Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 5 Episode 22 Helsinki

In episode 22 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations season 5, we take a culinary tour of Helsinki, the capital of Finland that sits on the Baltic Sea. Our host, Andrew Zimmern explores the unique and diverse food culture of the region that has been shaped by its geography, history, and cultural influences.

We start with breakfast and visit one of the city's oldest markets, the Hakaniemi Market Hall, that's been around since the late 19th century. Here, we try classic Finnish breakfast items like karjalanpiirakka, a savoury pastry made with rye flour and filled with rice or potatoes, and leipäjuusto, a squeaky cheese made from cow's milk and served warm with cloudberry jam.

Next up, we explore Helsinki's fish markets and the seafood traditions that have been passed down for generations. We sample delicacies like matjes herring, that's been soaked in a brine of vinegar and spices, and silakka, a type of Baltic herring that's pickled in salt, sugar, and vinegar. We also learn about the Finnish obsession with crayfish that's especially popular during summer, and try some tasty crayfish salad.

For lunch, we head to one of the city's hottest food spots, Olo Ravintola. This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative and modern Nordic cuisine that's rooted in tradition. Andrew meets the chef, who takes us through some of his signature dishes, like forest rabbit with pickled mushrooms and lingonberry, and grilled elk tenderloin with beetroot and blackcurrant. The restaurant's commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients is reflected in every dish on the menu.

In the afternoon, we visit the famous Fazer chocolate factory, established in 1891, that's a cultural icon in Helsinki. We learn about the history of chocolate making and see how Fazer's most popular chocolates, like the blue-wrapped Fazer Blue and Karl Fazer milk chocolate, are made. We indulge in a chocolate tasting that's a feast for the senses.

As the day turns into night, we explore the city's bar scene and the Finnish tradition of drinking. We visit tiny, cozy bars where locals gather to enjoy beer, cider, or the famous Finnish spirit, koskenkorva. We also learn about the rise of craft breweries in Finland and try some unique brews like sahti, a traditional Finnish beer that's brewed with juniper berries and dark malt.

We end our food journey at one of Helsinki's most iconic restaurants, the Sea Horse. This 80-year-old institution is famous for its classic Finnish dishes like jellied beef and liver, meatballs with mashed potatoes, and smoked salmon with new potatoes. We also try the restaurant's signature drink, leijonapaukku, a shot of Finnish vodka that's served with a piece of salted pickled cucumber.

Through this episode, we get a taste of Helsinki's rich food traditions that have been shaped by its unique history and culture. From classic Finnish breakfast to modern Nordic cuisine, from pickled herring to craft beer, Helsinki's food scene is a playground for any food lover.