What is Mustamakkara?

Mustamakkara is a traditional Finnish blood sausage that dates back centuries. It is made using a mixture of fresh pig’s blood, minced pork meat, barley, and rye flour. These ingredients are combined to create a thick sausage that is then cooked until it reaches its distinctive dark colour and firm texture.

What makes Mustamakkara stand out from other types of sausage is its rich flavor and dense texture. The use of blood adds an earthy, slightly metallic taste that is balanced by the pork and grains, giving it a hearty and satisfying taste. In addition, Mustamakkara is usually served with lingonberry jam, which provides a sweet and tart counterpoint to the savoury sausage, enhancing the overall flavour.

Mustamakkara: A Staple of Finnish Street Food Culture

Though it can be found in other parts of Finland, Mustamakkara is especially popular in Tampere, where it has been a local specialty for generations. You’ll often find it being sold at food markets, street stalls, and even from mobile food trucks. For locals, Mustamakkara is not just a dish; it’s a cultural symbol and a reminder of Finland’s rural and working-class culinary heritage.

Mustamakkara is often enjoyed as a quick snack or lunch, and it’s commonly served hot and fresh from the vendor. Whether you’re exploring the market square in Tampere or visiting a traditional Finnish food festival, Mustamakkara is a street food experience you don’t want to miss.

Where to Find the Best Mustamakkara in Finland

While Mustamakkara is available throughout Finland, Tampere is the place to go for the best and freshest version of this dish. Here are some top places to try it:

• Tammelantori Market Square: Tammelantori is one of Tampere’s most famous markets, and you’ll find vendors here selling hot, freshly cooked Mustamakkara. This market is an excellent place to get an authentic taste of the sausage, straight from local producers.
  
  

• Kauppahalli (Tampere Market Hall): The Tampere Market Hall is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from fresh produce to traditional Finnish dishes. Many stalls inside the market sell Mustamakkara, and you can even pick up some to take home.
  
  

• Local Street Food Vendors: During food festivals or local events, street food vendors often sell Mustamakkara to hungry crowds. This is an excellent opportunity to try the sausage while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
  
  

• Grocery Stores: If you want to cook Mustamakkara yourself, many Finnish grocery stores sell packaged versions of the sausage. While it might not be as fresh as the market varieties, it’s still a tasty option for those wanting to try the dish at home.