Finland launches first-ever national tastingsFinland

Finland has officially decided the best way to explain why everybody there seems so annoyingly happy is through dinner. And honestly? Fair.

For the first time ever, the world’s happiest country is opening its table to international visitors with Finland’s Official Tasting Table; a new four-day culinary experience taking place across Lapland and the Coast & Archipelago region in September 2026.

And this isn’t just another fancy food festival where tiny portions arrive on oversized plates while somebody says the word ‘deconstructed’ too often.

Instead, Visit Finland is using food as a way to introduce travellers to the country itself, the landscapes, traditions and people behind the ingredients. Only 16 guests will be selected across the two exclusive tasting experiences, each curated by some of Finland’s top chefs using flavours and stories gathered directly from locals around the country.

One dinner will unfold in Lapland under the direction of rising Arctic chef Joel Manninen, while the other takes place in the Coast & Archipelago region, created by Michelin-starred chef Erik Mansikka.

Expect fresh fish, wild ingredients, seasonal Nordic cooking and delicious meals where the setting matters just as much as what’s on the plate. Because in Finland, dinner might involve forests, lakes, sea air or a view across the Arctic wilderness.

To apply, hopeful guests need to complete a short social media challenge explaining why they want to “Have Some Finnish”, which is either clever marketing or the greatest tourism slogan anyone’s ever approved.

Applications close June 9, 2026, so get in quick!

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