One of the most exciting parts of going to a new country, especially one you've never been to before, is getting a taste of its food. Traditional cuisines differ from country to country. allowing for all sorts of flavors to flourish in different parts of the world. The richness of Italian cuisine tastes so far from the spiciness of Thai food. Though they bear a lot of similarities, Mexican food is still completely different and separate from Spanish cuisine in Spain. And when it comes to Estonian food, there are certain dishes here that you will not find anywhere else. Here are five of them!
Suitsukala
Translated to English, '
Suitsukala' is literally just 'smoked fish.' Since Estonia is known as the country located right beside the Baltic Sea, the nation has formed quite a fondness for seafood delicacies. Not the least of which, of course, with fish. And instead of frying, filleting, or grilling them, Estonians have taken it upon themselves to smoke them to their hearts' content. Most especially come springtime as fishing becomes popular activity during this season and local markets are filled with fish to smoke for days. Season them with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices and you've got yourself quite the dish!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Kiluvõileib
Speaking of fish, another dish that includes that's not just common, but also very popular in Estonia is a spray sandwich. Otherwise known as '
Kiluvõileib.' Since bread and fish are two of the main ingredients you'd find just about anywhere in the country, it's only natural that they would combine the two for one traditional delicacy. Apart from just fish, you can include vegetables, egg, and other delicious add-ons you'll find in the fridge or in the market. Notably,
Kiluvõileib makes for great comfort food to enjoy with others, as long as you're
not rude with your table manners here!
Source: Flickr.com/ Marco Verch Professional Photographer
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Black Bread
Before you decide not to try it because it sounds sinister, you might want to try biting into a load of black bread first. No, it's not the devil's food contrary to how it sounds or what it looks like. No, none of your insides would turn black when you eat it. Made out of rye flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast, black bread, also known as dark rye bread, is a fixture in Estonian dinner tables. They pair it with all sorts of spreads, vegetables, fruit, or meat. They even serve it whenever
there's a holiday too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Mulgipuder
Out of all the dishes on this list, a bowl of
Mulgipuder is undeniably the most traditional and most authentically Estonian. In fact, it's the only one here that wasn't an influence from a foreign cuisine.
Mulgipuder was made up by Estonians for Estonians and it's as fascinating as ever. It only consists of two ingredients: potatoes and groats, making it a favorite among vegans and vegetarians. If you want, you can add others, including meat or cheese, as well. But if you want that 100% Estonian taste, just potatoes and groats are enough!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Beetroot Salad
Want another vegan favorite? There's always a beetroot salad! Since beetroot is a seasonal vegetable that's abundant and popular in Estonia, it's no surprise that a salad made out of has become a mainstay in many people's daily meals. The crimson-colored vegetable makes for a nice pop of color on the dinner table too! Though it's a vegan/vegetarian favorite, those who don't follow such lifestyles have also mixed in some herring, hard-boiled eggs, pieces of meat, and more into the salad. Such a mix of flavors will totally take your taste buds into quite the spin!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Estonian cuisine may be far from the most popular in the world, but it doesn't have some very fascinating and undeniably delicious dishes. Here are five that you must try the moment you step foot in the country!
