Food
Finnish food has elements of both Western and Eastern cuisines, with a lot of variations and local specialties. Most of the foreign influence of the cuisine comes from Sweden and Russia. Potatoes are the staple food, served with various fish or meat sauces. Furthermore, pasta, pizzas, kebab, tex-mex are also very common in modern day Finland.
Finnish families do not necessarily have family meals regularly. Some families never eat together because work, school, and other activities may make it difficult if not impossible to fit in a meal at a certain time. Some families on the other hand, always eat together. In the weekends, family meals are quite common. It is also common, that some families eat their Saturday or Sunday meal at a restaurant once a month.
The after school snacks are usually tea of hot chocolate with bread, yogurt or corn flakes and fruit. Finnish food is generally speaking, quite healthy. Keep in mind, that part of the learning during your exchange period is to get accustomed to our food traditions. Remember to always say "Thank you" (kiitos) after a meal, to the person who made the food.