Reindeer meat is very popular among the population of Finnmark county, and residents eat this meat all year round.

Reindeer can be served as anything from steak, burgers, dried and in stews.

A common dish served for dinner in Finnmark is “Finnbiff”. Usually beef or the back of the reindeer is used. The meat is sliced ​​thinly (easier if it is frozen rather than only partially thawed), fried in fat (traditionally in reindeer fat, but butter and oil are more common today), seasoned with black pepper and salt, and finally a little water and perhaps cream is added and cooked until tender. Some also chop up vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions and mushrooms and cook them with the meat. The dish is served with potatoes/mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam or, more traditionally, with raw lingonberries mixed with sugar.

In stores

In Kirkenes, most shops sell frozen and dried reindeer meat. You can also do as many locals do and drive to Näätämö in Finland (47 min from Kirkenes) to buy reindeer meat.

Dried reindeer meat is great to pack in your backpack as a snack when exploring the area, and don't be afraid to try dried reindeer heart.

Where is reindeer meat served?

Click here to see who has reindeer meat on the menu in Kirkenes