A unique variation of the Karelian pasty (karjalanpiirakka), Atomi is a thicker, deep-fried version filled with rice porridge and often eaten as street food in Lappeenranta. ¹⁾

Lappeenranta’s famous snack! These large meat-filled pastries are similar to hamburgers but use a Finnish bun filled with ham, egg, and mustard. ²⁾

One of Finland’s oldest known dishes, Särä is slow-roasted lamb cooked in a wooden trough, seasoned only with salt, and served with buttery potatoes. ³⁾

Vendace (small freshwater fish) is cooked in a creamy, buttery broth with potatoes, carrots, and dill, creating a rich, comforting soup. ⁴⁾

A famous version of Särä from the town of Lemi, this dish has been cooked the same way for over a thousand years! The lamb is slow-roasted in a wooden trough for up to 9 hours, making it incredibly tender. ⁵⁾

Vendace from Finland’s lakes is coated in rye flour, fried until crispy, and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. ⁶⁾

A slow-cooked stew of beef, pork, and lamb, flavored with black pepper, allspice, and bay leaves, then baked for several hours for deep flavor. ⁷⁾

A dense rye loaf stuffed with fish (often perch or vendace) and pork, then baked for hours until it fuses into a rich, hearty meal. South Karelia’s version is softer and more moist compared to North Savo’s drier version. ⁸⁾

The most famous Karelian dish, these thin rye pastries are filled with rice porridge and served with egg butter (munavoi). ⁹⁾

Unlike traditional creamy salmon soup, this version is made with fermented milk or buttermilk, giving it a tangy taste. It’s a favorite among South Karelians! ¹⁰⁾

A layered rye pie filled with fish, onions, and herbs, baked slowly for a deep, comforting flavor. ¹¹⁾

A sweet variation of Kalakukko, filled with lingonberries and sugar, enclosed in a rye crust and baked. ¹²⁾

A simple but delicious dish where potatoes are cooked in milk with salt, butter, and nutmeg, creating a creamy side dish. ¹³⁾

A squeaky Finnish bread cheese (leipäjuusto) that is lightly grilled and served with sweet cloudberry jam. ¹⁴⁾

A rare and delicate syrup made from birch sap, often drizzled over thin Finnish pancakes or rye porridge. ¹⁵⁾