Estonian cuisine is hearty and rustic, reflecting the country’s agricultural roots and northern European climate. Here’s a foodie’s guide to some of the most iconic Estonian dishes and ingredients:
1. Rye Bread (Leib)
- Rye bread is a staple in Estonian cuisine. It’s dense, dark, and often served with butter or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. It can also be enjoyed with cheese, cured meats, or pickles.
2. Kohuke
- A beloved sweet treat, Kohuke is a curd snack coated in chocolate. It’s often found in various flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, or even salted caramel, and is a popular snack or dessert.
3. Mulgikapsad (Pork and Sauerkraut)
- A traditional Estonian dish made of sauerkraut, pork, and barley. The pork is usually slow-cooked with the sauerkraut, resulting in a savory, comforting dish often served with boiled potatoes.
4. Verivorst (Blood Sausage)
- A must-try during Christmas or other festive occasions, verivorst is a blood sausage made from barley, blood, and pork. It’s typically served with lingonberry jam and sauerkraut.
5. Kama
- A traditional Estonian dessert made from a mixture of roasted barley, rye, and peas. It’s often mixed with buttermilk or yogurt and sweetened with sugar or honey. Kama is also used as an ingredient in various other dishes and beverages.
6. Kiluvõileib (Sprat Sandwich)
- This open-faced sandwich features a layer of buttered rye bread topped with smoked sprats (small fish), boiled eggs, pickles, and fresh herbs. It’s a common snack or appetizer in Estonia.
7. Leem (Soup)
- Estonians love their soups, especially during the cold winter months. Some of the most popular varieties include pea soup (often with ham or bacon), mushroom soup, and sorrel soup (a tangy, green soup made from sorrel leaves).
8. Eestis Lihatoit (Estonian Meat Dishes)
- Estonians enjoy a variety of meat dishes, particularly pork, beef, and game. Pork is especially prominent, appearing in dishes like seapraad (roast pork) and sealihapada (pork stew). Game meats like venison are also common, particularly in rural areas.
9. Sült (Aspic)
- A cold dish made from meat, typically pork, that’s cooked and then set in gelatin. It’s often served with mustard or horseradish and can be eaten as a starter or snack.
10. Kartulipuder (Mashed Potatoes)
- Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish in Estonia, often served with meat dishes or stews. They’re typically made with butter and milk for a creamy texture.
11. Põdrapõder (Moose)
- Estonian cuisine also features game meat like moose, which is often prepared as a stew or roast. Moose is a delicacy in the country, particularly in rural and forested areas.
12. Kama Drink
- Kama is not only a food but also a drink in Estonia. It’s made by mixing the traditional kama flour blend with water, milk, or buttermilk, and sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey.
13. Estonian Cheese
- Estonia produces a variety of cheeses, with the most famous being Leibjuust (rye cheese) and Suitsujuust (smoked cheese). These cheeses are often served with bread or as part of a larger meal.
14. Lingonberry Jam
- Lingonberries are common in Estonian cuisine, and their tart flavor is used in jams, sauces, and desserts. Lingonberry jam is a common accompaniment to meats, especially with blood sausage and pork dishes.
15. Tallinn Black Balsam
- A famous Estonian herbal liqueur, Tallinn Black Balsam is made from a blend of herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients. It’s often enjoyed as a digestif or mixed into cocktails.
16. Mustard
- Estonians love their mustard, often using it in sandwiches, with sausages, or in dressings. The mustard is usually quite spicy and robust in flavor.
17. Piparkoogid (Gingerbread Cookies)
- These spiced cookies are a holiday favorite, especially during Christmas. They are often decorated with icing and shaped into various festive forms, such as stars, hearts, and trees.
Estonian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history, culture, and environment. Hearty, flavorful, and simple, it’s a cuisine that’s perfect for cold winters and long summer nights.