Helsinki: Food tasting tour with local guide & market visit

Summary

Walk Helsinki’s streets, taste reindeer, hear stories, and laugh with locals

You’ll wander Helsinki’s parks and markets with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste reindeer meat, traditional cheeses with cloudberry jam, local candies, and learn about Finnish drinking customs. It’s relaxed, full of laughter and small surprises — the kind of day you’ll remember whenever you see rye bread or hear someone say “kahvi”.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, we Finns eat more coffee bread than anyone else,” our guide Sanni grinned as she handed me a tiny slice of squeaky cheese with cloudberry jam. I’d never tasted anything quite like it — sweet, tangy, a little rubbery — and honestly, I still think about that first bite. We started the Helsinki food tour right in the middle of the city, wandering through Esplanadi Park where locals strolled past us bundled up (even in June). Sanni pointed out how people here always seem to have time for a slow walk or a quiet moment on a bench. I liked that.

The market hall was noisy but somehow gentle — not pushy at all. There were sausages lined up next to jars of pickled herring, and the smell of smoked fish mixed with fresh rye bread. I tried cold-smoked reindeer (which sounds wild if you’re not from here), but it was surprisingly delicate. Sanni explained how Russian and Swedish traditions sneak into Finnish food — she even told us how vodka became part of holiday meals. At one point I tried to pronounce “leipäjuusto” (the cheese) and she laughed so hard she nearly dropped her coffee.

We stopped by Fazer for candies (I bought too many), then ducked into a supermarket just to see what regular Finns buy for dinner. The shelves were neat, everything labeled in that calm blue-and-white style — even the potato chips looked serious. Our last stop was Alko, where Sanni gave us tips on what to bring home (cloudberry liqueur is apparently a thing). The whole day felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with an old friend who really wants you to understand why Finns love salty licorice so much… though I’m still not sure I get it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helsinki Food and Culture Tour

• Enjoy local gastronomy at restaurant and market hall
• Walk along Esplanadi Park
• Visit local supermarket
• Try candies at Fazer shop
• Explore Alko shop and learn beverage customs

Top questions

What foods do you taste on this Helsinki food tour?

You’ll try cold-smoked reindeer meat, local sausages, fish specialties, traditional squeaky bread cheese with cloudberry jam, and famous Fazer candies.

Is this Helsinki food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include alcoholic beverage tastings?

The guide explains Finnish alcohol traditions at Alko shop but actual tastings aren’t specified; recommendations are given for what to try or buy.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

You can advise specific dietary requirements when booking the tour.

Is there a local guide during the Helsinki food tasting tour?

Yes, an expert local guide leads the entire experience.

Does this day trip include visits to both restaurants and markets?

Yes, you visit both a restaurant and market hall during the tour.

Are infants or small children allowed on this food tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes all guided tastings at restaurants and market halls in central Helsinki plus stops at Fazer candy shop and Alko store for cultural insights — all led by an expert local guide who shares stories along every step.