Estonian cuisine is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled in Northern Europe, Estonia’s food scene offers a unique blend of rustic, hearty flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Think cozy soups, rye bread, tender meats, and pickled everything—comfort food at its best.
If you’ve never tried Estonian recipes before, you’re in for a treat. Each dish on this list tells a story of tradition, simplicity, and bold flavors.
Whether you’re into savory pies or creamy desserts, you’ll find something here to crave.
Let’s dig into the 11 best Estonian recipes you need to experience at least once!
1. Rosolje (Estonian Beet and Potato Salad)
Ingredients:
- 2 medium beets, boiled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
- 1 large carrot, boiled and diced
- 4 pickles, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the beets, potatoes, and carrots until tender, then let them cool. Dice all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mix them in a large bowl.
Add the pickles, chopped boiled eggs, and red onion. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and mustard to create a creamy dressing.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper before pouring it over the salad. Toss everything gently until well combined.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Why Did This Make It to Our List?
Rosolje is a colorful and tangy salad that showcases Estonian flavors in every bite. With its creamy texture and earthy beets, it’s a perfect addition to any table.
2. Verivorst (Estonian Sausage Substitute with Buckwheat)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup cooked buckwheat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt, black pepper, and allspice to taste
- Natural sausage casings (optional)
How to Make It:
Mix the ground meat, cooked buckwheat, onion, garlic, egg, and spices in a large bowl.
If you’re using casings, stuff the mixture into them. If not, roll them into sausage-like shapes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Why We Chose It
This dish shows how Estonian cuisine turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Buckwheat adds a nutty flavor you won’t forget.
3. Värskekapsasupp (Fresh Cabbage Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 small cabbage, shredded
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
How to Make It:
Melt the butter in a large pot and sauté the onion until soft. Add the grated carrot and cook for another 3 minutes.
Toss in the cabbage and potatoes, then pour in the vegetable broth.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until the cabbage and potatoes are tender.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top.
Why Did This Make It to Our List?
Värskekapsasupp is a cozy, wholesome soup that’s like a warm hug on a cold day.
It’s simple, fresh, and packed with the goodness of vegetables.
salad with a delicious mix of earthy beets and tangy pickles—an Estonian classic you’ve got to taste.
4. Estonian Rye Bread (Leib)
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups rye flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make It:
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with honey. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Mix in the rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
Cover and let it rise for 1–2 hours. Shape into a loaf, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Why Did This Make It to Our List?
Leib is a staple of Estonian cuisine, and its rich, nutty flavor is perfect with soups, stews, or just butter. No Estonian meal feels complete without it.
5. Kiluvõileib (Sprat Sandwich)
Ingredients:
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- 8 smoked sprats (small fish)
- 2 boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Butter
How to Make It:
Spread butter on each slice of rye bread. Place two sprats on each slice, followed by slices of boiled egg and red onion.
Top with fresh dill for a burst of flavor. Serve immediately.
Why We Selected It
This open-faced sandwich is a quick and flavorful snack that highlights the simplicity and freshness of Estonian cuisine.
6. Kohupiimakreem (Estonian Curd Cream Dessert)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup curd cheese (or ricotta as a substitute)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh berries for topping
How to Make It:
Mix the curd cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Serve it chilled with fresh berries on top for a sweet, tangy treat.
Why Did This Make It to Our List?
Kohupiimakreem is light, creamy, and ridiculously easy to whip up—a dessert that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
7. Seljanka (Estonian Sour Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 pickles, diced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices and sour cream for garnish
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion until soft. Add the meat and brown it. Stir in the tomato paste, broth, pickles, and paprika.
Simmer for 30–40 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of lemon for that signature tangy flavor.
Why We Chose It
Seljanka is an explosion of savory and sour flavors that warms you from the inside out—a true comfort food.
8. Kama (Traditional Estonian Porridge)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kama flour (a mix of roasted barley, rye, oat, and pea flour)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Fresh berries for topping
How to Make It:
Mix the kama flour and buttermilk until smooth. Add sugar if you want a sweeter flavor. Serve cold with fresh berries on top.
Why Did This Make It to Our List?
Kama is a uniquely Estonian dish that’s simple yet packed with wholesome goodness—a healthy breakfast or snack you’ll want to repeat.
9. Estonian Potato Salad (Kartulisalat)
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup cooked carrots, diced
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Combine the potatoes, eggs, carrots, and peas in a bowl. Mix the sour cream and mayonnaise separately, then fold it into the salad.
Season with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.
Why We Selected It
Kartulisalat is a party favorite, with its creamy, tangy dressing and satisfying chunks of potato and veggies.
10. Lihapirukad (Estonian Meat Pies)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Prepare the dough by mixing flour, yeast, warm milk, egg, and butter. Let it rise for an hour.
Meanwhile, sauté the onion and ground meat until cooked. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
Add the meat filling, fold, and seal. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Why Did This Make It to Our List?
These golden pastries are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for snacking or a full meal.
11. Mannavaht (Semolina Mousse)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup semolina
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup fruit juice (cranberry or lingonberry)
- ½ cup sugar
How to Make It:
Bring the water and juice to a boil. Gradually whisk in the semolina and sugar, stirring constantly until thickened.
Let it cool, then whisk until fluffy. Serve chilled.
Why We Chose It
Mannavaht is light, airy, and just sweet enough—a unique Estonian dessert you won’t find anywhere else.
Conclusion
Estonian cuisine is all about simple ingredients turned into unforgettable meals.
From savory stews to light desserts, there’s something for every craving.
If you’re ready to explore new flavors, these recipes are the perfect way to start.