Tourist Entertainment Guide For Tallinn

Whether it’s a tandoori from the hot clay ovens of north India or slippery noodles from a Szechwan wok, you’ll find it in Tallinn. The dining-out scene has hotted up now like never before. Gastronomical delights from the steamy kitchens of Mexico, from cool cafes of Paris, from the pizzerias of pretty Pisa have all found their way to the streets of Tallinn. The average local eatery will however be able to provide you varieties of pork and potatoes – rare, well-done, medium…herbs and tartar sauce or doused with wine sauce. Smoked fish is an area of Estonian culinary expertise: smoked trout or suitsukala is finger licking good food. At Christmas, verevorst or sausages prepared from fresh blood and vere pannkoogid or blood pancakes will definitely land on your plate: no matter what restaurant you are in, you’ll be offered it. The only excuse for this stomach churning gourmet delight is –"it’s tradition" – and that puts an end to all questions of where and why it came about.

From the regular pork chops and potatoes to the delights of pink smoked pike, Estonian cuisine is largely non-vegetarian. It’s available in plenty at cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs anywhere in the country. Vegetarians though, will have a slightly difficult time finding a variety so that each meal isn’t an exact replay of the previous.

Most speciality restaurants are in the high price category. Fast food places are cheaper and convenient for good, quick, filling meals. Snacks may be bought off the shelves at departmental and food stores, and budget travellers will find that cafes and bars are an inexpensive dining option.

Entertainment options vary from the cinema at the spanking new state-of-the-art multiplex, from cultural pursuits like theatre, dance and classical music at the Estonia Drama Theatre and the Estonia Theatre & Concert Hall to club crawling-pub hopping-bar trawling fun.