One can really experience a culture simply through the foods they consume. I have tried a variety of foods in Estonia. A couple of the new things I’ve experienced are the ice cream, the soups my host family has made me, my breakfast routine, and bites to eat at the cafes around Tallinn.
The first thing I want to talk about is the ice cream culture here. The weather can be a little flippant in Estonia, a light drizzle in the morning, but a warm sunny day by the afternoon. It’s normal to head to the grocery store or the local ice cream shop to get a little treat. If you look, there is history and culture even hidden in the ice cream. For example, Balbiino is an Estonian ice cream brand that dates back to the Soviet era. Another ice cream tradition I’ve tried in Estonia is ice cream with jam, which I find simply delightful, and I will definitely be taking this tradition back with me to the States.
My host family has also made me a variety of traditional dishes. I’ve had all types of soups like Shi, Borche, and chicken soup. All of them are lovely and hardy; they are an amazing complement to Estonia’s quickly changing weather. I loved the Shi my host family made; it’s a hardy blend of cabbage and vegetables that heals the soul. I’m glad to know that a good bowl of soup transcends cultures. In addition, breakfast here looks much different than in the United States. On most days, I eat salted salmon or trout on bread, with a cheese, a hard-boiled egg, and some cut-up cucumber. Or sometimes I will eat meat paste instead of salted salmon, and then I will have a little tea and chocolate after I am done. This is completely different than how I eat breakfast in America. It is a welcome change, and quality salmon is cheap in Tallinn. I almost wish I could sneak some home in my suitcase.
One cannot talk about Europe without talking about cafes. There are a multitude of cafes in Esontia, and I’ve been to more than I can count here. Their croissants and cinnamon buns are much different from those in America; I’ve even had a freshly made cinnamon roll with granules of sugar on it instead of powdered sugar or icing. I have to mention, of course, the lovely, small, family-owned cafes around Tallinn. Even while I was waiting for a cup of tea one time, I could see an Estonian baker putting fresh cinnamon rolls in the oven while I waited. Eclairs are also a common item here, and most things come in mango, tiramisu, or caramel flavor in Estonia. In which I have found a new love for mango eclairs and tiramisu.
In conclusion, every day is a new opportunity to experience a new cultural exchange through food in Tallinn. There is a lovely mix of cultures roosting in the old city, pelemeni, shi, and ice cream with jam.