Latvian cuisine.
Start with a taste.

WHAT TO EAT

Local dishes, explained.

These are specialties from our featured city guides. Regional styles and availability vary.

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Rye bread

Dense dark bread used with savoury toppings and in desserts.

Planning estimate: €2–5 for a portion

Where to look: Central Market bakeries

Find Rye bread in Riga ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Grey peas with bacon

A Latvian comfort dish with peas and pork.

Planning estimate: €7–13

Where to look: Latvian restaurants

Find Grey peas with bacon in Riga ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Smoked fish

Choose the species and portion at a market counter.

Planning estimate: €5–12 for a small portion

Where to look: Central Market fish pavilion

Find Smoked fish in Riga ↗Find Smoked fish in Jūrmala ↗Find Smoked fish in Pilsrundāle ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Pīrāgi

Small filled buns, often containing bacon and onion.

Planning estimate: €1–3 each

Where to look: Bakeries and market stalls

Find Pīrāgi in Riga ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Rye-bread dessert

Sweet rye-bread preparation with cream or fruit; recipes vary.

Planning estimate: €5–9

Where to look: Latvian restaurants

Find Rye-bread dessert in Riga ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Rupjmaize

Dark rye bread with a dense crumb, eaten with cheese or fish.

Planning estimate: €2–5; check current menu

Where to look: Bakeries and supermarkets in Jūrmala

Find Rupjmaize in Jūrmala ↗Find Rupjmaize in Pilsrundāle ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Grey peas

Grey peas often served with bacon and onions; ask about meat.

Planning estimate: €7–13; check current menu

Where to look: Traditional Latvian lunch menus in Jūrmala

Find Grey peas in Jūrmala ↗Find Grey peas in Pilsrundāle ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Sklandrausis

A rye pastry with carrot and potato filling; a regional Latvian specialty, not guaranteed daily.

Planning estimate: €2–5; check current menu

Where to look: Latvian bakeries; ask what is available in Jūrmala

Find Sklandrausis in Jūrmala ↗Find Sklandrausis in Pilsrundāle ↗Find Sklandrausis in Liepāja ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Rye bread dessert

Layered rye crumbs with cream and berries, often called rupjmaizes kārtojums.

Planning estimate: €4–8; check current menu

Where to look: Traditional dessert menus in Jūrmala

Find Rye bread dessert in Jūrmala ↗Find Rye bread dessert in Pilsrundāle ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Liepājas menciņi

A local smoked-cod and potato dish; availability depends on the kitchen.

Editorial planning allowance: €10–18; verify current menu.

Where to look: Ask central Latvian restaurants

Find Liepājas menciņi in Liepāja ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Smoked Baltic fish

Check the fish type, weight and whether bread/sides are included.

Editorial planning allowance: €6–15; verify current menu.

Where to look: Markets and fish-focused kitchens

Find Smoked Baltic fish in Liepāja ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Rye bread and local cheese

A picnic option; compare weight-based prices rather than packet sizes.

Editorial planning allowance: €5–10; verify current menu.

Where to look: Pētertirgus / supermarkets

Find Rye bread and local cheese in Liepāja ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Potato pancakes

A filling casual lunch; toppings may include dairy or meat.

Editorial planning allowance: €7–13; verify current menu.

Where to look: Latvian cafés

Find Potato pancakes in Liepāja ↗

GO STRAIGHT TO THE TABLE

Find restaurants by city.

Different places. Different flavours.

Compare the specialties and food neighbourhoods in our featured destinations. This is a starting selection, rather than a complete map of every regional cuisine.

Plan your food budget.

Examples from the city guides below. Planning estimates are per dish or stated portion, not a full-day allowance. Check service charges, drinks and current menus separately.