It’s a Saturday like none other. I am going to meet my younger sister from Multan, Pakistan. Just the thought of it makes me smile. It’s also a Saturday like every other. As always I have slept in until noon, and that makes me both happy and anxious.
Now I have to fast-forward through all my intended pre-lunch activities. I had to get from friends’ place one of the remaining sky laterns we had purchased for new year eve’s party. I wanted to add The little book of Hygge to the gift hamper. And, how can anything be complete without chocolate?!
It would be very hygge to have some cocoa flavored evenings, I think.
I hurry and I worry. Things happen only in and on destined time. That includes the arrival of Taxify cab.
I grab the half-shinning-silver half-translucent-pink shopping bag that in itself looks nothing less than a candy wrapper. I toss in some love, and run outside worrying that the cab might leave marking my Taxify request as “No show-up”1.
In no time I am on my way to the hipster part of Tallinn – Telliskivi.
My mind is impregnated with a dozen questions. Why does Telliskivi sound familiar? Is it close to Kriistine Keskus? Can I get some chocolate and/or cocoa from Marks & Spencer? May be I should have brought wrapping sheet and scissors with me? Why can’t a Taxify driver pick up customer requested item(s) on his way to the customer pickup point? Do I sound spoiled?
The newbie driver interrupts my valuable chain of thoughts as he struggles to interpret GPS directions and find Kolm Sibulat. I scan the area to see where we are, and suddenly realize why Telliskivi sounds familiar. This much talked about dining place is close to F-Hoone; one of my favourite brunch places in Estonia!
I am glad Kolm Sibulat had sent in confirmation of our reservation through both email and SMS. It is always safer to make reservation for a busy place. They got me to the restaurant, albeit ten minutes late. Not their fault.
The driver dropped me off by the roadside. The restaurant entrance is facing the intersection. It’s not a problem. I am just a few steps away.
I take a quick look at the house. The copper-colored onion-shaped lamp is visible from the window. I am at the right place. Exterior is worn out. It makes me wonder about the authenticity of online pictures and reviews.
One thing that I have relearned in Estonia is to never judge a book by its cover. You will be surprised on seeing the simple yet rich interiors of some of the places with shabby exteriors here. We blame the harsh weather. There are also ongoing economic difficulties affecting many households2.
1 “No show-up” is not the exact Taxify request status. Something similar, however, does exist. I have had an experience where a driver confirmed and didn’t show up. And, to much of my annoyance, he indicated that he was waiting but I didn’t show up.
2 This sentence was revised in January 2026. The original wording was reflective and non-judgemental, but also abrupt. The revised version aims to be more neutral and respectful.
| This post was written over multiple days, during a time when I was constantly refreshing the page with every small edit. The title was meant to focus on the dining experience at Kolm Sibulat , while also mentioning how I find the taste of coriander soap-like, yet still consume it because it is such an essential part of the South Asian culinary experience. Sesame seeds were another new and frequent addition to my taste buds, thanks to my Iranian dorm mates. Over time, they became an acquired taste, especially with the growing influence of Korean cuisine. The post was never completed, and I have chosen to leave it as it is. |