Arctic Food Lab – Flavours of the North

Arctic Food Lab brings together Northern Finland’s food creators and highlights what makes the flavours of the North truly different. Arctic nature, pure ingredients and local expertise come together in kitchens, restaurants and events – creating tastes you simply can’t copy.

And yes, there’s much more to Northern Finnish food than traditional dishes (even though they still have a special place in our hearts). Expect modern creativity, surprising flavours and food experiences inspired by forests, waters and local traditions – served with a northern twist.

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What does the North taste like? Discover Arctic Food Lab

Arctic Food Lab (AFL) is the food brand of the Oulu2026 region, celebrating the purity of northern nature and the unique ingredients born in Arctic conditions. It tells the story of food that grows under the northern sky and comes to life in the hands of local masters – transformed into high-quality products and unforgettable experiences.

Arctic Food Lab highlights the special food heritage of Oulu, its surrounding areas and Northern Finland as a whole. The aim is to offer residents and visitors tastes, products and services that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Here, Arctic ingredients, sustainable traditions and bold creativity come together in a way that makes the region’s food culture truly one of a kind – also on an international level.

This is a label worth tasting

The Arctic Food Lab label tells you that the product or food experience in front of you has its roots in the North. It’s a mark of Arctic ingredients, pure nature and local expertise – the elements that make the region’s food culture truly unique.

When you spot the label, you know you’re on the right track. It’s a promise of flavours that don’t happen by accident, but are shaped by Arctic conditions and crafted by local makers.

During the Oulu2026 year, Arctic Food Lab flavours can be found across the Oulu2026 region. When you see the label in a restaurant or at the counter, take the moment, ask about it – and taste something new.

Wine Bar Kurkela, Oulu

Where to taste Arctic Food Lab in Oulu

Arctic Food Lab flavours can be experienced at the following locations:

Discover all the products & services

Events where the North comes to the able

Arctic Food Lab has two main events – and in both of them, northern flavours truly get their moment to shine:

The Summer Night’s Dinner invites you to enjoy local food, culture and togetherness around one long table – quite literally. The event takes place on Saturday, 15 August 2026, when tables will be set across the heart of Oulu, stretching from the railway station all the way to the market harbour. That’s almost one kilometre of shared dining in the middle of the city – a truly unique feast under the northern sky. You can also enjoy the food and programme picnic-style in nearby parks with your own blanket. The Summer Evening Feast is open to everyone, free of charge and with no age limit – come along and taste the North together.

Arctic Tasting takes place on 23–26 September 2026 and invites you to explore local cafés and restaurants while sampling flavours inspired by Arctic nature.Expect dishes and treats crafted with passion, using northern ingredients and local traditions – a delicious way to discover the region one bite at a time.

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The Most Exciting Food Experiences in Oulu

Oulu’s food culture is traditionally known for local classics, but in recent years the city has developed a growing and diverse restaurant scene with plenty to offer for food and drink lovers. Discover Oulu’s local food culture and explore 12 of the most interesting restaurants in Oulu this year – from modern flavours to unforgettable dining experiences.

Discover Oulu’s food scene