The Happiest Nation Launches First-Ever National Tastings

While Finland has long been celebrated for its happiness, its food culture has remained one of its best-kept secrets – until now. 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. 

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.” 

• 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). 
• 8 participants selected per tasting 
• Selected participants announced June 29, 2026  
• Apply alone or together with one additional person 
• Apply by completing the social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok and sign-up form on the campaign site. Post a video where you introduce yourself and answer the question: Why do you want to Have some Finnish? Use the hashtag #HaveSomeFinnish and tag Visit Finland (@ourfinland on Instagram or @visitfinland.com on TikTok).

With extensive experience in culinary competitions, Erik Mansikka was awarded the Finnish Chef of the Year title in 2013. He is a respected and forward-thinking developer of Finnish gastronomy, with a career rooted in local ingredients, long-term craftsmanship, and a Nordic fine dining philosophy that is deeply connected to place. His approach reflects a consistent focus on seasonality, precision, and a deep respect for the ingredients he works with. Erik is the founder of the acclaimed Restaurant Kaskis in Turku, named one of the best restaurants in Finland.  

Kaskis was awarded a Michelin star in 2022. The award was especially notable, as it marked the first Michelin star in Finland awarded outside the capital, Helsinki. In 2025, Kaskis was also recognized for its sustainability efforts when it received a Michelin Green Star.

Chef Joel Manninen represents a new generation of leading Finnish culinary talent. He gained national recognition after winning the Finnish Young Chefs Championship in 2025, and further established his international standing with a silver medal at the Young Chefs World Championship in 2026, organized by the prestigious gastronomic association Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.  

His cuisine focuses on northern ingredients and a modern Arctic approach, where refined technical skill meets creativity and a distinct personal vision. Known for his contemporary interpretationof the North, he works at the intersection of flavor, technique, and the Arctic environment that shapes his cooking. 

Joel is Head Chef at Sky Kitchen & View, a scenic restaurant set atop Ounasvaara fell in Rovaniemi, within Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. The restaurant is widely regarded as one of the top dining establishments in Finland.