Estonian cuisine has radically changed over the last hundred years, as have our eating habits, preparation technology and access to produce.

The Estonian Food Academy started a contest called «Estonia's New National Dish», and its purpose was to bring forgotten dishes back to life but with a modern twist to see how the Estonian food culture has actually evolved. The contest was launched so that it would result in a new national dish – a present for Estonia's centenary in 2018. They received hundreds of recipes in 2016 and 2017, mostly from food bloggers and regular home cooks.

A professional panel handpicked 40 best recipes. During eight events, all chosen recipes were tried and tested under the watchful eyes of professional instructors and the improved and final versions of all recipes are included in the cookbook you are currently holding.