Riga

Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023 | 3 minute read | Updated at Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023

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“Riga’s Favorite Feast: Latvia’s Capital Loves Its Lavish Latkes!

🌆 Welcome to Riga, City of Wonderful Flavors! 🍲

Riga, the beautiful capital of Latvia, is not just known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, but also for its delectable food scene! Here are some crazy, fun, and delicious facts about the best edibles you absolutely must try when in Riga: 🌴

1. Black Balsam Ice-Cream ❄️ - This unique local treat is made by infusing the traditional Latvian herbal liqueur, Black Balsam, into ice cream. A curious yet delightful blend of sweet and bitter that’s as intriguing as it is tasty! 😋

2. Rye Bread (Pumpernickel) 🥖 - Latvians have a deep love for their rye bread, and with good reason! Pumpernickel is dense, chewy, and packed with a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with many dishes. 🍞

3. Smoked Fish ⛵️ - Riga’s proximity to the Baltic Sea means you can find some of the freshest smoked fish around. From herring to salmon, these treats are often enjoyed with a slice of rye bread and a hearty mustard. 🐟

4. Liver Pudding (Leiversupi) 🥧 - A traditional Latvian dish, liver pudding is a savory delight made from liver, onions, bacon, and spices, all mixed together and steamed in a casing until set. It may sound unusual, but give it a try, and you might just fall in love! 😋

5. Black Pudding (Blodsaustas) 🩈 - Made from pig’s blood, suet, oatmeal, onions, and spices, this sausage-like dish is a staple of Latvian cuisine. It’s usually served with potatoes or dark rye bread. 🥔

6. Carrot Salad (Mārzipāns) 🥕 - This sweet and sour carrot salad is a refreshing side dish made from grated carrots, vinegar, sugar, and raisins. It’s the perfect accompaniment to many of Riga’s hearty meals. 🍽️

7. Gulash 🍖 - While goulash may be familiar to many, the Latvian version is a bit different. Made with root vegetables and sometimes even mushrooms, this stew-like dish is sure to warm your soul on a chilly day in Riga. 🌃

8. Latvian Beer 🍻 - No food adventure would be complete without a discussion of the local brew! Latvian beer is known for its quality and variety, with many microbreweries to explore throughout the city. 🎩

9. Honey Cake (Medes zels) 🍰 - This rich and decadent cake is a must-try dessert in Riga. Layers of sponge cake are filled with honey, cream, and often nuts, resulting in a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. 😋

10. Black-Balsam-Ice-Cream again! ❄️ - Just because it’s so unique and tasty, we had to mention it twice! Don’t miss out on this quirky local treat when you visit Riga. You might just find yourself craving more of its curious charm long after you’ve left. 🌞

So there you have it - a whirlwind tour of some of the best foods to try in Riga! Embrace your inner foodie and dive into this wonderful city’s culinary delights. Bon appétit, and enjoy your stay in beautiful Riga! 🎉🇱🇻