Latvia is a small country in Northern Europe with a rich and vibrant food culture. Whether you’re craving hearty meals or sweet desserts, this country has no shortage of amazing dishes. Traditional Latvian food draws from the forests and farms of the region—expect lots of simple yet delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
What to Try: Iconic Latvian Dishes
Rye Bread (Rupjmaize)
Latvians love their bread, and no meal is complete without some rye bread on the side. Rupjmaize is a traditional dark bread made from rye flour. It’s dense, slightly sweet, and often eaten with butter, cheese, or smoked fish. For an extra treat, try it toasted with a bit of honey.
Grey Peas and Bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi)
This dish is a true staple in Latvia, especially during Christmas. It’s made from grey peas (similar to chickpeas) and fried bacon, with some onions added for flavor. Simple but very tasty! You’ll find this dish all over the country, typically served alongside rye bread.
Cold Beet Soup (Aukstā zupa)
If you visit during the warmer months, you’ll likely come across this refreshing cold soup. It’s a bright pink-colored dish made of beets, kefir (a fermented dairy drink), cucumbers, and herbs. It’s tangy, creamy, and the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
Piragi (Bacon-filled Pastry)
These small crescent-shaped pastries are filled with bacon and onions. They are usually served as a snack or appetizer and are very popular during holidays. If you love savory pastries, piragi are a must-try!
Jāņu Siers (Midsummer Cheese)
This is a special type of cheese that’s traditionally made during Latvia’s Midsummer Festival (Jāņi). It’s a semi-soft cheese flavored with caraway seeds, giving it a slightly nutty and spicy taste. You’ll often find it served with fresh herbs or alongside cold cuts.
Street Food and Snacks
Sklandrausis
This traditional Latvian pie is made with rye flour and filled with mashed carrots and potatoes. It might sound simple, but the mix of flavors is surprisingly delightful. The filling is lightly sweet and pairs perfectly with the hearty rye crust. You can find sklandrausis in bakeries or food markets around Latvia.
Latvian Sausages (Desas)
Grilled sausages are a popular street food in Latvia, especially during festivals. They’re usually served with mustard, sauerkraut, and dark bread. The sausages are made from pork and seasoned with aromatic herbs.
Stovēti Kāposti (Stewed Cabbage)
This is a traditional side dish that you’ll often find in Latvia’s food markets. The cabbage is slow-cooked with a little vinegar and sugar, giving it a mix of sweet and sour flavors. It’s a great accompaniment to sausages or meat dishes.
Top Restaurants to Visit in Latvia
Lido (Riga)
If you’re looking to try a variety of traditional Latvian dishes, head to Lido. This local chain offers a buffet-style experience where you can sample everything from grey peas and bacon to various soups and pastries. It’s a great place to get a full Latvian food experience in one sitting. The food here is affordable and perfect for a casual meal!
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs (Riga)
This cozy underground pub in Riga’s Old Town is a fantastic spot for traditional Latvian food with a side of live music. The atmosphere is warm and lively, and the menu is packed with authentic dishes like wild game stews, pelēkie zirņi, and piragi. Pair your meal with a Latvian beer, and don’t miss the live folk performances!
Province (Riga)
For a more refined dining experience, check out Province in Riga’s Old Town. This restaurant takes simple, traditional dishes and elevates them with high-quality ingredients and contemporary plating. Their cold beet soup and their wild boar meat are especially popular. The rustic wooden interior adds to the overall ambiance.
Mūrnieku Restorāns (Cēsis)
If you find yourself in Cēsis, stop by Mūrnieku Restorāns. This charming restaurant serves local Latvian food with a modern twist. They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients from the region, which makes each dish feel special. Their pork tenderloin with local mushrooms is a must-try!
Kafejnīca Promenāde (Liepāja)
Located right by the seaside in Liepāja, this café is perfect for sampling regional dishes with a view. Their fish dishes, especially the smoked salmon, are a fan-favorite. You can also try Liepāja’s special dish: “Liepājas Menciņš”, a casserole made with potatoes, smoked fish, and onions.
Valmiermuižas alus vēstniecība (Valmiera)
If you’re a fan of craft beer, make sure to visit Valmiermuiža’s beer embassy. The restaurant here serves traditional Latvian meals paired with their house-brewed beers. Try the brewer’s bread, which is made with leftover grain from beer production, or opt for one of their beer-infused stews.
Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Aspic Cake (Skābais Krējuma Kūka)
This traditional Latvian dessert is made with sour cream, which may sound odd if you’re not familiar with Latvian sweets. But don’t be fooled—the result is a sweet, creamy cake that is surprisingly light and flavorful. It’s a great way to finish off a heavy meal.
Alexander Cakes (Aleksandra kūkas)
Alexander cakes are jam-filled slices of shortcrust pastry, named after the Russian Czar Alexander III. These cakes are sweet, tender, and filled with a layer of berry jam, usually raspberry or cranberry. You can find these at most bakeries around Latvia.
Kliņģeris
Kliņģeris is a large sweet bread sprinkled with sugar and nuts, often served as a special treat during celebrations. It’s shaped like a pretzel and filled with raisins, dried fruits, and almonds. If you see one at a bakery, don’t hesitate to grab a slice!
Rye Bread Pudding (Rupjmaizes Kārtojums)
This dessert is made from layers of rye bread crumbs, whipped cream, and fruit preserves. The bread gives the dessert a slight bitterness, which balances perfectly with the sweet cream and fruit. It’s a very popular dessert across Latvia, and many cafes and restaurants proudly serve their take on it.
Tips for Finding Authentic Latvian Food
If you’re in Riga, the Central Market is a great place to explore Latvian cuisine. The market is held in old Zeppelin hangars and is filled with vendors selling fresh produce, smoked fish, sausages, rye bread, and more. You can pick up ready-to-eat snacks or ingredients for a picnic.
Latvian food tends to be simple, so look for small, family-run restaurants. These places often keep recipes as close as they can to tradition. Don’t shy away from asking locals about their favorite places to eat—they’ll likely point you toward the most authentic spots.
When at food festivals or fairs, always grab something from the pop-up stalls. This is where locals cook and sell in-season specialties that you might not find in restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for savory dishes like pelēkie zirņi or something sweet like rupjmaizes kārtojums, Latvian food offers something for every palate. Be sure to taste a bit of everything, and don’t forget to try the fresh rye bread. Your taste buds will thank you!
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