Introduction: What is street food in Latvia?
Street food is a popular choice for a quick and inexpensive meal in Latvia. It’s a great way to taste the local cuisine while experiencing the culture. Street food in Latvia is usually sold from small stalls or food trucks on the streets, especially in major cities like Riga and Liepaja. These foods are often simple, but tasty and filling, and they are a great way to experience the local flavors.
Riga Central Market: A street food paradise
Riga Central Market is a must-visit destination for street food in Latvia. Located in the heart of the city, it’s one of the largest markets in Europe, known for its selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. The market is also a great place to try traditional Latvian street food, such as smoked meats, fish, and sausages. You can also find local specialties like gray peas with bacon and caraway seeds, and pelmeni, which are Latvian dumplings filled with meat or cheese.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pickled vegetables or the Latvian-style sushi, made with smoked fish and vegetables wrapped in cabbage leaves. You can also find sweet treats like klingeris, a type of Latvian cookie, and biezpiena sieriņš, a sweet, creamy cheese pastry.
Latvian traditional snacks: Pīrādziņi and Sklandrausis
Pīrādziņi and Sklandrausis are two traditional Latvian snacks that are popular street food options. Pīrādziņi are small, crescent-shaped pastries filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese. They are often served with sour cream and are a great snack for on-the-go. Sklandrausis is a traditional Latvian dessert made with rye crust and filled with sweetened carrots and potatoes. It’s a great option for those with a sweet tooth.
Smoked fish and meat: A must-try street food in Latvia
Smoked fish and meat are a must-try street food in Latvia. Smoked fish is a staple in Latvian cuisine, and it’s often served on rye bread with a dollop of sour cream. You can also find smoked sausages and other meats, which are perfect for a quick snack or a meal on-the-go.
Crepes and pancakes: Sweet and savory street food options
Crepes and pancakes are popular street food options in Latvia, and they can be found in a variety of flavors, both sweet and savory. Sweet options include crepes filled with jam or Nutella, while savory options include pancakes filled with meat or cheese. You can also find potato pancakes, which are a local specialty.
Unique Latvian drinks to pair with street food
Latvian cuisine is often paired with local drinks, and there are several unique options to try. Kvas is a popular non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread, and it pairs well with smoked fish and meat. Riga Black Balsam is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur, which is often served as a digestif after a meal. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try kvass, a refreshing drink made from fermented bread, or spruce beer, a sweet, slightly sour drink made from spruce tips.
