Visit the historic Maiasmokk Marzipan shop at the oldest cafe in Tallinn, Estonia.
Maiasmokk Cafe has been serving up sweet treats since 1864 and is known for its amazing marzipan creations.
The shop is located near the main square of Old Town of Tallinn, and it’s definitely worth a visit!
Look for the giant Ferris wheel displayed in the cafe’s window.
Maiasmokk Ferris Wheel
The famous ferris wheel at Maiasmokk Cafe in Old Tallinn Estonia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@
Inside Maiasmokk Cafe
When you step inside the cafe, you’ll be transported to a magical world of marzipan delights.
The marzipan figures and sculptures on display are truly works of art, and the smell of fresh marzipan will make your mouth water.
Maiasmokk is the perfect place to try marzipan for the first time. The staff will be more than happy to help you choose the perfect treat.
Find out more about the top things to do in Tallinn.
What is marzipan?
Some say marzipan was first created in Tallinn, although Italy, Spain, Germany and a few other countries also make this claim.
Marzipan is made from sugar, finely ground almond meal, and egg whites. It can be flavoured with different spices or extracts.
It is lightly kneaded into a dough-like paste and then rolled, hand-shaped, or pressed into molds.
It is often used to decorate cakes and pastries.
Maiasmokk’s marzipan is some of the best I’ve ever had – it’s so flavorful and delicate!
Maiasmokk Marzipan Painting
This sweet shop is known for its amazing marzipan creations, which are almost too pretty to eat!
The staff at Maiasmokk are experts in the art of marzipan-making, and they take great pride in their work.
Watch marzipan painting in the Marzipan Room of the historic cafe, shop and museum.
The entrance to the Marzipan Room is through the Cafe.
One of the most popular activities at Maiasmokk is marzipan painting.
For a small fee, you can shape and paint your own marzipan creation in 30-60 minutes. This is a great activity for kids and adults alike.
History of Maiasmokk Cafe
Maiasmokk has been a popular spot in Tallinn for over 150 years.
The cafe was originally opened by Georg Stude, a talented Baltic German confectioner. He created many of the marzipan sculptures that are still on display today.
Stude’s exclusive marzipan technology and molds continue to be used at the Kalev confectionery factory.
Artists at the Kalev Maiasmokk Cafe handmake and hand-paint marzipan characters.
Sign outside the Maiasmokk the oldest cafe in medieval Tallinn Estonia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The Kalev Maiasmokk Marzipan Museum Room
The Kalev Maiasmokk Cafe has a special museum room where you can learn all about marzipan and its history.
Did you know that before marzipan was a sweet culinary treat it was used as medicine?
During the Middle Ages, marzipan was made by a chemist and was given as out as a medicine to treat stomach ailments.
The Marzipan Room is decorated with marzipan sculptures and paintings, and there are also displays that explain the history of the cafe and its famous sweets.
The fine art of marzipan painting at Maiasmokk the oldest cafe in medieval Tallinn Estonia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The amazing display of delicious sweets at Maiasmokk the oldest cafe in medieval Tallinn Estonia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
If you’re lucky enough to visit Kalev Maiasmokk Cafe during the holiday season, you’ll be treated to an even more festive atmosphere.
The shop is decorated with Christmas lights and holiday-themed marzipan creations.
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