If you find yourself in Estonia during the winter holidays, enjoying a local Christmas dinner is a must. Find out why the Christmas feast is such a meaningful event, which Estonian dishes to look for, and where you can have a feast of your own. 

Winter sustenance 

The Estonian way of life is based on the turning of the seasons and the bounty of nature. Berries are collected in the summer, while fruits, vegetables, grains, potatoes and mushrooms are harvested in the autumn. These goods, along with farmed and wild game meats, are pickled, salted, smoked and otherwise preserved to fill the pantries through the winter. With the advent of commercial markets it is no longer essential to preserve goods at home, however the practice remains popular in the countryside and is increasingly making its way back into modern day kitchens.

Classic dishes and traditions 

Winter dishes are hearty and filling, to provide energy and warmth in the cold weather. The food of the Christmas feast is no exception, and staples include verivorst (blood sausage), sült (jellied head cheese), hapukapsas (sauerkraut), oven-roasted potatoes and pork. Special Christmas bread is baked along with gingerbread, often an activity for the whole family. Apples and mandarin oranges are also enjoyed as Christmas treats.

The Christmas meal itself, eaten on Christmas Eve or the night of Christmas, is an important family event originating from pagan times. There were to be seven, nine or twelve servings of food to bring good luck and plenty for next year's harvest. Food was to remain on the table all night long, and it was forbidden to peek under the table, for this was a sacred place where spirits dwelled and any food dropped was left there.

Where to dine 

The following restaurants offer holiday fare to give you a taste of Christmas in Estonia.

Tasty suggestions for Estonian Christmas dinner:

• Olde Hansa, a medieval restaurant in Tallinn's Old Town, recreates a 15th century dining experience, complete with candlelight and live music.
• Kaerajaan's interior and menu are inspired by traditional Estonian cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy your Christmas dinner by Tallinn's Town Hall Square.
• Farm, one of Estonia's top restaurants, combines the rustic elements of local Estonian products with high class culinary performance in central Tallinn.
• Kolu kõrts (the Kolu Inn) is an authentic 19th century tavern relocated to the grounds of the Estonian Open Air Museum that serves delicious national dishes and something special for Christmas.
• Kuldse Notsu Kõrts, in Tallinn, cooks traditional Estonian recipes handed down for generations, so expect some regional cheeses and sausages in your Christmas dinner.
• Cafe Kroon, in Pärnu, was established during the era of the previous Estonian currency - the kroon - and serves new interpretations of popular local specialties like pork roast, sauerkraut and potato salad.
• Põhjaka manor, in central Estonia, has an international recognised kitchen offering national cuisine made from raw, local ingredients. The building itself dates back to the 19th century.
• At Püssirohukelder, in Tartu, you can enjoy your Christmas in a unique gun powder cellar turned restaurant with high ceilings and hearty Estonian and German dishes.
• Also in Tartu, the Hansa Tall tavern is constructed in Hanseatic style for a cosy medieval atmosphere on Christmas.
• MEKK is located at the edge of Tallinn's Old Town and serves modern Estonian cuisine.