Estonia's most authentic dish is the best thing since sliced bread.
In Estonia, they take bread to a whole new level. Estonian rye and the bread made from it is a tradition that dates back over 1,000 years to when Estonia was the main rye exporter throughout Europe. Since then, consuming Estonian rye bread has moved beyond the idea of a reliable staple to somewhat of a sacred ritual practiced daily by its citizens. Loaves can be found on every table in the country, and each family has their own recipe and superstitions behind this dark dough.
Some of these superstitions include kissing your bread as a sign of respect after accidentally dropping it on the floor. Another quirky proverb involves bread and the marriage proposal, “Paneme leivad uhte kappi,” which loosely translates to “we should keep our bread in the same cabinet.”
Here are the best places to try Estonian rye bread, also known as leib in Tallinn.