In Estonia today, it’s a chilly minus 20. Battling my way out to feed the birds, while mates in Australia say it’s summer, hitting over 30 degrees. Despite this significant weather contrast, what unites our countries is the cherished Pavlova dessert.
Culinary Inspiration
This delightful treat, Pavlova, is crafted from meringue, whipped cream, and adorned with fresh fruits and berries. Creating this dessert requires expertise and skills, and I am unlikely to attempt making it anytime soon.
To make the meringue base, culinary experts whip egg whites with regular and vanilla sugar, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and white wine vinegar. The mixture is then baked in the oven, where it becomes incredibly soft, thanks to the addition of cornstarch – that’s what sets it apart from regular meringue.
Pavlova emerged as a tribute to the renowned Russian dancer Anna Pavlova during or after her visits to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. Captivated by the ethereal costumes of the ballerina, a chef aimed to embody that impression in a delicate and airy dessert. Over time, Pavlova has become an integral part of the national cuisines of both Australia and New Zealand, even available in supermarkets.
Everyday Tastes of Estonia
In Estonia, Pavlova has firmly established itself as a near-national dish, boasting both classic renditions and diverse variations. Whether in roadside cafes, on farms in the middle of nowhere, or in the vibrant city of Tallinn, you’ll encounter this airy dessert. Interestingly, there are two cafes called Pavlova that focus entirely on making this delightful treat. They offer about a dozen variations based on the classic recipe and are conveniently located near the Old Town.
The popularity of a dessert from Australia and New Zealand in Estonia may seem perplexing. It’s unlikely to be tied to the ballerina herself, as her story belongs to days long gone. More likely, the recipe has simply resonated with locals, much like other meringue-based desserts. For instance, meringue roulade with assorted berries is also highly favored. Regardless, Pavlova is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. While Pavlova holds a special place during Christmas in Australia and New Zealand, in Estonia, there’s no strong association with any particular holiday.
So, if the idea of jetting off to Australia seems a bit much, fret not! You can savor the meringue bliss of Pavlova in chilly Estonia.
Where to Sample Pavlova in Tallinn
In Estonia’s capital, numerous cafes and restaurants present the delightful Pavlova dessert. Here are a few spots in the Old Town or its vicinity:
- Pavlova Cafe, Tallinn, Poordi 3 (close to the ferry terminals).
- Pavlova Cafe, Tallinn, Viru väljak 4/6 (Viru Keskus).
- Moon, Tallinn, Võrgu 3.
- Cafe Maiasmokk, Tallinn, Pikk 16 (a minute’s walk from the Town Hall).
- RUKIS Kohvik ja Pagarikoda Tallinn, Viru 11 (a minute’s walk from the Town Hall).
However, this list is far from exhaustive. In Tallinn, you’ll find numerous fantastic patisseries and cafes, and the chances of encountering Pavlova are quite high.
