Latvia Famous Food: 17 Authentic Dishes You Must Try

Latvia famous food is hearty, seasonal, and deeply tied to nature and tradition. Rooted in Baltic culture, Latvian cuisine features ingredients like rye, potatoes, pork, mushrooms, and dairy, all brought together with rustic charm and subtle flavors. 

Whether you’re sampling the top dishes in Latvia like smoked fish on the coast or enjoying soup in a Riga café, these are the must try food in Latvia for a true taste of the country’s rich cultural heritage. In this blog, you’ll explore the best food to try in Latvia, from traditional comfort meals to street snacks and festival favorites. 

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1. Grey Peas with Bacon (Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi)

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Grey peas with bacon are Latvia’s national dish and a staple during the winter and festive seasons, especially on Christmas Eve. The grey peas, similar to chickpeas, are soaked and boiled, then mixed with crispy diced bacon and sautéed onions. It’s a rustic, protein-packed meal that’s both earthy and savory. This hearty combination is beloved for its simplicity and strong connection to Latvian farming roots.

• Must Try With: Fried bacon and onions for that rich, comforting touch.
• Where to Eat: Local taverns like Lido or countryside farms during winter festivals.
• Price Range: $3–$6 (₹250–₹500)

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2. Sklandrausis (Carrot and Potato Tart)

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Sklandrausis is a traditional sweet-salty tart made with a rye flour crust and filled with layers of mashed carrots and potatoes. Originating from the Livonian region, it’s lightly seasoned with sugar and caraway seeds, and often served with sour cream or milk. It’s a protected Latvian heritage dish under EU status and loved for its unique blend of sweet and earthy flavors. 

• Must Try With: A spoonful of sour cream or warm milk to mellow its sweetness.
• Where to Eat: Regional bakeries in Kurzeme or food fairs across Riga.
• Price Range: $1.50–$3 (₹125–₹250)

3. Latvian Rye Bread (Rupjmaize)

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Rupjmaize is a dense, dark rye bread that’s the heart of Latvian cuisine. Made with coarse rye flour and fermented using a traditional sourdough starter, it has a rich, tangy flavor and a moist, chewy texture. It’s typically served with butter, cheese, smoked fish, or honey. More than just bread, Rupjmaize is a symbol of Latvian identity served at nearly every meal and sold in bakeries throughout the country.

• Must Try With: Smoked sprats, honey, or butter, depending on the mood.
• Where to Eat: Try it at Valmiermuiža brewery or Riga Central Market.
• Price Range: $1–$2.50 (₹83–₹210)

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4. Cold Beet Soup (Aukstā Zupa)

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Aukstā Zupa is a vibrant cold beet soup that’s especially popular during Latvia’s warm summer months. Made with grated beets, kefir (a fermented milk drink), cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh dill, this refreshing dish is tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet. It’s typically served chilled with boiled potatoes on the side. 

• Must Try With: Kefir, hard-boiled eggs, dill, and a side of boiled potatoes.
• Where to Eat: Summer cafes like Ezītis Miglā or countryside kitchens.
• Price Range: $3–$5 (₹250–₹415) 

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5. Speķa Pīrāgi (Bacon-Filled Pastries)

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Speķa Pīrāgi are soft, golden crescent-shaped buns filled with bacon and onions, a beloved Latvian snack for gatherings and holidays. The dough is enriched with butter and milk, giving it a soft texture, while the smoky-salty filling offers a burst of flavor. Often served at weddings, Christmas feasts, or with tea, these pastries are portable, flavorful, and deeply tied to Latvian tradition.

• Must Try With: A cup of warm tea or sour cream for dipping.
• Where to Eat: Latvian homes, farmer’s markets, and traditional bakeries.
• Price Range: $1–$2.50 (₹83–₹210)

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6. Latvian Blood Sausage (Asinsdesa)

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Asinsdesa is a traditional blood sausage made with barley, pig’s blood, onions, and spices, typically served with lingonberry jam or sauerkraut. It’s especially popular during the autumn and winter months and at rural festivals. Rich in flavor and iron, this dish is not for the faint-hearted, but those who try it are rewarded with a deep, savory experience. 

• Must Try With: Lingonberry jam and sauerkraut for a full traditional plate.
• Where to Eat: Old Town butchers or Christmas markets in Riga.
• Price Range: $3–$6 (₹250–₹500)

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7. Smoked Fish (Kūpināta Zivs)

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Smoked fish, especially smoked sprats, trout, and herring, is a staple along Latvia’s Baltic coast. These fish are typically smoked over alder wood, giving them a deep, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. Served cold with black rye bread, boiled potatoes, or dill sauce, smoked fish is a favorite at both festive tables and daily meals. You’ll find them in Riga’s Central Market or seaside towns like Jūrmala.

• Must Try With: Rye bread and creamy dill sauce, ideally near the coast.
• Where to Eat:Jūrmala beachside stalls or Riga Fish Pavilion.
• Price Range: $3–$7 (₹250–₹580)

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8. Jāņu Siers (Midsummer Cheese)

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Jāņu Siers is a traditional Latvian caraway cheese made from curdled milk, butter, and eggs, flavored with aromatic caraway seeds. It’s especially prepared and served during Jāņi, Latvia’s summer solstice celebration. Mild and slightly tangy, this cheese is molded into a round shape and often enjoyed with beer or bread during bonfire festivities. 

• Must Try With: Black bread and beer during summer solstice festivities.
• Where to Eat: Best found at Līgo markets or midsummer gatherings.
• Price Range: $4–$7 (₹330–₹580)

9. Potato Pancakes (Kartupeļu Pankūkas)

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Kartupeļu pankūkas are crispy, golden potato pancakes grated and fried to perfection, served hot with sour cream, lingonberry jam, or mushroom sauce. Found at street food stalls, cafeterias, and family dinners, they’re especially loved for their crispy edges and fluffy centers. While similar to latkes, the Latvian version often includes garlic or onion for extra flavor. 

• Must Try With: Sour cream and herbs or try with jam like locals do.
• Where to Eat: Lido, Milda, or countryside cafes across Latvia.
• Price Range: $2.50–$4.50 (₹210–₹375)

10. Rasols (Latvian Potato Salad)

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Rasols is a festive Latvian potato salad typically made with boiled potatoes, eggs, pickles, green peas, carrots, and sometimes ham or sausage, all mixed with mayonnaise. Served cold, it’s a must-have dish at birthdays, weddings, and holiday celebrations. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, a nostalgic favorite that shows up in nearly every Latvian home during special occasions.

• Must Try With: Black bread and cold meats for a festive-style serving.
• Where to Eat: Homemade or at traditional buffet-style eateries.
• Price Range: $2.50–$5 (₹210–₹415)

11. Frikadeļu Zupa (Meatball Soup)

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Frikadeļu Zupa is a beloved staple in Latvia’s famous food, a comforting meatball soup made with small ground pork or beef meatballs simmered in a light broth with potatoes, carrots, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. Often served in homes and school cafeterias, it’s mild, nourishing, and perfect for cold days. Simple yet full of flavor, this dish captures the warm, home-cooked essence of Latvian cuisine.

• Must Try With: Toasted rye or a swirl of sour cream for added comfort.
• Where to Eat: Found in family-style restaurants or school cafeterias.
• Price Range: $3–$6 (₹250–₹500)

12. Kvass (Fermented Bread Drink)

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Kvass is a mildly fermented drink made from black rye bread, sugar, and yeast naturally fizzy, slightly sweet, and low in alcohol. It’s a traditional Latvian beverage found at outdoor markets, bakeries, and even soda fountains. Served cold, it’s both refreshing and nostalgic, often enjoyed with salty or fried foods. 

• Must Try With: A plate of garlic rye croutons or grilled sausage.
• Where to Eat: Street vendors, festivals, and village markets.
• Price Range: $1.50–$3 (₹125–₹250)

13. Biezpiena Plācenīši (Cottage Cheese Pancakes)

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Biezpiena Plācenīši are soft cottage cheese pancakes, lightly fried and served warm with sour cream, jam, or honey. These golden rounds are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, a sweet or savory treat often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Popular across Latvia, especially among families, they’re filling, protein-rich, and loved by kids and adults alike.

• Must Try With: Berry jam or honey for a sweet, homestyle treat.
• Where to Eat: Country breakfasts or bakeries like Martins in Riga.
• Price Range: $2.50–$4 (₹210–₹330)

14. Debesmanna (Semolina Berry Mousse)

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Debesmanna translates to “heavenly manna,” and it lives up to the name. This light, fluffy mousse is made by whipping semolina with sweet berry juice (often cranberry or red currant). Served chilled, it’s a refreshing, pastel-colored dessert with a slightly tart flavor. Debesmanna is a childhood favorite in Latvia and a nostalgic reminder of summer berries and school lunches.

• Must Try With: Fresh berries or cream it’s light, fruity, and nostalgic.
• Where to Eat: Served in school lunches and local family diners.
• Price Range: $2–$3.50 (₹165–₹290)

15. Ķiploku Grauzdiņi (Garlic Rye Croutons)

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Ķiploku Grauzdiņi are crispy garlic rye bread croutons, deep-fried and served hot with cheese or sour cream dip. A popular pub snack and street food item, these crunchy bites are bold, garlicky, and addictive. You’ll often find them paired with local beer or kvass in bars across Riga. Perfect as a side or appetizer, they’re a must for fans of savory, snackable bites.

• Must Try With: Cheese dip and cold beer especially during football matches.
• Where to Eat: Bar snacks at Folkklubs Ala or Sporta Bārs in Riga.
• Price Range: $1.50–$3.50 (₹125–₹290)

16. Zirņu Zupa (Pea Soup)

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Zirņu Zupa is a hearty, thick pea soup made from dried yellow peas, slow-cooked with carrots, onions, garlic, and chunks of smoked pork or bacon. It’s a traditional winter staple in Latvian homes and is often served with rye bread or sour cream. The soup is filling, smoky, and packed with protein, perfect for cold weather and a favorite at countryside taverns and family dinners.

• Must Try With: Smoky pork and dark bread perfect on chilly days.
• Where to Eat: Winter menus in countryside inns or during solstice meals.
• Price Range: $3–$5 (₹250–₹415)

17. Krējuma Siers (Sour Cream Cheese)

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Krējuma Siers is a fresh, soft cheese made from sour cream and curdled milk, smooth, tangy, and typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, or caraway seeds. It’s often served chilled as a spread with crackers or rye bread and is especially popular in summer. You’ll find it in local delis, farmers’ markets, and traditional Latvian breakfasts. 

• Must Try With: Rye crispbread and dill, or spread on fresh buns.
• Where to Eat: Farmers’ markets or small-town dairies.
• Price Range: $2–$4 (₹165–₹330)

FAQs 

What is the most famous food in Latvia?

Grey peas with bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) is widely considered the national dish and a signature of Latvia famous food. This hearty, rustic meal is a staple of Latvian heritage and especially popular during festive seasons and winter months.

What are the best traditional dishes to try in Latvia?

Top dishes include Latvian rye bread, smoked fish, speķa pīrāgi, cold beet soup, and potato pancakes.

Is Latvian food spicy?

No, Latvian food is generally mild, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and earthy flavors.

What is a must-try dessert in Latvia?

Try sklandrausis (carrot-potato tart), Debesmanna (berry mousse), and biezpiena plācenīši (cottage cheese pancakes).

Are there vegetarian options in Latvian cuisine?

Yes! Dishes like cold beet soup, mushroom pancakes, sklandrausis, and raspberry mousse are vegetarian-friendly.

Where can I eat authentic food in Latvia?

Try traditional restaurants like Lido, Milda, and Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs in Riga for an authentic Latvian meal.

What is a typical drink in Latvia?

Kvass is a traditional non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread, often served chilled.