Tired of swiping on dating apps? Finland has a novel proposal: a free, all-expenses-paid trip to explore its culinary scene and meet new people. Here’s a look at the unique 'Finnish Dinner Date' campaign set for February 2027.
What Is the Finnish Dinner Date?
The 'Finnish Dinner Date'
is a creative tourism campaign organised by Visit Finland, the country's official tourism board. The initiative will fly 16 single travellers from around the world to Finland for a fully-funded, four-day trip. These trips, scheduled to take place between February 9 and 19, 2027, are designed to immerse participants in Finnish culture, with a special focus on its food. The winners will be split into two groups of eight. One group will explore the capital, Helsinki, while the other will visit Tampere, a vibrant city in Finland's picturesque Lakeland region. However, the destination will be kept a secret until the winners are selected, adding an element of surprise to the journey.
A Culinary Twist on Meeting People
While the campaign has 'date' in the title, it's not a matchmaking service. The highlight of the trip is a group dinner where each party of eight international visitors will be joined by two local Finnish singles. The goal is to foster natural connections over a shared meal. The emphasis is on the group experience rather than one-on-one romance. Heli Jimenez, a senior director at Business Finland, explained that while finding a partner is a possibility, the main goal is for guests to experience Finnish food culture and fall in love with the country's flavours.
What's on the Itinerary?
This is far more than just a single dinner. The all-expenses-paid prize includes round-trip flights, accommodation in a private room, meals, and a full itinerary of hosted activities. Participants can expect a schedule packed with cultural and culinary experiences, including outdoor activities and sightseeing. The trip culminates in the special group dinner, featuring official tasting menus designed by some of Finland's top chefs. The Helsinki menu will be crafted by Adele Kinnunen of Café Savoy, and the Lakeland menu by Henry Tikkanen of Ravintola Gösta, who has represented Finland in the prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition. The menus are designed to showcase regional ingredients like wild fish, berries, and foraged mushrooms.
Inspired by a Shopping Basket
The unusual idea for this campaign stems from a uniquely Finnish trend called 'sinkkukori', or 'single basket'. In several Finnish supermarkets, single shoppers who are open to being approached can pick up a pink-coloured shopping basket to signal their status. This quirky, real-world social interaction went viral after being featured by an influencer, catching the attention of international media and inspiring Visit Finland to build a tourism experience around the concept of bringing people together in a low-pressure way.
The Bigger Picture: Promoting Finnish Cuisine
Beyond the social angle, the Finnish Dinner Date is a strategic move to put Finland on the global food map. It is part of a larger campaign called 'Have some Finnish food' aimed at raising awareness of the country's culinary identity, which is often overshadowed by its Nordic neighbours. Officials note that while cuisines from Italy, China, and even other Nordic countries are world-renowned, Finnish food remains one of Europe's last undiscovered cuisines. By creating official regional tasting menus based on public input and showcasing them through this highprofile event, Finland hopes to attract a new wave of fooders travellers.
How to Throw Your Hat in the Ring
The opportunity is open to single adults aged 18 or over from anywhere in the world, as long as they are not Finnish residents. The application process involves a social media challenge. Hopefuls must record a short video in English answering the question, 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?'. This video should be posted on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube with the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate and by tagging the official Visit Finland accounts. After posting, applicants must complete an official form on the Visit Finland website, including a link to their video. But you'll have to be quick—the deadline for applications is 11:59 a.m. Finnish time on November 10, 2026.
