Finland Invites the World's Singles to a Culinary Dating Adventure in Helsinki and Tampere

Visit Finland announced on October 27 2026 a novel culinary tourism initiative called the 'Finnish Dinner Date', designed to attract international travellers through a combination of Nordic cuisine and social connection. Sixteen international singles will be selected — eight per city — to join Finnish locals for a fully expenses-paid four-day winter holiday in Helsinki and Tampere between February 9 and 19 2027. In Helsinki, chef Adele Kinnunen has developed a bespoke regional tasting menu, while in Tampere, chef Henry Tikkanen will guide participants through local ingredients and Nordic food heritage. Alongside the dinners, participants will explore winter landscapes and cultural discoveries through relaxed group dining. To apply, candidates must submit a short video in English describing what dish they would serve on a dinner date and why, posted via Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or an unlisted link, by November 10 2026. Selected participants will be announced on December 1. Visit Finland was careful to note that the programme fosters social connections but does not guarantee romantic outcomes. The campaign is part of Finland's broader push to grow culinary tourism ahead of 2027.