Estonia is an emerging destination for food lovers seeking something a little different. With a culinary landscape shaped by its forests, coastlines, and farm traditions, Estonian cuisine offers a rich mix of Nordic, Russian, and German influences. It’s hearty, seasonal, and inventive, which is perfect for foodies who love discovering hidden gems.

During our recent City Girl Network press trip, we tasted our way across Tallinn and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, uncovering the most iconic and authentic dishes Estonia has to offer. From rye bread and blood sausage to wild berries and fermented dairy, this guide highlights the must-try traditional Estonian dishes that belong on every food adventurer’s checklist.

1. Kama

Start your day like a true Estonian with kama, a powdery mix of roasted barley, rye, oat, and pea flour. While traditionally stirred into kefir or yoghurt, kama also shines as a sweet treat—often served with whipped cream, ice cream, or berry jam. It’s nutty, lightly sweet, and surprisingly satisfying.

Fun Fact
Kama isn’t just tasty: it’s great for digestion too. Its mix of whole grains and probiotics (when paired with kefir) has kept Estonians going since ancient times.

*Mulgipuder at* *iiuMekk Restaurant, Hiiumaa*

2. Mulgipuder (Barley Mash with Bacon)

Comfort food at its finest, this dish blends mashed potatoes with barley and is usually topped with crispy bacon and fried onions. It’s creamy, savoury, and feels like a hug in a bowl. Traditionally from the southern Mulgimaa region, some versions swap the potato for cabbage, making it even heartier and more rustic.

Fun Fact
The name Mulgipuder literally means “Mulgi porridge,” referring to the Mulgi people of South Estonia. The original version likely used cabbage instead of potatoes—potatoes only became widely used in Estonian cuisine in the 19th century!

*Fresh Leib devoured at* *Pädaste Manor Hotel*

3. Leib (Black Rye Bread)

No Estonian meal is complete without leib. This dark, dense rye bread is slightly sour and often served with butter, herring, egg, or smoked meats. It’s more than a side, it’s a symbol of national identity and pride.

Our wheat intolerant founder, Pippa, was particularly excited about Leib as she could finally join in with eating the same bread as everyone else at dinner! She loved it so much, she took a loaf home.

4. Silgusoust (Baltic Herring)

For a taste of the coast, try silgusoust—a traditional dish made with Baltic herring, often paired with potatoes, onions, or eggs. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it experience, but one that speaks deeply of Estonia’s Baltic Sea heritage. Salty, bold, and unmistakably fresh.

*Photography by Kairi Tähe, Visit Estonia*

5. Verivorst (Blood Sausage)

A winter favourite, verivorst is Estonia’s answer to black pudding. These spiced blood sausages are often served with sauerkraut and lingonberry jam, especially around Christmas. Earthy, rich, and totally festive.

*Photography by Renee Altrov ,Visit Estonia*

6. Estonian Cheese & Honey Pairings

Estonia’s dairy scene is a quiet treasure—expect mild cheeses paired with wildflower honey, herbal teas, or sour jams. It’s a delicate, balanced way to end a meal.

*Photography by Nele Erikson, Visit Estonia*

7. Forest Flavours: Juniper, Chanterelles & Sea Buckthorn

Estonian cuisine is heavily influenced by the wild—think juniper berries, chanterelle mushrooms, sea buckthorn, and spruce tips. These forest-foraged ingredients appear in everything from soups to desserts.

*Spotted: A Kohuke on the ferry to Hiiumaa*

8. Kohuke

This quirky snack is an Estonian classic: a chocolate-covered bar of sweetened curd cheese. We found our first one in the fridge on the ferry to Hiiumaa and couldn’t resist a try.

Steph gave it a 4/10 as it didn’t quite satisfy her sweet tooth, but she wanted to emphasise that it tastes better than it smells. The texture is like firm, sweetened cottage cheese with a fermented kick, so it’s one for fans of kefir or tangy dairy.

Fun Fact
Kohuke is a childhood favourite in Estonia and comes in dozens of flavours, from vanilla to caramel to cherry.

9. Estonian Craft Drinks

Don’t leave without trying local craft beverages. Whether it's juniper-infused gin, wild berry ciders, or the legendary Vana Tallinn liqueur, there’s something unique on every menu.

*Juniper-infused pickled cucumbers by Visit Saaremaa*

10. Pickled Cucumbers

No Estonian table is complete without a jar of pickled cucumbers—usually made with dill, garlic, and mustard seeds. Crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet, they’re the perfect palate cleanser between bites of rich, meaty dishes.

Pippa went to Estonia with a “take it or leave it” attitude towards pickles, and returned a fanatic!

Fun Fact
Pickling is a long-standing tradition in Estonia, used to preserve seasonal produce through the long winters. You’ll also find pickled mushrooms, pumpkin, and even watermelon on local menus.

*A delicious platter or fish, Leib and cottage cheese at* *Sörwespa Nature Resort*

Final Thoughts

Estonian food is rustic yet refined, with a strong sense of place. It’s driven by nature, tradition, and a growing movement of chefs reinterpreting the past in creative new ways. Whether you're enjoying kama on a quiet island morning or digging into rye bread in a buzzing Tallinn bistro, you’re in for a delicious surprise.

Whilst Silgusoust (Baltic Herring) is a very traditional dish for multiple celebratory occasions, fish in general is a staple food ingredient in Estonia cuisine. Our trip saw us eat so much fresh fish and vegetables that our skin was glowing within 5 days!

A Foodie’s Guide to Estonia: Must-Try Traditional Dishes