Gourmet feast in Riga - what's there to try?

Every European country boasts its cuisine and makes it an iconic landmark attracting tourists with the richness of tastes and flavours; the gourmet tours let the tourists explore new sites while enjoying every bite of new dishes.

When food is in focus, mainly the same countries pop up in our minds – France and Italy, Portugal and Spain. But what if we shift our focus to north-eastern Europe and its central vein – Latvia – and uncover the secrets of their cuisine, as it certainly has a lot on offer?

Baltic countries are often off the list of most popular destinations, however, once you reach them, you become a fan of this place. Latvia prides itself on stunning nature, architecture that keeps the secrets of the century, vibrant nightlife, sturdy yet hearty people, and mouthwatering cuisine – is there anything else to wish for?

Latvian cuisine differs from the one you can find in central Europe due to the colder climate and cultural impact of the Soviet past. Let’s discover what dishes to try and where to eat in Riga, to feel the authenticity of its atmosphere.

Traditional Latvian foods

When visiting Latvia and its heart Riga, be ready for different experiences.

Latvian food is nutritious and filling, the one that lets people feel warm in rather harsh winter conditions or transitional seasonal periods. Latvians love pork, fish, dairy, vegetables, and everything that has to do with flour.

1.    Rupjmaize (Rye bread)

Bread is an integral part of every meal, given a rather tough Latvian history. Rye bread is simple, yet very nutritious, which in the past allowed a lot of people to survive during hard times.

Nowadays, life is different and certainly easier, however, the tradition of bread is unchangeable.

A piece of freshly baked rye bread and a bowl of hot soup in winter will let you feel the warmth spreading all over your body during the cold day; when eaten with cold soup in summer, it adds just enough energy to survive the hot temperatures, while refilling your energy levels.  

2.   Maizes Zupa (Rye bread soup/pudding)

After a bowl of the main dish, there is always a dessert on the way. Could you ever think of a dessert made out of bread? Latvians actually do it.

A Maizes Zupa is a mix of soggy rye bread, dried fruits, cinnamon, whipped cream, sugar, and water. Such a mix gives everyone a boost of energy and fills our body with vitamins and strength to perform our long walks around the city. 

3.   Aukstā Zupa (Cold beet soup)

Aukstā Zupa is a cold soup, which is the best refreshment for Latvians when the unbearable heat reaches +25 C.

Marinated or fresh beetroot, kefir (yogurt), cucumbers, boiled eggs and potatoes, dill, spring onions, and horseradish will make the basis of the soup, the sausages are optional. A bowl of cold soup will cool you down and give strength for all the tours around the city.  

4.   Frikadeļu Zupa (Bead soup)

Latvians love soups. While summer is celebrated with cold soups, winters require more filling meals.

The soup is made of balls of minced meat, potatoes, vegetables, and spices. Considering the low winter temperatures, the protein in soup will help the body keep the warmth.

 5.    Kartupeļu Pankūkas (Potato pancakes)

Potato is like the second bread for Latvians, which is why the list of dishes with potatoes is simply endless.

The potato pancakes are better eaten during the cold seasons, as they are quite nutritious, especially when served with sour cream. The taste of the pancakes is exquisite given their crunchy texture.

There is one possible downside of the pancakes — you just can’t help eating them, and stop only when there is nothing left on the plate.

6.    Asinsdesa (Blood sausage, Black pudding)

Asinsdesa is a rather controversial type of food, yet it certainly has an excellent taste.

Before ordering it, you should be aware that the main ingredients are barley groats, lard, lingonberries, pig intestines, and blood. However, if you don’t focus on the ingredients and get straight to tasting, you will find the taste incredible wishing you ordered more.

Where to eat in Riga?

Riga, like any other central city, hosts numerous restaurants and cafes, each one offering a rich menu.

The dishes mainly include pre-prepared soups, salads, and desserts; the hot dishes are always freshly cooked.

While food is very nutritious, filling you with energy for the whole day, it is quite affordable, with an average €6-10 per person bill in a good restaurant. The cafes and restaurants offer traditional food and more modernised central-european style dishes.

Riga is one of the best kept secrets of Europe. It may not be as advertised and popularised as others, yet it still has a multitude of things on offer.

When traveling to Riga, make sure you plan long walks, and visit the local cafeterias and restaurants, as food traditions help to see the big picture and live its atmosphere to the fullest.

Enjoy your trip!