Lapland cheese soup, smoked salmon and reindeer stew – what are some typical Lapland dishes?

Lapland’s cuisine is based on locally sourced ingredients: reindeer meat, fish, berries and forest produce. Lapland cheese soup, smoked salmon and reindeer stew are the best-known of these, and they are perfect for both a quiet dinner and a festive meal. We prepare these dishes at Pirkon Pirtti in Saariselkä, so we know exactly what holidaymakers in the fells and local residents want on their plates. Every dish has its own character and its own moment.

Lapland’s cuisine starts with the ingredients

Lapland cheese soup is a warm, mild-tasting dish that tastes particularly good after a frosty day. It’s a lighter option to start a meal with, and many people also choose it as a main course. After spending the day outdoors in the fells, a warm soup is often enough for dinner. Lapland flatbread and a wild mushroom salad make a perfect accompaniment, providing bread and vegetables to the meal.

Smoked salmon is a campfire dish. The salmon fillet cooks slowly over an open fire, and traditionally, salt and pepper are all that’s needed for seasoning. The heat of the fire gives the fish its own smoky flavour, which cannot be replicated in an oven-baked dish. Smoked salmon is one of the staple dishes of Lapland cuisine on our menu, and it’s ideal for guests who want to sample Lapland’s fish but don’t know where to start.

Lapland cheese soup, smoked salmon and reindeer stew are the most familiar dishes on a Lapland dining table, and each is perfect for a different occasion.

Reindeer stew is the best-known classic dish of Lapland

Reindeer stir-fry is made from thinly sliced reindeer meat, which is browned in a frying pan and cooked until tender. The traditional accompaniment is mashed potato, and the dish is served with lingonberries, whose tartness balances the strong flavour of the meat. Many people are already familiar with this dish before travelling to Lapland, but when prepared properly, it surprises with its tenderness. If you’re only going to try one Lapland dish, reindeer stir-fry is a safe bet.

However, not everything revolves around reindeer. A Lapland meal also includes fish, mushrooms and berries, which is why our menu brings together fish, meat and vegetable dishes. You can put together a meal from dishes that honour traditional flavours, or ask us for a recommendation if you’re not familiar with Sámi cuisine. Our menu you can see what’s on the menu.

What sort of meal do Lapland dishes go well with?

As well as restaurant dinners, Lapland specialities are ideal for groups and celebrations. In the hideaway cottage We offer a Lapland-style buffet and pre-Christmas buffets, where groups can sample a variety of dishes all at once. On Christmas Eve, we organise a dinner for those who wish to spend the festive evening at the restaurant. The buffet is particularly well-suited to groups where everyone has different taste preferences and nobody wants to miss out on trying a bit of everything.

Whether you’re celebrating at your holiday cottage or at home, we can deliver Lapland specialities to you. Our catering service We can cater for family celebrations such as birthdays, christenings and graduation parties, and we’ll tailor the menu to your preferences. Just let us know the number of guests and the date, and we’ll suggest dishes that are perfect for the occasion. We’ll discuss any special dietary requirements when you place your order.