Kuopio Local Customs

This is an ancient national food prepared and eaten in Savo (eastern part of Finland).

Kalakukko was used as traveler's food because it stays edible very long when unopened. Also in medieval times salt was the only way to preserve meat and it was expensive, so with this way you could use all the salt in salt pork. The word kala-kukko means fish-cock (the bird :).

You can use any small fish (shorter than 4 inches). Small scales and spikes don't matter because they soften during the prolonged cooking. The pork is unsmoked.

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Kuopio is known to be the city of Kalakukko. Traditional local food, a kind of a baked bread filled with traditional fish or chicken. My best choice is obviously the salmon kind, as seen in this photo here.

It's said about the people in Kuopio that they have some different character than the other finns.

It said they are more open-minded and quite funny.

Although I know this is a big generalisation, I think it's somewhat true. :-)

DRINKS

Restaurants are divided into two classes: those serving all kinds of alcohol and those serving only beers and wines. Waiter service is common although there are many self-service snack bars.

Bars and cafés may have table and/or counter service and all internationally known beverages are available.

The Finnish berry liqueurs, mesimarja (arctic bramble), lakka (cloudberry), and polar (cranberry), as well as the Finnish vodka (usually served ice cold with meals), are well worth trying.
As well as the newest ones made of a mixture of finnish liquorice or tar and pure alcohol.

Finnish beer (grades III and IV A), is of a high quality and mild beers are served in most coffee bars.

There are strict laws against drinking and driving.

In restaurants beer is served from 0900 and other liquor from 1100. All alcohol is served until half an hour before the restaurant closes. Nightclubs are open to serve drinks until 0200 or 0400. Service begins at 1100 and continues until the restaurant closes.

The age limit for drinking is 18 years, but consumers must be 20 before they can buy the stronger alcoholic beverages.

Restaurant classification: Prices for alcohol vary according to the restaurants classification.

E: Elite price category.

G: price category.

S: Self-service price category.

A: Fully licensed.

B: Licensed for beer and wine.

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SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:

Handshaking is customary.Normal courtesies should be observed.

It is customary for the guest to refrain from drinking until the host or hostess toasts their health with a 'kippis' or a 'skol'. Casual dress is acceptable. Black tie will usually be specified when required.

Finns appear sometimes to be rather reserved and visitors should not feel alarmed if there is a lack of small talk during the first half hour or so.

Shoes must usually be removed when entering someone's home.

Tipping: 15% service charge included in the bill in hotels. Restaurants and bars have 14% service charge weekdays and 15% weekends and holidays. The obligatory cloakroom or doorman fee is usually clearly indicated.

Taxi drivers washroom attendants and hairdressers are not tipped


KIITOS * Thank you for your visit * KIITOS *
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