Discover the Foods to eat in Riga, Latvia
When it comes to European and Asian culinary destinations, Riga might not be the first city that comes to mind.
But trust me, this Baltic treasure deserves a prime spot on every food lover’s bucket list. I spent 3 amazing days in Riga, wandering through its charming cobblestone streets and admiring the stunning Art Nouveau architecture. I visited most of the main attractions, from the historic House of the Blackheads to the peaceful parks that dot the city.
But the local food stood out to me in ways I hadn’t expected.
Latvian cuisine offers a delightful blend of rustic traditions and modern interpretations that tell the story of this resilient nation through flavours and textures. Each dish I tried seemed to carry centuries of history while remaining utterly relevant to today’s culinary scene.
As someone who’s travelled extensively throughout Europe and Asia searching for authentic food experiences, I can confidently say that Riga offers some of the most genuine gastronomic pleasures you’ll find anywhere on these continents. The city’s markets, traditional restaurants, and innovative eateries showcase the best of Latvian cooking in ways that will surprise and delight even the most experienced food traveller.
So, what exactly should you be tasting when you visit Latvia’s capital? Let me take you on a mouthwatering journey through the best local foods to try in Riga.
These are the flavours that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.
Find out the best things to do in Riga with my in-depth guide.
What should I know about Latvian food before travelling to Latvia?
If you are travelling to Latvia, it helps to know what to expect when it comes to the food. Latvian cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and focused on natural flavours. You will not find dishes that are very spicy or heavily seasoned. Instead, the cooking is built around freshness, earthy tastes, and meals that are filling and comforting.
Potatoes, pork, cabbage, rye bread, and dairy products are staples. Rye bread in particular is considered a national treasure and is served with almost everything. Soups are also a big part of Latvian food culture, especially during the colder months. They are usually rich, warm, and often finished with sour cream.
The flavours are generally mild and savoury rather than spicy or tangy. Pickled vegetables and fermented foods are common and add a pleasant sour touch to many meals. In the summer months, the food becomes lighter, with plenty of fresh produce, berries, and cold beet soup, which is refreshing and quite unique.
Overall, Latvian food feels wholesome and traditional. It is the kind of cooking that makes you feel as if you are eating something homemade. It may not overwhelm you with bold flavours, but it will definitely leave you satisfied.
Latvian Zeppelins
When in Riga, you absolutely must try the Latvian zeppelins that I had at the Lido restaurant chain. Lido is a very staple place found all over the city, offering hearty, heavy meals that will make you want to sleep afterwards. In a good way!
These zeppelins are essentially soft, pillowy dough filled with savoury minced meat. What makes them tasty is the sauce drizzled over them. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly complements the dough. The small chunks of bacon added to the filling bring so much taste and depth. The combination of the soft dough, juicy filling, and that incredible sauce creates a perfect meal.
These zeppelins are incredibly filling. I was completely satisfied after just one portion. To be honest, I wanted to order more because they were so delicious, but I was too embarrassed to ask for seconds! I’ve had dumplings in many countries, but there’s something uniquely comforting about these Latvian versions that makes them stand out.
If you’re visiting Riga, especially during the colder months, stopping by a Lido restaurant for these zeppelins is a must. Just be prepared to find a spot for a nap afterwards!
Find out if Riga is worth visiting with my in-depth guide.
Rye Bread
If you’re a food enthusiast like me, you’ve got to hear about Riga’s famous rye bread (rudzu maize). This isn’t just any bread! It’s practically the cornerstone of Latvian cuisine and a serious source of national pride. Dark, dense, and slightly sweet, Latvian rye bread has this incredible depth of flavour you just can’t find in regular bread.
You can always tell authentic Latvian rye bread by its rich, dark colour and that distinctive sour taste. Traditionally, it’s made through a natural fermentation process that gives it that signature tanginess. The crust is typically firm while the inside stays moist, creating an absolutely perfect texture contrast.
While I couldn’t personally enjoy it because of my celiac disease, you need to try it when you visit Riga! My girlfriend at the time absolutely raved about it. She couldn’t stop eating it during our trip and kept saying it was unlike any bread she’d ever tried before.
She particularly loved it at this charming place called Lidojošā Varde (The Flying Frog). She’d slather it with butter and have it alongside traditional Latvian cheese or with soup. The locals also pair it with smoked fish, various cold cuts, or even just honey for a simple breakfast. My girlfriend said the way it complemented their hot stews was incredible, something about the bread’s tanginess balancing the richness of the meat dishes.
For Latvians, this bread isn’t just food, it’s cultural heritage. Families used to mark the bottom of each loaf with their unique symbol before baking in communal ovens. There’s even an old Latvian saying that if you drop a piece of bread, you should pick it up, kiss it, and apologise! That’s how deeply they respect their bread.
If you don’t have dietary restrictions like me, trying authentic Latvian rye bread should definitely be at the top of your Riga food bucket list!
Riga Black Balsam
Though not a food, this traditional local spirit is the perfect after-dinner treat.
I still have a big black bottle of this Latvian product in my room for a special occasion.
When I was in Folkklubs ALA pagrabs, I had a couple of shots of this with a random stranger at the bar. He had good English, and we hit it of,f and I was hooked!
It’s this herbal liqueur that’s jet black and super strong with about 45% alcohol! They make it with numerous herbs and roots, approximately 24 different ingredients. The locals are super proud of it and have been making it the same way since the 1700s.
It’s got this unique, bitter-sweet taste that hits you hard at first, but then you start to pick up all these different flavours. Some people mix it with coffee or berry juice to make it easier to drink, but the hardcore locals just down it straight.
The funny thing is, they originally made it as a medicine! There’s this whole legend about how it cured a Russian empress when she got sick. Some locals still use it when they have a cold or stomach problems!
You should try it if you ever make it to Riga. Just be prepared, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Classic Latvian sauerkraut soup with pork and fried potatoes
This was my favourite meal in Riga! A tasty, rich soup filled with tender and juicy pork, tangy sauerkraut, and hearty potatoes. The sauerkraut gives it this delightful sourness that balances perfectly with the chunky meat. It’s traditionally made with shredded cabbage that’s been fermented, fatty pork pieces, caraway seeds, and often has a dollop of sour cream on top.
The soup itself has an incredible depth of flavour that comes from slow-cooking the ingredients together. What makes it special is how the sauerkraut’s tanginess mellows out during cooking while still keeping that distinctive character. The fried potatoes served alongside will fill you up when hungry.
The flavours are generally mild and savoury rather than spicy or tangy. Pickled vegetables and fermented foods are common and add a pleasant sour touch to many meals. In the summer months, the food becomes lighter, with plenty of fresh produce, berries, and cold beet soup, which is refreshing and quite unique.
Where is the cheapest place for food in Riga
If you are looking for the cheapest places to eat in Riga, the good news is that it is not hard to find. The most budget-friendly option by far is the central market. Inside the big old zeppelin hangars, you can grab fresh pastries, dumplings, soups, and snacks for just a couple of euros. It feels more like eating the way locals do than going to a restaurant, and the portions are big.
Another option is the small canteen-style spots around town. They are usually called “lunch restaurants” or “bistros.” You grab a tray, pick your food from behind the counter, and pay at the end. A full meal here can be as little as 4 to 6 euros, which is much cheaper than the touristy restaurants in the old town.
Fast food chains are also around, but honestly, the Latvian canteens and market stalls are better value and give you a more local experience. If you want to stretch your money even further, grocery stores like Rimi and Maxima sell ready-made meals and snacks that you can eat on the go.
So if you are on a budget, skip the fancy sit-down restaurants most of the time. For the price of one meal in the old town, you could eat two or three times in the markets or local canteens. It is cheap, filling, and gives you a real taste of everyday Riga.
Where to Eat in Riga’s Old Town
If you’re wandering around Old Town Riga and your stomach starts rumbling, you’re in luck, there’s a handful of places I seriously recommend. They’re perfect for everything from cosy sit-down dinners to drinks with a view. Here’s what’s worth checking out:
Pētergailis
This place is tucked right between St. John’s and St. Peter’s Churches on Skārņu Street. It’s a cosy, family-run spot (open since 1978) that stays faithful to classic Latvian home cooking—everything is made with locally grown ingredients. Total comfort food in the heart of Old Town.
DOM
Want elegance with a view? DOM fits the bill. Plopped right by Dome Square, this is high-class European and Latvian cuisine. Plus they have an amazing wine list. Sit up on the rooftop terrace and enjoy a cocktail while admiring Old Riga’s architecture.
Amber
If you’re after something modern and refined, Amber in the Kempinski Hotel is where it’s at. Their open kitchen is fascinating to watch, and the menu is a mix of contemporary and traditional, perfect for brunch or a stylish dinner out.
Conclusion
The local food in Riga blew me away. Latvian cuisine is super hearty and tasty with simple ingredients that pack a punch. The food feels like comfort cooking, but with its own unique character.
What I loved most was how the food matched the vibe of the city itself, down-to-earth but still special, with lots of traditional recipes that locals are really proud of.
When you visit the Central Market or grab dinner at a local spot on a cold night, you’ll find food that sticks with you long after you leave. Latvians really care about their food traditions, and it shows in every dish.
If you’re heading to Latvia, definitely come hungry! The local food scene might not be famous worldwide yet, but trust me, it should be. The flavors are incredible, and you’ll want seconds of everything.
Guest Post Bio
FaheyJamesTravel is a travel blog and YouTube channel by James Fahey, sharing guides, tips, and stories from Asia and beyond. Focused on practical advice and real experiences, it’s made for travelers who want to explore the world with confidence.
