Ep 6. Finland

In the eighth season of No Reservations, host Anthony Bourdain takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore different cuisines and cultures. In season eight, episode six, Bourdain explores the food and culture of Finland.

The episode begins with Bourdain arriving in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. He immediately notices the stark contrast between Helsinki's modern architecture and the country's deep-rooted traditions. Bourdain is eager to explore Finland's culinary scene, which he believes is often overlooked by food critics and travelers.

Bourdain starts his exploration of Finnish cuisine by visiting some of Helsinki's iconic food destinations. He visits a local market where he samples traditional Finnish foods such as reindeer and wild berries. He also tries scavenger fish, which is a type of fish that is caught beneath sea ice in the depths of winter. Bourdain is surprised by how delicious the fish tastes and comments on its unique texture.

Bourdain also visits a local bakery where he tries traditional Finnish bread. He meets with a baker who has been making bread for over 30 years and learns about the importance of bread in Finnish culture.

After exploring Helsinki's food scene, Bourdain travels to the Finnish countryside to attend a traditional Finnish sauna. Sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, and Bourdain experiences firsthand how relaxing and therapeutic it can be. He even takes a dip in a frozen lake, a traditional Finnish practice believed to be good for circulation.

Bourdain also visits a local reindeer farm where he learns about the importance of reindeer in Finnish culture and cuisine. He tries smoked reindeer meat, which he describes as being similar in taste to prosciutto but with a more intense flavor. He also samples reindeer heart, which he admits is not his favorite dish.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain comments on Finland's deep connection to nature. He explains that Finnish cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's forests, lakes, and rivers. Many traditional dishes feature ingredients that are sourced directly from the wilderness.

Bourdain concludes the episode by saying that Finland is a country that is often overlooked by travelers, but that it's worth exploring for its unique cuisine, culture, and connection to nature. He calls Finland a "hidden gem" and encourages viewers to give it a chance.

Overall, the eighth season of No Reservations offers viewers a chance to explore the world through the lens of food and culture. The Finland episode is a great example of how food can provide a window into a country's history, traditions, and way of life.