Singles from around the world now have the opportunity to go on a dinner date with a stranger in Finland—the world’s happiest country. The initiative, titled “Finnish Dinner Date,” is organized by the national tourism board, “Visit Finland.” The organization will cover travel, accommodation, meals, and other expenses for the 16 individuals selected to participate, as reported by the American magazine Forbes.
The event is scheduled to take place from February 9 to 19, 2027. Participants will not only explore Finland’s culinary culture but also have the chance to meet local singles—a connection that could potentially blossom into a romantic relationship.
As part of the experience, participants will be served regional Finnish cuisine, featuring wild-caught fish, various types of berries, and foraged forest mushrooms. The menu will be curated by some of the country’s top chefs. A key highlight of the event will be a special group dinner date; in February 2027, international guests will be introduced to local singles in Helsinki and the city of Tampere, located in the Lakeland region.
Heli Jimenez, Senior Director of International Marketing at Business Finland, stated, “Finnish food is a direct reflection of our happy way of life. It fosters a connection with nature, the seasons, and the people around us.”
She added, “Food brings Finns together, and now we are inviting travelers to become part of that experience in a truly unique way.” According to the tourism board, the concept for this event was inspired by a specific dating trend in Finland known as “sinkkukori,” or the “singles’ basket.”
Some supermarket chains in the country offer pink shopping baskets for single customers—a subtle way for individuals to signal their single status to others. Participants may also express an interest in getting to know one another or even forming a romantic connection.
The statement further notes that while cuisines from Italy, China, and the Nordic region are globally popular, Finnish food remains one of Europe’s most overlooked culinary treasures.
Jimenez remarks, “From traditions centered around the sauna to the culture of foraging in the forests, Finnish cuisine has a unique story—one that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We want visitors to fully experience that story.”
She expresses hope that, upon arriving in the world’s happiest country, participants might fall in love with each other, develop a passion for Finnish cuisine, or discover a new favorite travel destination.
Eligibility and Application Rules
The opportunity is open to single individuals aged 18 or older from any country, provided they are not residents of Finland. Each person must submit an individual application.
The application deadline is November 10, 2026, at 11:59 AM (Finnish local time). The 16 selected participants will be announced on December 1 via the ‘Visit Finland’ Instagram and TikTok accounts.
The tourism organization will cover all expenses for the selected individuals, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and various activities. According to the organizers, the event will feature a relaxed group dinner where all participants will dine together and enjoy a curated selection of signature Finnish dishes.
How to Apply
To apply, you must create a short video in English. In the video, you should answer the following question: “What dish would you serve on a dinner date, and why?”
Next, post the video on a public social media account—such as TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube—using the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate and tagging ‘Visit Finland’.
