us are used to.

Final Thoughts: Come Hungry

Whether you’re planning a Lapland adventure or just curious about what people eat in Finland, let this be your sign to say yes to the reindeer, sip that blueberry juice, and never skip dessert (even if it’s licorice-flavored). Finnish food might surprise you—but in all the best ways.