Finland has launched its first-ever national tasting table, inviting 16 lucky guests from around the world to experience authentic Finnish cuisine at two exclusive dinners in September 2026.
The country, named the world’s happiest nation for the ninth consecutive year in the UN World Happiness Report, is opening applications at HaveSomeFinnish.com until June 9 for spots at two intimate tastings in the Coast and Archipelago region and in Lapland.
Heli Jimenez, Business Finland Senior Director of International Marketing, said Finnish cuisine remained one of the world’s best-kept culinary secrets.
“In an era where foodies are constantly searching for the next big thing, Finland is exactly that: pure ingredients from local nature, like wild game and fresh fish, and unpretentious, simple recipes,” Ms Jimenez said.
Each tasting menu has been created by one of Finland’s top chefs. Erik Mansikka, founder of Michelin-starred Restaurant Kaskis in Turku, will lead the Coast and Archipelago dinner, while Joel Manninen, Head Chef at Sky Kitchen and View in Rovaniemi and silver medallist at the 2026 Young Chefs World Championship, will lead the Lapland experience.
To apply, participants must post a video on Instagram or TikTok introducing themselves and answering the question “Why do you want to Have Some Finnish?” using the hashtag
#HaveSomeFinnish and tagging Visit Finland. Applications close June 9, with selected participants announced June 29.
