The national dish of Riga and all of Latvia is Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi, which translates to grey peas with bacon. This hearty, traditional dish consists of large, locally grown grey peas cooked with fried onions and fatty smoked bacon (speck). It is often served with kefir or rye bread, particularly during winter festivals.
Cold borscht (aukstā zupa), fish soup (zivju zupa), sorrel soup (skābeņu zupa) and mushroom soup (sēņu zupa) are also consumed by Latvians. A traditional Latvian dessert is rye bread soup (maizes zupa) made from rye bread, whipped cream, dried fruit and cranberries.
Rye bread soup brings together the Latvian people's love of their national bread and their penchant for gathering berries. It's made using moist rye bread passed through a sieve and mixed with sugar, dried fruits and cinnamon. It is usually served cold, along with a generous helping of whipped cream.
While oats and rice are eaten around the world, Latvians also like to simmer less popular grains, such as millet, barley, rye, buckwheat, in different combinations and blends. Porridge is commonly topped by something sweet, such as jam or fresh fruit. Eggs are a breakfast staple around the world, including Latvia.
Kārums is one of Latvia's most loved, best-selling, and iconic brands. The legendary glazed curd snack first appeared more than 70 years ago and quickly became a favourite breakfast treat and snack—perfect both at the table and on the go.
Riga was founded in 1201, and is a former Hanseatic League member. Riga's historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for its Art Nouveau/Jugendstil architecture and 19th century wooden architecture. Riga was the European Capital of Culture in 2014, along with Umeå in Sweden.
Imported beer (alus) is widely available, but the local brews are fine and also cheaper – the most common brands are Aldaris and Cēsu. Worth trying once is Rīga Melnais Balzāms (Rīga Black Balsam), a kind of bitter liqueur (45 per cent) made from a secret recipe of roots and herbs and supposed to cure all ailments.
Welcome to Latvia! We are not only proud of having the widest waterfall in Europe or being the world leader in internet speed, but also for our 50 shades of potato dishes and four extremely diverse seasons. Check out these amazing facts and get to know Latvia!
Latvian cuisine is relatively high in fat and not spicy. Pork is the favorite meat. Pork dishes range from the common mostly shared with neighboring countries (e.g. Karbonāde schnitzel) to “weirder” ones such as pig's feet, head, or ears.
Traditional staples like rupjmaize (dark rye bread), smoked fish and forest-grown berries stand alongside Michelin-level tasting menus, craft beers and cocktails infused with Rīga's own legendary herbal spirit, Black Balsam.
Hey, but it is a drink with a view. The typical price of a pint in Riga at a bar hovers around €3.50-6.00€. Local staples like Aldaris, Cēsu, and Lāćplēsis are most commonly served. But happy hours are common and can knock the price down by 30%–50%.
Latvia is an extremely safe destination for solo females, especially within the confines of the Old Town in Riga. Men are generally very respectful, meaning women rarely encounter any catcalling or pestering in the streets.
Known as Latvia's national drink, Black Balsam is a legendary liquor with a fascinating history. Here are three intriguing facts: . 1️⃣ It once healed Catherine the Great during her travels to Riga, earning its reputation as a "Miracle Elixir."
Shop for traditional Latvian souvenirs such as amber jewelry, woolen knitwear, unique hand-crafted items, handmade ceramics, and natural skincare products. You will also find local delicacies like Riga Black Balsam, herbal teas, and pure natural honey.
Five traditional foods from different cultures include the hearty English Sunday Roast, flavorful Indian Biryani, Japanese Miso Soup (part of everyday meals), West African Peanut Stew, and the Polish dumplings known as Pierogi. These dishes reflect diverse regional ingredients, historical influences, and cultural practices, from communal Sunday dinners to staple everyday foods.
You should avoid being careless with belongings in crowded tourist spots like the Old Town, Central Market, and train/bus stations, where pickpicking is common; also, be wary of scams (like petition-signing, inflated taxi fares, card fraud) and drink spiking in bars, especially late at night or in unlit areas, and take Bolt taxis over hailing cabs for safety.
In mid-June 1941, on the eve of Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union, 14,000 citizens of Latvia, including several thousand Jews, were deported by the Soviet authorities to Siberia and other parts of Soviet Asia as politically undesirable elements.
Latvian culture is deeply rooted in ancient customs, modern influences, and respect for nature. When it comes to social etiquette, the locals are reserved and do not express their emotions freely. They do not like small talk and do not speak loudly in public. Latvians consider speaking loudly in public to be rude.
