Eating and drinking


The regional specialities are worth tasting: reindeer in the north, a fish pasty with a hard crust (kalakukko) and Karelian pies in the east, black sausage in the west... Finnish specialities also include salmon soup, pea soup, various types of casseroles (laatikko/lada, pata/gryta) and mämmi/memma, a frightful-looking brown pudding that is eaten during Easter. Finnish mushrooms and berries are a real delicacy.

On the other hand, they are only too eager to absorb foreign customs, too: alongside the traditional Finnish piirakka pastry they now have pizzerias and hamburger stalls on every corner.

A particular Finnish trait is the habit of drinking milk or sourmilk with meals - even adults do this. Others prefer mineral water or beer, and even the wine culture is making headway. Indeed, at weekends you will no doubt notice that some Finns may carry the alcoholic beverage culture in general a bit far... :)

Wines and spirits
The State Alcohol Company Alko has a monopoly on the sale of wines and spirits. Alko shops are normally open 10.00 - 17.00 on weekdays and the eves of public holidays, 10.00 - 18.00 or 20.00 on Fridays and 9.00 - 15.00 on Saturdays. These opening hours may vary depending on the shop. They are closed on public holidays. Medium strength beer and mild wine is also sold in supermarkets and other stores, but full strength beer is only available at Alko stores.

The age limit for the purchase of beer and wine is 18, and for stronger drinks 20