Sámi cuisine facts for kids
Sámi cuisine is the traditional food of the Sámi people. They live in a large area called Sápmi. This land stretches across parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Each part of Sápmi has its own special food traditions.
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Main Foods of the Sámi People

For a long time, Sámi food has used what's found nearby. This includes fish, wild game, reindeer, and berries. Berries were super important because other fruits and vegetables were hard to find in the long, cold winters. Today, berries are used in yummy sauces and sweet treats. The most special berry in Sápmi is the cloudberry. Drinking Milk was not very common for all Sámi groups.
In the eastern parts of Sápmi, reindeer herding became a way of life in the 1800s. Before that, people were mostly hunters and fishers. Today, reindeer meat is a key part of Sámi cooking. But game, fish, and wild birds are still very important too. Sámi food has many different dishes. These dishes change based on where people live, their culture, and the weather.
Delicious Meat Dishes
Reindeer, fish, and other game meats are main foods. There are thousands of recipes and flavors. But spices, other than salt, are rarely used. The local food changes a lot depending on what food is available. Sámi history has many different cultural influences. This has led to a wide range of dishes. Most dishes are made from reindeer meat. Some also use moose or sheep meat. Smoking and drying were used to keep meat and fish fresh for a long time.
Fresh Fish from Lakes and Coasts
Fish found in the mountains and forest areas of Sápmi include Salmon, Common whitefish, Perch, Roach, and Char. If you are near the coast of Sápmi, you will find fish like Cod.
Modern Twists on Traditional Food
In recent years, new ideas have come into Sámi cooking. One popular new dish is the Suovaskebab. It has sliced suovasbierggo, cucumber, salad, and garlic dressing. All of this is served in a pita bread. You can find Suovaskebab at festivals and fairs in northern Scandinavia. The old food culture is still growing and changing. Some Fast food restaurants in Sápmi even have reindeer hamburgers on their menus!
Images for kids
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A Finnish version of sauteed reindeer