The Onion Route, connecting two nationalities and three cultures, offers cultural experiences ranging from art to heritage walks and from fishing trips to karakat safaris. One of the region’s most beloved events is the annual Cafe Day, which this year takes place on September 7th. Guests can savour a variety of delicacies from gardens, forests, and the lake, with cafes dotting the lakeshore for miles!
The star of Cafe Day is the local onion, renowned and valued even in distant parts of Estonia. Each year, the event awards the best onion pie maker and the most eye-catching onion sales spot. In 2024, awards will also be given for the best onion jam. Marinating has been an important method for Estonians to preserve food and survive winter for centuries. The recipes for the best jams will be made public afterwards, allowing everyone to put a piece of the Onion Route in the jar at home!
The Onion Route is also known for its picturesque architecture and fascinating history, which means that in addition to food, the cafe spots deserve special attention as well. The stories of farmhouses and linear villages will be written in Estonian and English on the event’s website and on the walls and fences, providing visitors with intriguing tales to explore while enjoying their meals. These stories often offer valuable lessons, and without knowing the heritage of our homes and environment, we might miss out on many important aspects.
