5 Best Street Foods to Try in Latvia

Things to do in Latvia in the north of Europe are hidden gems, which is rich in history, equally as beautiful landscapes, and equally as unique food culture. The street food is one of the best ways to experience the country’s culinary traditions. The mix of tradition and the modern in the Latvian street food is tasty and affordable for both citizens and tourists alike. Latvia’s street food is from warm, freshly baked pastries to hearty meat dishes. In Riga’s bustling markets or smaller towns, the local street food will expose you to the heart of Latvian cuisine.

In case you are planning to visit and enjoy the delicious street food of Latvia, then you first need to keep track of the visa requirements. To enter the country, travellers from India must obtain a Latvia visa from India. The visa application process is simple, but one must prepare the required documents and apply in advance. After you receive approval for your visa, you can enjoy coming to Latvia and tasting some of the finest local tastes.

Here are some of the best street foods to try in Latvia.

1. Piragi (Latvian Bacon Pastries)

Piragi, small crescent pastries with bacon and onions, is one of the most popular street foods in Latvia. For centuries, these soft and slightly sweet rolls have been a traditional snack of Latvians. The dough is rich with flour, milk, butter, and eggs. The usually smoked bacon and caramelised onions filling provides a savoury contrast to the slightly sweet dough.

Piragi are usually sold at bakeries, street stalls, and local markets and are perfect for a quick bite on the go. In addition, they are also a typical treat during celebrations and festivals in Latvia. The recipe for making these delightful pastries is a family secret for many families, and when they are enjoyed in Latvia, they are even more special.

2. Karbonade (Latvian Pork Cutlet)

Karbonade, a breaded and fried pork cutlet that is, on the other hand, crispy outside and juicy inside, is another must-try street food in Latvia. This dish is almost the same as schnitzel and is usually served with potatoes, but you can also find it as a street food item, often in a sandwich or with a side of coleslaw.

Karbonade is a filling meal that is easy to eat on the go. It is often available in food markets or small roadside stands. In fact, some vendors even put a special sauce or Latvian-style pickles to make the flavours even better. If you like fried crispy foods, then Karbonade should be on your list.

3. Sklandrausis (Sweet Rye and Carrot Pie)

Sklandrausis is a perfect example of Latvia’s use of rye flour in bread and pastries. It is a rye flour crust pie filled with a sweet mixture of mashed carrots and potatoes flavoured with cinnamon and caraway seeds. It has a fairly earthy, slightly sweet taste, which is what makes it so popular among locals and tourists alike.

Sklandrausis is sold in street markets and bakeries as a snack or dessert. It is a healthy and fulfilling treat due to the vegetable and spice combination. The European Union recognises this pastry as a traditional Latvian food, and it has a special cultural significance.

4. Pelmeni (Latvian Dumplings)

Pelmeni is a street food that was originally from Russia but became a favourite in Latvia. They are small dumplings usually filled with minced meat such as pork or beef, boiled or pan-fried. Sour cream or butter is usually served with them, making their flavour even more rich.

You will find pelmeni at street food stalls, fast food places, and even pelmeni restaurants in Latvia. There are none better than them, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is in a self-service dumpling bar where you can select from a range of fillings and toppings. Pelmeni is a delicious and comforting street food option in Latvia, either soft and boiled or crispy and fried.

5. Riga Sprats on Rye Bread

Riga Sprats is one of the most famous seafood products of Latvia, with a tradition of fishing very strong. Small, smoked fish, they are packed with flavour and are served on a slice of dark rye bread with a little bit of butter and fresh herbs. This is a Latvian staple of a simple yet tasty combination.

Seafood lovers should opt for Riga Sprats on Rye Bread as a perfect street food. This dish can be found in food markets, small cafes, food stalls, and so on in Latvia. The smoky, salty taste of the sprats goes well with the dense, slightly sour rye bread and is a unique and authentic Latvian snack.

Conclusion

The street food scene of Latvia has a mix of old and new flavours. No matter if you order the popular Karbonāde (Latvian schnitzel), Rupjmaize (dark rye bread), or Pīrāgi (stuffed pastries), they all tell the story of Latvia’s culture. Each bite is unique because it is a mixture of fresh, local ingredients. Latvia’s street food vendors also offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can easily find visitors enjoying authentic meals on the go.

If you are a food lover from India planning to visit Latvia, then the first step is to get a Latvia visa from India. When you arrive there, make sure to check out their markets, food festivals, and street vendors that truly bring the taste of the street food to make Latvia’s street food scene something special. Latvia’s great food culture, whether you are in for a short trip or a long solid stay, will leave you wanting more.