Latvian popular dishes Auksta Zupa. Some of the most popular traditional dishes include grey peas with bacon, sourdough bread, and piragi, a type of pastry filled with bacon and onion. These savory pastries are often served with a cup of tea or coffee. From savory pastries to hearty soups, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The best of May 15, 2025 · Frikadeļu zupa is a Latvian meatball soup with numerous variations and recipes. 20). The country’s harsh winters have always required conserving food. Feb 19, 2025 · Rye Bread – A Staple of Latvian Cuisine. Rye bread soup Traditional Food To Eat In Riga Latvia. Riga traditional dishes offer a unique insight into Latvian culture. Make use of the filter system to check out these specialties in alphabetical order, key ingredients, tastes, dish types, cooking methods, and popularity around the world. This traditional Latvian dish consists of boiled peas served with fried bacon. Key Takeaways. It is also worth pointing out that, although it is a small country, there are important regional dishes and regional variations on national dishes. Latvia is in Northern Europe and it sits on the shore of the Baltic Sea. Dec 18, 2023 · These dishes that have been passed down from generations ago reflect upon the harsh winters of northern Europe, but also the accessibility to fresh seafood near the Baltic Sea. Some of the most popular dishes include potato pancakes, grey peas with bacon, sautéed sauerkraut with smoked meat, and rye bread soup. The base of the dish is beef broth, into which pearl barley, onions, potatoes, lemon juice, and finely chopped sorrel leaves are gradually added. May 15, 2022 · It’s no surprise that there are heavy dishes here, frequently accompanied by sweet desserts. So, Latvians have mastered in making fruit jams, pickled vegetables, salted meat and smoked fish. May 15, 2025 · Rupjmaizes kārtojums is a traditional and fairly simple Latvian dessert consisting of dark rye bread, whipped cream or cream cheese, and cranberry jam. Most iconic: LIDO. Cooking Latvian: learn to cook with the best authentic Latvian recipes. You learn so much about a culture through its food. The restaurant may be located in an old barn, but the food is both hearty and excellent. Aug 19, 2023 · Explore the world of popular Latvian dishes, learning about the traditional food, the rich history behind them and where to try them in Riga. One of the most popular recipes in this category is the Latvian Bacon Buns (Pîrâgi). The “new Australian ” attitude prevailed around the time (1950’s)so sadly I was never taught Latvian. g. It’s often served with kefir and/or rye bread. Latvian Appetizers is a collection of traditional and flavorful recipes that are perfect for any occasion. #6 Latvian meatballs. Are you heading to Latvia and not sure what to order? Well we go through the tastiest treats you can eat in Latvia from sashlik to the cabbage to the pink so May 4, 2025 · Rupjmaizes kārtojums is a traditional and fairly simple Latvian dessert consisting of dark rye bread, whipped cream or cream cheese, and cranberry jam. One of the most popular recipes in this category is Latvian Sauerkraut. Latvia is covered with forests A true Latvian classic, this dish is made of boiled grey peas mixed with fried onions and bacon (speck). Karbonāde schnitzel) to “weirder” ones such as pig’s feet, head, or ears. Jul 6, 2016 · Main Dishes. While yes, there is often potatoes, pork, smoked meats and fish on the menus, there is more to Latvian food than that. We’re sharing some of the best classic Latvian dishes. Black rye bread is the staple Most popular Latvian dishes in Riga. Signature dishes like grey peas with ham and rye bread are must-tries. Most traditional recipes suggest cranberry jam because of its sourness, but other fruit jams can be used instead. This time, we're hopping to the Baltic to try Latvian piragi. May 13, 2025 · Latvian cuisine is defined by hearty, comforting dishes that reflect the country's history and natural resources. Jul 27, 2024 · 1. This is Latvia’s national dish, and I would have liked to make it but the grey peas were going to be expensive to buy and take a month to get here! Jan 31, 2020 · In addition to the traditional foods, you'll also find a growing number of contemporary restaurants. But pelekie zirni can also be found as part of a range of different home cooked meals in Latvia. Some of the most popular street foods in Latvia include piragi, cepelini, and sklandrausis. May 12, 2024 · This guide will help you navigate the city’s food scene and immerse yourself in the authentic tastes of Latvia, unearthing hidden gems and must-try dishes on your journey. Other Popular Latvian Dishes. Latvia. While the destination has been increasing in popularity over recent years and there are many things to do in Latvia on holiday, most tourists Jan 8, 2022 · Pīrāgi are bread rolls that are traditionally filled with bacon and onions, and which originate from the Baltic state of Latvia. Apr 12, 2024 · The first Latvian dish to be awarded ‘Traditional Speciality Guaranteed’ status by the European commission (next to specialities such as champagne and gorgonzola), sklandrausis is a tart made from rye pastry and filled with carrots and potatoes. 9. 8. May 13, 2025 · Latvia boasts a diverse array of street foods that are both delicious and affordable. There are plenty of traditional Latvian dishes made from mushrooms, but the most delicious must be fried boletus with salt, rye bread, and herb-flavored butter. Dec 15, 2020 · Rife with wholesome dishes, organic vegetables, and breathtakingly fresh seafood, Latvian food is one of the Baltic's best-kept secrets. Sugar has only been commonly used in Latvia since the 19th century. What to eat in Latvia? In the heart of Riga's old town, near the Stone Bridge, you'll find Milda — one of the best spots to sample a variety of traditional Baltic dishes, with a special emphasis on Latvian cuisine. From cozy restaurants to the bustling markets, dining in Riga offers a delightful journey through Latvian dishes. Other popular Latvian dishes include cold sour cream soup, Latvian pastries filled with bacon or vegetables, and Latvian sausage known as “rūgtā desa. Let’s round up some of the most popular Latvian desserts. Rye Bread (Rupjmaize) Jul 24, 2022 · Similar dishes, such as curd tart, bacon handpies, braided cakes, fish in aspic, pickled herring, liver pate, sorrel soup, mushroom soup, milk soup, goose roast, blood pudding, fried boletes, potato pancakes, barley porridge and others, are called differently in different source: “Latvian national cuisine/Latvian national kitchen Apr 12, 2016 · The last entry in my series of national dishes was Kazakhstan's beshbarmak. Latvian Latvian cuisine is quite influenced by the various countries the territory of Latvia has been part of. Dishes like German sauerkraut and different types of schnitzels and Eastern European / Russian soups like borscht and "solanka" are considered somewhat traditional. Where to try it: Head to Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs, a popular traditional tavern in Old Town with a great atmosphere and an excellent Latvian menu. Another popular dish is the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and herbs, which is a delicious and healthy option. Nov 8, 2023 · This traditional Latvian food is a cold vegetable and cream soup. Mar 13, 2018 · Less well known than other cuisines, Latvian food is delicious and one of the top reasons to visit Latvia. Pelēkie Zirņi Ar Speķi – Gray Peas with Bacon Oct 23, 2017 · This grain-like crop is a popular side dish to many beloved homemade Latvian meats like pork cutlets and schnitzels as well as various cream-based meat sauces. Klingeris is a braided or pretzel-shaped sweet bread flavored with ground cinnamon, saffron, ground cardamom and dried fruits like raisins, prunes and currants. Dec 17, 2019 · Discover some of the best Latvian foods to try when visiting the capital city, Riga or elsewhere in Latvia. Other must-tries include sklandrausis, a sweet pie made with rye flour and carrot filling, and beetroot soup, which is commonly served with sour cream and potatoes. Perched on the Baltic Sea sandwiched between Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus, Latvia is often overlooked on European travel itineraries. May 13, 2025 · Another traditional Latvian breakfast dish is speķa pīrāgi, which are small pastries filled with bacon and onions. Her secret to deliciousness is hand-minced pork loin, a dash of sour cream, and lots of garlic cooking in the Feb 24, 2018 · Just an hour drive from Riga on the Riga-Tallin Highway, Mekes Krogs is a rustic restaurant serving Latvian traditional food straight from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. This category is a treasure trove of recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds with their unique flavors and textures. Are you looking for the best places to eat in Riga, Latvia? Look no further! This guide will help you decide where to eat in Riga, Latvia's capital. Oct 13, 2023 · Fish Dishes: Latvia’s proximity to the Baltic Sea and its many rivers means that fish is a significant part of the country’s cuisine. Wanna try? Syrniki is a dessert consisting of fried cottage cheese pancakes that are usually garnished with honey, fruit jam, sour cream, or applesauce. Here are the best Latvian foods to try while visiting Riga and the country. Jul 2, 2023 · Latvian cuisine showcases a rich mix of traditional and modern dishes. Jul 5, 2024 · So, let me present to you a quintessential Latvian lunch dish: meatballs (rissoles) served with potatoes and green salad. Potatoes are a popular side dish, and they are prepared in many versions (boiled, fried, mashed). onions, and bacon, but it will warm you up any day. Hiking and picnicking are considered national traditions. A cold soup with a vibrant pink color. Latvia gets a lot of their culinary influence from Russia, and therefore, similar to Russian Cuisine, Latvian food is hearty, rich, comforting. Some popular Latvian fish dishes include smoked fish, rye breaded fish, fish soup, and Latvian caviar, which showcase the country’s love for simple yet flavorful fish preparations. Ezītis miglā is a great place to try affordable and traditional Latvian food in Riga. They are usually made for special occasions and celebrations, and baked in large batches. So common, that it seems hilarious to find breakfast sandwich Continue reading What to Try in Mexico: 10 Traditional Delicious Dishes. This beautifully colored soup uses the abundant summer vegetables that grow in Latvia to produce a soup worth waiting all year for. Whether you are a local or a visitor, be sure to indulge in these mouth-watering dishes during your next trip to Latvia. Common Latvian breakfast ingredients Aug 25, 2024 · Celebratory Latvian meals are known for featuring several traditional dishes and being interspersed with song. Pork dishes range from the common mostly shared with neighboring countries (e. But sweet dishes quickly caught on: berry and fruit jellies, mousses, biscuits, flatbreads, cakes, and so on. A surprising amount of dill and caraway seeds are used for flavoring. Aukstā zupa. Six words you need to remember: Herring with Cottage Cheese and Potatoes (Kartupeļi ar siļķi un biezpienu). This recipe for rissoles comes from my vecmamma, and, as far as I am concerned, they are the best rissoles ever. This dish is perfect for a traditional Latvian dinner as it combines all of the most typical elements of the Latvian cuisine: fresh fish, cottage cheese and potatoes. The pronounced four seasons in Latvia result in a cuisine that is heavily influenced by the seasons, with each season having its own unique dishes and Mar 14, 2025 · Discover the rich tapestry of Riga’s food as we delve into the heart of Latvian cuisine. The national dish of Latvia! The dish is simple: gray peas. The Latvian word "skabeņu" comes from "skābs," which means "sour," and it accurately describes the taste of the soup. Here are the dishes of Latvia to start your exploration. Aug 11, 2023 · Skabeņu Soup is an extremely popular traditional Latvian sorrel soup. Expect rustic wooden tables, servers dressed in traditional Latvian dress and lots of beige, carby and incredibly delicious food. It’s simple, filling, and comforting—especially in colder months. Latvian cuisine is centered around locally sourced agricultural products, and meat is a major component of main dishes. Jan 22, 2024 · As a traditional Latvian birthday and holiday cake, klingeris is a beloved part of Latvian celebrations. It is flavored with bay leaves and peppercorns. For Latvia, Wikipedia suggests latke, and sure, Latvians eat potato pancakes, probably tons of them, but so does the rest Dec 28, 2015 · I read through some of your recipes and realised how “Latvian I was brought up (fed) – mum (Scheluchin)was born in Riga and married an Australian. These dishes showcase the traditional ingredients of Latvia, such as potatoes, pork, and rye, and are often served with a side of sour cream or Nov 24, 2022 · Food that is mostly associated with Danish cuisine, yet is so common in Latvia. Here are some of the popular traditional Latvian foods and dishes travelers will most likely see on a menu in Riga! Jun 28, 2024 · 22 Popular Latvian Dishes with Filters. Here are 5 Latvian dishes you should put on the menu! (Plus, what to drink with them and the best place to try them in Riga!) Dec 13, 2020 · Typical Ingredients in Traditional Latvian Food. The best Mexican food is made up of simple, hearty ingredients: beans, corn, meat, tortillas, potatoes. Nov 7, 2023 · Latvian food might not be synonymous with the world’s best cuisines however as somebody of Latvian heritage, travelling to Latvia enabled me to savour plenty of different foods that I had enjoyed growing up. May 24, 2025 · What to eat in Latvia? Top 23 Latvian Foods. However, savory sauces like guacamole or spicy salsa do not allow them to be called primitive. Grown and eaten in the Baltic region for centuries, buckwheat is a staple ingredient of Latvian food, and no kitchen pantry is imaginable without it. Some recipe variations also include caraways seeds, while others use sugar or honey. In 2013, sklandrausis received a " Traditional Speciality Guaranteed " designation from the European Commission . Latvians love pancakes, apples are also very popular in cooking. The soup is usually prepared with a combination of water, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Latvian food has developed its own unique style, taking influence from its history with and proximity to Russia Jun 6, 2023 · The national dish of Latvia is “pelēkie zirņi ar speķi,” also known as grey peas with bacon. Naming a single national dish for a whole country is a very artificial exercise. From savory to sweet, these appetizers are sure to please any palate. Beets, cucumbers, and milk sausage star in this soup, but the best part is the slightly pickled flavor from the vinegar in the soup. Aukstā zupa is a refreshing Latvian cold soup with an unusual Feb 28, 2025 · Traditional Latvian food is a reflection of the country’s agricultural heritage and maritime climate. Try Latvian drinks which complement the flavors of the food. Mar 15, 2021 · Potato pancakes can come with various toppings. Ours had smoked salmon on top, which is a perfect combination, but sour cream and speck sauce are also a popular topping. Vegetable Soup. Add some local sour cream on top of fried or steamed Pelmeni, and you have a finger-licking Latvian dish. Cabbage is also a popular side dish, both hot and cold. Sep 21, 2022 · Latvian dishes feature lots of dairy, potatoes, wheat, pork, fish, mushrooms, and eggs. These recipes aren’t just any recipes either, as they have been created by the world’s top food bloggers. Jan 5, 2021 · A popular traditional Latvian Christmas dish is to serve grey peas with bacon. Rooted in peasant culture, Latvian cuisine is characterized by its use of simple, locally sourced ingredients that have sustained the population for generations. Fish is also a popular choice due to Latvia’s location on the Baltic Sea. Explore 32 national, regional and local dishes and products of Latvia. Thin pancakes filled with cottage cheese or thicker varieties made with potato, and in this case, apple. ” Conclusion Nov 14, 2023 · 💴 Price range: € | ⭐️ Rating: 4. We have gathered some of the most common Latvian dishes for you to try: Putra - a hearty vegetable and grain porridge served with lard, smoked meat, or fish. Whether you're savoring a typical Latvian breakfast or indulging in festive Latvian Christmas food, there's something for every palate. 1. Riga is home to Europe's biggest food market, housed in five former Zeppelin hangars. From savory salads to hearty soups, from traditional pies to sweet bread, this category has it all. It has a strong texture and unique taste. Ate it? Rate it. . If you have a choice, choose the big peas over the small ones since they’re more traditional. Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi – a stew made from local grey peas, fried onions, and speck. They consist of an unleavened dough stuffed with minced meat and mushrooms. When talking about traditional Latvian bread, rye bread stands out. These dishes are not only delicious, but they also showcase the rich history and culture of Latvia. Even from a simple roll in lavash, local residents creat Sep 26, 2017 · Mushrooms are a big part of Latvian cuisine and during the autumn, people rush to the forests to pick fresh mushrooms for the upcoming year. Traditional Dishes of Latvian Cuisine. You’ll often find grey peas on the side of a dish with a meaty centerpiece. Sklandrausis is a traditional dish in Latvian cuisine which has a Livonian origin; it is a sweet pie, made of rye dough and filled with mashed potatoes and carrots and seasoned with caraway. Latvian Apple Pancakes from Belly Rumbles. 3. It is part of the Russian (where it's sometimes also called tvorozhniki), Belarusian, Ukrainian, Latvian and Lithuanian cuisine. Jul 7, 2022 · A very fatty dish, speck became widely popular in Latvia many centuries ago when villagers required more energy in order to work hard in the fields. Latvian rye bread has a deep history in the nation’s food culture. Meatballs, also called kotletes, are a popular dish in Latvian cuisine. There are several locations around the Latvian capital including the old town of Riga and the center. 5 | Style: hipster & cozy. One of the most traditional dishes prepared with this Latvian delicacy is pelēkie zirņi ar speķi which uses several different kinds of peas, combined with fried onions and the speck. Despite its humble origins, you can still find variations of this dish in many restaurants. Latvian cuisine is one of the top reasons to visit this city, so you won't want to leave without trying the local specialties. [ 16 ] Sep 4, 2024 · Latvian dumplings are pretty similar to the variety found in Mother Russia. Here, time-honored recipes are treated with utmost respect and further enhanced with a modern touch. The country has borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Conveniently, there are a few Lido outposts scattered throughout the city (main course palte with meat is around £4. qrxpuz zifb gaqxrjg gwuiw gfhvzwb ebzfje uceymc utebu zqdtfm vvhvw