Text and photo: Helena Bergström
Over the past week we have experienced several absolutely fantastic culinary events. The event has offered food inspiration from three completely different countries, and now we hope to be able to pass on some inspiration. Or maybe hear about your experiences!?
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Estonia – traditional food culture in new ways
The first event focused on Estonia and was held at Rosendals Trädgård on Djurgården. We were here for a lunch for journalists, but the following day a full day was arranged for the public – ”Hooked on Tallinn” – a recurring event with a focus on flavors and food experiences.
We have to say that we are deeply impressed by the food in Estonia. When I first visited the country – a trip to the Baltics in the 1990s – the selection in restaurants was extremely limited. Now this is a country with many Michelin restaurants and an exciting, modern restaurant scene. Wow, what a development!
Most of the dishes we tried had a classic Estonian origin – but with a modern touch. This is typical of Estonian cuisine. They like to use local ingredients, while developing and being creative.
We ate, among other things, a fish soup, which was fantastically delicious, and also had ”Vastlakukkel” (semla), even though it was a bit of the wrong time of year. Read more about Estonian food here..
Turkey – food cooked in community, with love
Then it was time for a culinary event focusing on Turkey, at the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. This suited us especially well since we had just recently visited Mardin in southeastern Turkey.
Now the focus was once again on food, and what was highlighted here was the social significance – how to cook food carefully and together. Özlem Elvnäs (@mrs_elvnas) spoke enthusiastically about cooking and the knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation.
We were served several dishes that we are familiar with, but also some new ones. In general, we can say that we love Turkish food – primarily all the small meze dishes that are served before the main course.
Our favorites? First of all, love we the stir-fries: hoummus, babaganoush and everything else. We also really like the bread, the pierogi and the stuffed peppers. I also have to say that the bean stir-fry at the event was a surprise – absolutely fantastic! Read more about Turkish food here..
Croatia – simple, fresh flavors from the Mediterranean
Last but not least, it was time for an event focusing on Croatia. This Mediterranean country is known for having a slightly simpler approach to food. Here, simple and pure flavors are often the rule: freshly caught grilled fish, fresh bread, olives from the neighboring village. Among the delicacies, air-dried hams, salami, cheeses, olive oil and truffles are especially noticeable. And then the wine of course! At this event, we got to meet producers from:
- @testamentwinery (wine)
- @azalea.croatia (vineyard and accommodations)
- @boncena (charcuterie)
It is of course wonderful to enjoy the products on site in the Croatian sun, but you can also browse among the sweets here in Sweden. Several Croatian wines are available at Systembolaget (sometimes as a speciality) and the charcuterie products are available in well-stocked grocery stores. Read more about Croatian food here..
What are your experiences with Estonian, Turkish and Croatian food?
What are your experiences with Estonian, Turkish and Croatian food? Do you have any favorites? Something you like more… or maybe less?
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Jossu says:
When I was in Croatia I had grilled tuna which was delicious. I also like cevapcici.
But just like you, I love Turkish food. Lahmacun, kebab, Çig köfte, hoummus… I wish I had a buffet of Turkish food in front of me right now.
30 May 2026 - 9:05
Helena says:
Yes, there is certainly a lot of good food in Turkey! I just love it when they serve several different side dishes like that, yum!!
31 May 2026 - 11:59
Hanneles boktips says:
Yum! In the 1970s, delicious Estonian sourdough bread was sold when there were only sweet loaves on the shelves.
30 May 2026 - 19:37
Helena says:
Just wondering if you can find Estonian bread in Sweden anywhere today? Sooo good! 🙂
31 May 2026 - 12:00
BP says:
Dregel, dregel!
As I wrote before, I miss the Estonian food store on Norra Stationsgatan. But apparently there is an Estonian food store called Tre Brudar in Sollentuna. I like Estonian food.
I also like Turkish food, especially meze and various stir-fries, as well as Turkish pizza.
Croatian food – yes Ćevapčićii and pljeskavica are the first things I think of there, but I don't have much experience with Croatian food.
Glad you were full this week too.
30 May 2026 - 23:33
Helena says:
Interesting! Maybe we'll see if we can find this shop sometime 🙂 Yes, the Croatian dishes you mention are typically Croatian. I think it's good (along with ajvar) but I think I like their charcuterie the most!
31 May 2026 - 12:03
JoY says:
I've never eaten Estonian food, Croatian was so long ago that I don't even remember anything more than the wine hihihi. On the other hand, Turkish food is really good, their meze, imagine if you tried to cook some of that food. I'll have to think about it.
31 May 2026 - 17:52