Estonia is a small country located in the Baltic region of Europe. It is bordered by Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia, and has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. Estonia is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities.
When it comes to food, Estonia has its own unique culinary identity that combines influences from neighboring countries as well as its own traditional dishes. The mainstays of Estonian cuisine are simple yet flavourful dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients such as potatoes, fish, and pork.
Soups are an integral part of Estonian cuisine and there are many different kinds to choose from. Some popular soups include herring soup (kalasupp) which is made with fish stock and vegetables; pea soup (hernesupp) which includes peas, smoked bacon, carrots and potatoes; and sauerkraut soup (hapukapsasupp), which is made with sauerkraut and smoked pork.
Breads are also very popular in Estonia and there are many different types to try such as rye bread (rukkileib), spelt bread (kasepurgileib) and oat bread (kaeraleib). These can be enjoyed by themselves or served alongside other dishes such as cheese or sausage.
Fish is a staple of Estonian cuisine and the country’s extensive coastline provides plenty of fresh seafood options such as herring (heeringas), whitefish (valgekala) and salmon (lõhe). Fish can be eaten in a variety of ways including grilled, fried or even smoked.
Meat, particularly pork, is also widely used in Estonian cooking. Popular dishes include sült – boiled pork with mashed potatoes – as well as blood sausage (verivorstid), which is usually served with mashed potatoes or sautéed cabbage.
Estonian cuisine also features several desserts such as kissel – a sweet stew made from berries – as well as kama – a mixture of roasted barley flour, oats and sour cream that can be served either hot or cold.
In conclusion, Estonia’s diverse culinary culture is one that combines influences from nearby countries with its own traditional recipes featuring local ingredients like potatoes, fish, meats like pork and various types of breads. From soups to desserts there’s something for everyone in Estonian cuisine!
What food is Estonia famous for? Estonia is famous for its soups, fish dishes like herring soup or whitefish, meat dishes like sült or blood sausage; various types of breads; sweet berry stews; oat-based desserts like kama; and much more!