Guided Culinary Tours

Nothing Quite Like a Karelian Kind

The people of North Karelia make an impression from the very first meeting – and they will make sure that you don’t forget them right away. They are in a class of their own: warm-hearted, friendly and exceptionally hospitable. People here are united by a unique cordiality that is evident in everyday life and celebrations. At least seven varieties of food are always available for guests on the dining and coffee tables.

The culinary tradition of North Karelia is based on pure natural products and strong traditions. The region’s tourism entrepreneurs are happy to guide you through the secrets of culinary traditions and newer taste trends. For example, in various pie workshops you can get your hands on dough, try rolling a pie and learn how to crimp it. This page will surely make you hungry and your tongue water! Welcome to feast!

Authentic Karelian Culture & Cuisine in Finnish Lakeland

Immerse yourself deeper into Karelian culture on a tasting tour of three destinations. The trip includes accommodation and programs at the cultural center Villa Ruusula, the Valamo Monastery, and the Apartment Hotel Lietsu. During the trip, you will surely get the best tips for baking Karelian pies, learn to play the kantele, and relax in peace at the pre-set tables.

Group size 15-25 people. Duration 3 days. Ask for a quote for smaller groups as well.

Karjalan sonnia, villiä sikaa ja karhunlaukkaa, Ravintola Bomba, PKO 3

Memorable Kalevala menu

Bomba offers the opportunity to taste the unique Kalevala menu, which has been designed with strong traditions in mind. The flavors of the three or five-course menu emphasize forest produce and local meat and fish. You can enjoy the gourmet experience in the shelter of the traditional log walls of the Bomba house.

Duration approx. 2 hours. Group size min. 10 people.

Explore the menu and book

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Karelian Pie Workshops

There is no lack of authenticity here! At Karelian pie workshops, you will learn about the history of authentic pies, the secrets of creasing and using pie filling under a guided tour. Traditional Karelian pies are made from rice porridge, barley porridge or mashed potatoes at the pie workshops. Choose the pie workshop that suits you and learn about the old tradition of fingers in the dough.

Männikkölä Pirtti Karelian Pie Workshop

In this workshop, you will enjoy baking and homemade pies, as well as a soup lunch at Männikkölä Pirtti in Nurmes. During the baking, you will learn about Karelian food traditions and the most diligent bakers will also receive pies to take home.

Available to book all year round. Group size 2-20 people. Duration 2.5 hours.

Villa Raita Karelian Pie Workshop

The kitchen of the cozy Villa Raita in Oravisalo, Rääkkylä, prepares warm pies in both traditional and vegan versions. In addition to pies, the pie workshop also offers a vegan soup lunch. Participants receive a diploma and a pie recipe to take home. Available to book all year round.

Group size 2-10 people. Duration 3 hours.

Karelian Pie Workshop at Bomba House

Learn to make Karelian pies at the Karelian pie workshop at Bomba House! At the pie workshop you will learn how to bake pies, try pie shirring and taste your own freshly baked pies.

The pie workshop is available to groups by appointment all year round.

Männikkölä Pirtti Karelian Pie Workshop Villa Raita Karelian Pasty Workshop Karelian Pie Workshop at Bomba House

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Valamo Wine Tasting at Bomba

Taste the delicious berry wines of Valamo Monastery and pair the wines with the delicacies of the tasting plate in a guided wine tasting at Bomba House!

Wine tasting is available for groups of min. 11 people by reservation all year round. Duration 1 hour.

Atmospheric moments of delight by a live fire

Openfire Lunch and Pancakes in the Hut

Laitalan Lomat Nurmes organizes memorable moments of delicious food in the warmth of the hut. It is atmospheric to enjoy fresh Karelian pies, vegetable dumplings with meaty sausages and salads by the crackling of an open fire. For dessert, tasty pancakes are baked, which are enjoyed with black coffee.

Duration approx. 2 hours. Group size 2-20 people.

Flamed Salmon Evening in Kitee

Ruokke Holiday Village in Kitee organizes weekly programs in the summer, including delicious flame salmon and coastal fish evenings by a live fire. Pirate roast and smoked fish are also available.

Read more about Openfire Lunch Explore Ruoke Holiday Village options

Koli Brewery Beer Tasting

Kolin Panimo's beer tasting will tickle your taste buds with seven different products at the Kolin Ryynänen restaurant. The tasting includes both local beers and ciders.

For groups by appointment all year round. Duration approx. 1 hour.