Estonian Food – 17 Classic Dishes You Must Try

Writer: Helena Bergström

Estonia is perhaps best known for its charming capital Tallinn – but the country's food culture is also exciting to discover. It combines Nordic ingredients, Eastern European influences and old traditions that have survived for generations.

At the same time, Estonia has gained an increasingly dynamic and modern restaurant scene in recent years, where young chefs are interpreting classic flavors in new and creative ways.

In this guide, we go through what to eat in Estonia – and list 17 classic Estonian dishes and specialties you don't want to miss.

What to eat in Estonia? – a quick overview

We have told about Polish food and Slovak food – and now it's time for the Estonian food additions. Estonian food is characterized by:

• Proximity to nature: fish, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms and berries
• Rustic dishes: a lot of boiled, fried and pickled
• History: influences from Russia, Germany and the Nordic countries
• Season: big difference between summer and winter

We have travelled a lot in Estonia – both in Tallinn and around the country with our camper van – and have had time to try some of the traditional dishes, but perhaps even more of the modern restaurant cuisine.

Typical Estonian food – 17 classic dishes

Here we list Estonian dishes that are interesting to try, including desserts, sweets and drinks.

1. Verivorst (blood sausage)

Verivorst (blood sausage) is a classic Estonian dish that is eaten mainly during Christmas, often with sauerkraut and lingonberries. It is slightly different from Swedish blood sausage because it is coarser and spicier. As a tourist, you often have the chance to try it at Christmas markets, where it is usually served.

2. Mulgicapsad

Mulgikapsad is a rustic dish from southern Estonia that combines sauerkraut, pork and barley. The flavors are rich and sour, and the dish is especially popular during the winter months. Typical Estonian home cooking!

3. Salted (aladab)

Sült is a jelly-based meat dish (similar to aladåb or sylta) made from slow-cooked pork or veal. The dish is served cold, often with mustard or pickled accompaniments, and is common at holidays.

4. Praetud räim (fried trout)

Baltic herring is an important ingredient in Estonia, and is often served fried with potatoes and dill. The dish is simple but tasty, and reminiscent of its Swedish counterparts. Especially common on the coast, of course!

5. Pelmeni (dumplings)

These small dumplings with meat filling have Russian roots but are very common in Estonia. They are often served with butter or sour cream and are a quick and popular everyday dish. Personally, I remember them very well from my very first trip to the Baltics, in the 1990s, as we often got them in soup.

6. Rukkileib (rye bread)

Estonian rye bread is dark, compact, juicy and slightly sour. The bread is common in everyday life as well as in restaurants – both as a side dish and as a base in sandwiches. For us, this is a big favorite and during our recent trip to Estonia we bought more bread home with us, which we froze …

7. Kiluvõileib

A classic Estonian sandwich topped with sprat, egg and sometimes onion. The combination of saltiness and creaminess makes it a favorite for both everyday and festive occasions. It is often served on rye bread.

8. Pirukad (Pirogi)

Pirukad are small baked pies filled with meat, cabbage or mushrooms. These little ”snacks” are popular as a snack or a lighter lunch and are available at many bakeries. Perfect to take on the go.

9. Smoked cheese

Suisujuust is an Estonian specialty where the cheese is often shaped into braids and smoked over wood, which gives it a distinct and slightly salty taste. The consistency is firm yet juicy, and the smoked cheese is often eaten as a snack or with a drink. We tried it once at a fair in Tallinn – not so bad!

10. Rose oil

Rosolje is a colorful salad with beetroot, potatoes, herring and sometimes eggs and mayonnaise. The taste is both sweet, sour and salty, which makes it very characteristic. The salad is common at holidays.

11. Kama

Kama is a traditional blend of toasted flour from various grains. It is often mixed with yogurt or kefir and served with berries. The result is a simple but nutritious dessert or breakfast.

12. Cowherd

Kohuke is a sweet little snack consisting of cream cheese covered in chocolate. It comes in many flavors and is very popular with both children and adults.

13. Vastlakukkel (semla)

Vastlakukkel is simply the Estonian version of semla, which is eaten on Shrove Tuesday just like in Sweden. The pastry is usually filled with whipped cream and sometimes almond paste, or maybe jam. We tried the Estonian version at a travel fair in Tallinn a few years ago. Very tasty!

14. Pretzel

If you want a sweet pastry to go with your coffee, kringel is a classic. This is a braided wheat bread that is often flavored with cinnamon or cardamom. The pastry is served at festive occasions and shared between several people.

15. Bread soup

Leivasupp is a traditional dessert made from rye bread, apple, sugar and spices. The dish is often served with whipped cream and has a sweet and slightly sour taste.

16. Kalev chocolate

Estonia's most famous chocolate comes from the Kalev brand and is a natural part of the country's sweet culture. The range is wide, from classic milk chocolate bars to filled pralines. The chocolate is often available in nice boxes, which are perfect to take home as a gift after your trip.

17. Old Tallinn

A classic Estonian liqueur with a taste of rum, spices and citrus. It is often drunk as an avec or used in desserts and coffee. The drink has become something of a symbol of Estonian food culture.

Modern food culture in Estonia – restaurants, markets and craft beer

While Estonian cuisine rests heavily on tradition, the country has gained an increasingly exciting and modern food scene in recent years.

Restaurants in Estonia

Tallinn today has a wide range of restaurants where local ingredients are interpreted in new and exciting ways. You'll find everything from vegan eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants.

• 7 great restaurants in Tallinn

Market halls and markets

Market halls and markets have also become popular meeting places for locals and visitors alike, offering everything from classic dishes to modern street food, while also getting a feel for everyday Estonian life.

• Christmas market in Tallinn

Breweries and craft beer

Another clear trend is the growing craft beer scene. Estonia has several exciting breweries, with Pühaste Brewery being one of the most well-known. They produce everything from classic ales to more experimental beers, often using local flavors and ingredients.

• Beer and wine in Tallinn
• Things to do in Tartu

Smaller producers and brewpubs are also popping up around the country, making Estonia an interesting destination for those who want to combine food experiences with drinking culture.

More about food in other countries

Here you can find more stories about food in different countries:

• Czech food - 20 Czech dishes
• Polish food - 25 Polish dishes
• German food - 25 German dishes
• Hungarian food – 25 Hungarian specialties
• Slovak food – 25 Slovak dishes