Finland's first takeaway meal?

Although the first written mention of kalakukko dates back to the 18th Century, the dish is likely much older. In fact, kalakukko was probably Finland’s first takeaway meal: residents of Rautalampi, a town 70km south-west of Kuopio, used to bake birch sprigs directly into the bread as a handle, so you could literally carry it anywhere.

There are many variations of kalakukko, but the classic version is made with pork and vendace, a fish found in lakes across eastern Finland. As it bakes, the pork and fish amalgamate to form a succulent pâté with a distinct briny flavour.

Kalakukko is considered quintessentially Finnish, yet there aren’t many Finns outside the Northern Savonia region who have actually tasted it.