Finland is Inviting the World to Dinner

For what is being called the first time in history, a nation is officially opening its tasting table to the world, and anyone can RSVP for a seat. 

Finland, recently named the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the UN World Happiness Report, has launched an initiative dubbed Finland’s Official Tasting Table. 

The curated, four-day culinary experience will take place at some of the country’s most stunning locations, hosted by the Finns behind the food and designed to introduce Finnish cuisine to the world.

While Finland has long been celebrated for its happiness, its food culture has remained one of its best-kept secrets. Through Finland’s Official Tasting Table, that culinary culture is being opened to the world for the first time. 

Anyone can apply at HaveSomeFinnish.com for the chance to be selected as one of 16 guests across two exclusive tastings, taking place in the Coast & Archipelago region and Lapland in September 2026.

Each tasting menu is envisioned by a local top chef and reflects the authentic food culture of its region, offering a glimpse into experiences travelers can explore throughout Finland.

Regional Flavours, Reimagined by Finland’s Top Chefs

To find the roots of Finland’s culinary story, Visit Finland asked everyday Finns — from locals to fishermen, farmers and cooks — to share what their region truly tastes like. Thousands of answers were received, and the country’s top chefs then transformed them into Finland’s official tasting menus.

”Finland is your chance to discover the final great secret of the world’s culinary cultures. Italian, Chinese, even the other Nordic food cultures are already part of the global conversation, while Finnish cuisine remains unknown,” said Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland. 

“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.”

A Dinner at the Edge of the World

Finland’s invitation goes further than food: it’s a chance to experience where Finnish happiness comes from. Set at the most beautiful locations that Finland has to offer, each dinner connects the culinary experience to nature, the four Nordic seasons, and the people who grow and catch what ends up on the table. 

“Finnish food is a direct expression of the world’s happiest lifestyle: rooted in nature, simplicity, and a deep connection to where ingredients come from. From sauna food rituals to foraging, Finnish cuisine tells a story that exists nowhere else – and we want visitors to experience that story in full,” Jimenez explains.

Finland’s Official Tasting Table: Key Details

• Have Some Finnish tastings will take place in Finland in September 2026.
• One tasting will be held in the Coast and Archipelago region and the other in Lapland.
• The application period begins on May 18 and ends June 9, 2026 at 11:59 AM Finnish time (EEST).
• Eight participants selected per tasting.
• Selected participants announced: June 29. 
• Apply alone or together with one additional person.

Interested participants can apply by completing the social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok (@ourfinland on Instagram or @visitfinland.com on TikTok) and the sign-up form on the campaign site. 

Applicants are asked to post a video introducing themselves and answering the question: Why do you want to Have some Finnish? Use the hashtag #HaveSomeFinnish and tag Visit Finland.