Tallinn Bun Fest 2026 – the best vastlakukkels in Tallinn
In the weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the streets of wintry Tallinn fill with the delicious smell of cardamom, fresh pastries and whipped cream. The kitchens of cafés are hard at work. BunFest opens the doors to the kitchen side of Tallinn's café culture, where every pastry tells its own story.
Tallinn BunFest will take place from 15 January to 17 February, with over 40 cafés and bakeries across the city participating. The festival offers visitors several experiences at once. You'll have the chance to explore Tallinn's diverse café culture, discover different areas of the city and experience Shrove Tuesday traditions in a modern context.
Several cafés offer gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan buns, so there is something for everyone.
Below you will find a list of all the cafés participating in BunFest and a map with the locations of the cafés at the end of the page.
Sweet tip: At the Tourest travel fair on 13–15 February 2026, you can enjoy travel inspiration and treat your sweet tooth at the Tallinn Bun Fest pop-up café.
Old Town
In the historic Old Town you'll find delicious traditional Shrove Tuesday buns with jam and whipped cream, but many cafés also offer special treats such as Shrove Tuesday buns with ice cream and croissant buns.
Kristiine and Mustamäe
Kristiine and Mustamäe are quiet residential districts, home to several cafés loved by locals. Naturally, wonderful buns to suit every taste are also on offer here.
Rocca Al Mare and Traditional Estonian Shrove Tuesday Food at the Estonian Open Air Museum
The traditions of Estonians are honoured by the Estonian Open Air Museum's Kolu Inn, where you can sample not only Shrove Tuesday buns but also Shrove Tuesday dishes that have been on the tables of Estonian peasants for centuries. Nowadays, many Estonians still eat pea soup on Shrove Tuesday, and you can try it at the museum's tavern. They also offer pearl-barley porridge with salted meat and pig’s trotter with vegetable stew.
