This article introduces great coffee shops in Tallinn where you will never be disappointed in the quality of your coffee. Also, in an age of distance learning, it is useful to know where you can write your thesis - this article is written so that you can confidently step into the place and know what to expect.
To introduce specialty coffee to our readers, I asked Keit Lillemäe, the founder of one of the first specialty coffee shops in Tallinn, some introductory questions.
L: What is specialty coffee?
K: Specialty coffee is coffee that has received special attention from planting to your cup. Every stage is “special”, and surrounded by people that work with great determination. The farmer growing the coffee, the person buying the green coffee bean, roaster and at last, your barista, who pours it into a wonderful drink. Usually this process is closely monitored and all this information is available on the coffee package. Specialty coffee does not sit for a year before being consumed, as is normal with regular coffee, because the unique aroma and taste of each bean is crucial to preserve.
L: Why care where your coffee comes from?
K: The origin of the coffee bean is very important. Firstly, it is important that it is ensured that all the workers involved in the process are paid fairly and that they can work in humane conditions. We also want to know the name of the farmer, to acknowledge his hard work, because it is thanks to them that we can enjoy this special and rich drink. As it is with wine, it is not enough for it to be labeled “Wine” and to know if it’s red or white (robusta or arabica). We want to know which country and region it comes from to know what to expect from the crop in terms of flavor - all this differs greatly from country to country. It is exactly the same with specialty coffee.
L: Why is specialty coffee worth the expense?
K: Every single thing that is made with special care and love, is worth the expense. We cannot assume that a handknit wool sweater is comparable to a half-polyester, half-wool sweater from H&M. It is a simplistic comparison, but it summarises the answer. And you can’t lie that you made the sweater by hand if you ordered it from Aliexpress or somewhere, trying to sell it for more money. This is fraud. In the world of coffee, regular coffee cannot be priced the same as specialty coffee. It is crucial to know what kind of bean was used to make your coffee. Ask your barista! Ask who grew the coffee, when and by whom it was roasted and what is the best method of preparation to get the truest taste out of it. If the barista knows the answers to these questions, then the price is, in itself, justified.
When I was living in Norway, I was taken aback by their constant lighting of candles, fluffing up pillows, dimming the lights. The term “koselig” (“hygge” being the Danish equivalent) was thrown around every day. Norwegians believe in the power of environment. What they were doing created an atmosphere of warmth, cosiness and home. But what if you need the opposite? A place where you feel awake and alert and focused? Your environment truly matters and informs your actions to an extent. That’s why it is sometimes difficult to study at home - we tend to associate the space with rest, leisure time. That’s why I prefer to study in libraries or cafes and I have quite a lot of experience weighing the options because I’m also quite picky about coffee.
PS! All of these coffee shops are pay-at-the-counter!
Fika
Active environment
Can get a little chilly
Good for group meetings
(that don’t last more than an hour if you have laptops)
Daily coffee is good when fresh
Extra for non-dairy milks
Only one outlet
Pretty latte art
Tasty pastries, sandwiches and salads
Hektor
Amazing atmosphere
Really nice for hours of focused study
Friendly staff
Back room more quiet
Many outlets available
If you ask nicely, you’ll get a tour of the hotel
Not the best coffee shop in town (but it doesn’t need to be)
Paper Mill
Supergood coffee
bean supplier for other coffee shops like Fika and Rost
Many power sources upstairs
Loud music/atmosphere even if there is not that many people
Louder on the second floor
Super friendly staff (more than Estonians normally)
Pastries and sandwiches
Very popular but usually there is room
Not good for following a lecture in zoom
Support a local roastery!
The Brick Coffee Roastery
+/- Constant white noise from the roast machine
+ Backroom more private
+ Very Good coffee
+ Cheaper than other coffee shops
+ Support a local roastery
Lisanna kohvik (Suur)
Support a local, woman-owned cafe
vegan
Large selection of non-dairy milks with no extra charge
Cosy, there’s a quiet back room as well
Good cakes
Thanks for reading, enjoy your coffee!
Written by Lisanna Beckner
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