Despite the high latitude, most of Finland is 18 degrees warmer than other areas at that latitude because of the warm Gulf Stream. Finnish cuisine appeals to both the eye and the taste buds, and has something special for every month of the year. In Finland, design textiles and tableware are an important element in the art of good eating. Supermarkets and the country's many indoor and outdoor markets give an authentic picture of eating in Finland. Firm favorites at the supermarket meat counter include roasting cuts, diced meat, pork chops and mince.
Meatballs are probably at the top of the 'best loved dishes' list in Finland.
The quality conscious shop in indoor market halls or outdoor markets in just about every town in Finland. The market is a local attraction shown off to friends and visitors. Many heads of state have tasted smoked Baltic herring straight from a fisherman's boat moored at the quay by Helsinki market square or sipped early morning coffee with a doughnut or a deep fried meat pasty at a market stall. Local and seasonal varieties abound at these markets. In Tampere, you can try the local black pudding with lingonberry sauce, while a must at the Turku market hall is 'raisin' or 'saltwater' sausage.