Traditional Latvian cuisine is a blend of flavors from the entire Baltic region, as well as influences from German, European, and Russian cuisines. It predominantly features fish, smoked meats, and fermented dairy products.
National dishes of Latvia are known for their simplicity and hearty nature. Latvian cuisine places a strong emphasis on vegetables, vitamin-rich berries, and the art of transforming them into delightful creations. You can find organic produce and ready-made dishes at the green markets in small towns.
Traditional Dishes of Latvian Cuisine
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. Despite its humble origins, you can still find variations of this dish in many restaurants.
Prostokvashi - a fermented milk porridge, widely enjoyed in Latvia, along with various homemade cheeses like bakstein. You can easily find cumin son in markets and supermarkets, often served as a popular appetizer in restaurants.
Latvians have a taste for originality, and one such dish is the savory milk soup with fish, particularly popular in the Baltic coastal regions.
More Traditional Latvian Dishes to Explore
Sour Pearl Porridge (skābputra) is a unique dish made from plain sourdough and grits, which ferments for several days to create a distinctive and flavorful taste.
The kupaty sausages served with lingonberries and lingonberry sauce are a delightful and uncommon choice. The recipe can be quite complex, so trying this dish in Latvia is a culinary experience you won't regret.
Silkjupudins is a popular cold appetizer, featuring a casserole made with herring and potatoes. It's a simple and hearty dish enjoyed across the country.
Don't miss the opportunity to savor an onion steak (klops), a substantial and rich Latvian dish that's sure to satisfy your appetite.
More Latvian Delicacies and Lithuanian Drinks
Sklandrausis is a delightful vegetable pie that you can find in many cafes, stores, restaurants, and fairs. It's a popular Latvian dish known for its delicious flavor.
The Latvian dessert buberte is a sweet treat made from semolina porridge, whipped cream, nuts, vanilla, and cranberry sauce, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
In Lithuania, non-alcoholic drinks like various kinds of kisel (putels) with rhubarb, milk, cream, or fruit are enjoyed as dishes. Bread kvass is a common beverage that you can find almost everywhere.
When it comes to alcoholic drinks in Lithuania, there are many options to enjoy. Riga's Melnais Balzams is a renowned choice. Among light beers, popular options include Aldaris Luksusa, Aldaris Zelta, and Bauskas Gaisaisais, while dark beer lovers often prefer Porteris and Bauskas Tumsais.
