Kalakukko

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Kalakukko is a traditional Savonian food made from fish baked inside a loaf of bread. The Cornish pasty from Cornwall has the same basic idea of complete packed lunch.

Traditionally, kalakukko is prepared with rye flour, although wheat is often added to make the dough more pliable. The filling consists of fish, pork and bacon, and is seasoned with salt (unless the pork is already salted). After being baked for several hours, kalakukko looks much like a large loaf of rye bread. If prepared correctly, kalakukko will keep for a long time. Traditionally, the fish used in kalakukko is the either the vendace (Finnish muikku), or European perch (Finnish Ahven), but salmon is also sometimes used. In southern Savonia the vendace is advocated as the only fish for the true kalakukko whereas in the northen parts of the province the same is said about the perch. The appropriate drink to accompany kalakukko is buttermilk or piimä.

An average Finnish speaking person today finds the name somewhat amusing, as kala is Finnish for "fish" and kukko is Finnish for "rooster". However, the archaic form of kukko is derived from the same root as kukkaro (purse).

It is said that Kuopio marketplace is the original and best place to buy kalakukko.