This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
Before moving to a new country, many of us worry about whether we will be able to find what we need, such as restaurants serving food from home, ingredients for familiar meals, or even our favorite fruits. Additionally, homesickness is a common experience when you are away from home. But I have found a simple fix to it all! It is to find things that remind you of home.
I have been in Estonia for over a year, and I can say that I have learned how to recreate little pieces of my homeland. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely doable. Estonia has a surprisingly diverse food scene, making it easier than expected to find comfort foods from all over the world.
According to Study in Estonia, most international students here come from countries like Finland, Ukraine, Russia, Nigeria, India, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Latvia, Turkey, the US, China, Iran, Georgia, Bangladesh, and Germany. Because of this, along with many other reasons like migration and tourism, over the years, numerous restaurants and stores representing different countries have emerged across Estonia. This gives students a taste of home while abroad.
One of the things I do to feel at home is cook comfort meals. I am no professional chef, but thanks to YouTube, I have become unstoppable in the kitchen! mixing, blending, and experimenting until I get it right. A staple used in breakfast in my country is fried dumplings. And I always found it challenging to make the perfect fluffy ones. But I finally nailed it! I even have the courage to make them for friends now, and they love it. Another dish I enjoy preparing is curry chicken, which instantly reminds me of home. The blend of spices and pepper takes me right back to Saturday dinners with my family.
The best part? The ingredients are easy to find here. Being from the Caribbean, our meals are full of spice, and I was thrilled to discover that both Tartu and Tallinn have African and Indian shops selling the very spices I use when cooking. These stores have been a lifesaver whenever I cannot find something in the larger supermarkets.
You will also find many cultural stores and restaurants across Estonia. I have come across places serving food from the Philippines, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Mexico, Germany, Georgia, Italy, China, and many more. No matter where you are from, there is always a taste of home to be found. And if you are ever craving something specific, Instagram is also a great resource, as many people sell home-cooked meals from their own countries. Estonia even hosts cultural events, like the Cultural Diversity Focus Days, where locals and internationals share food from around the world.
Being abroad also gives you the opportunity to experience other cultures. For example, at Study in Estonia, we hosted an international dinner featuring dishes from Estonia, India, Jamaica, the Philippines, and more. It was a wonderful reminder of how Estonia’s growing international community creates a space where everyone can share, connect, and celebrate their culture.
Being away from home does not mean you have to give up on comfort or familiar flavors. By cooking, visiting international stores, or attending cultural events, you can create your own little piece of home in Estonia. At the same time, do not forget to try Estonian cuisine; you might discover new favorites along the way.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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