Latvia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of foodie destinations, but trust me, this Baltic gem has a culinary scene that’s worth exploring.
From hearty comfort foods to unique flavor combinations, Latvian cuisine is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a seasoned food adventurer or just looking to spice up your weekly menu, these recipes will transport your taste buds straight to the cobblestone streets of Riga.
Ready to dive into a world of buttery pastries, savory stews, and dishes that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Latvian farmhouse? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a delicious.
Journey through 10+ of the best Latvian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life. Let’s get cooking!
1. Sklandrausis (Sweet Carrot and Potato Pie)
Sklandrausis is a traditional Latvian dessert that’s as fun to say as it is to eat.
This sweet pie combines a rye crust with a filling of mashed potatoes, carrots, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s like a hug in pastry form.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 2 large carrots, boiled and mashed
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Start by making the dough. Mix the flours, salt, and butter until crumbly, then add water to form a dough.
Roll it out and cut into circles. For the filling, mix the mashed potatoes and carrots with sugar and cinnamon.
Spread the filling onto the dough circles, fold the edges, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Sklandrausis is a unique blend of sweet and savory that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It’s a staple of Latvian cuisine and a must-try for anyone looking to explore Baltic flavors.
2. Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi (Grey Peas with Bacon)
This dish is the ultimate Latvian comfort food. Grey peas, a local favorite, are simmered until tender and then tossed with crispy bacon and onions. It’s simple, hearty, and downright delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried grey peas (or substitute with green peas)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the peas overnight, then boil until tender. In a pan, fry the bacon until crispy, then add the onions and cook until golden.
Mix the peas with the bacon and onions, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Grey peas are a Latvian staple, and this dish is a perfect introduction to the country’s love for simple, flavorful ingredients.
3. Rupjmaize (Latvian Dark Rye Bread)
No Latvian meal is complete without a slice of Rupjmaize. This dark rye bread is dense, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor.
It’s the kind of bread that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain white loaf.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rye flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
How to Make It:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water, then mix with the flours, buttermilk, molasses, caraway seeds, and salt.
Knead the dough, let it rise, then bake at 350°F for about an hour.
Why We Selected It:
Rupjmaize is the heart and soul of Latvian cuisine. It’s a must-try for bread lovers and a great way to experience authentic Baltic flavors.
4. Pīrāgi (Latvian Bacon and Onion Buns)
Pīrāgi are little pockets of joy. These fluffy buns are filled with a savory mixture of bacon and onions, making them perfect for snacks, parties, or just because.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
How to Make It:
Make the dough by mixing flour, yeast, milk, butter, and egg. Let it rise. For the filling, fry the bacon and onions until golden.
Roll out the dough, cut into circles, add the filling, and fold into buns. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Pīrāgi are a Latvian classic, and their irresistible flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser every time.
5. Rasols (Latvian Potato Salad)
Rasols is the Latvian version of potato salad, but with a twist. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with veggies, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, boiled and diced
- 2 carrots, boiled and diced
- 2 pickles, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Mix all the diced veggies in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggies with the dressing and chill before serving.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Rasols is a staple at Latvian gatherings, and its creamy, crunchy texture is downright addictive.
6. Maizes Zupa (Latvian Bread Soup)
Yes, you read that right—bread soup! This sweet and creamy dessert soup is made from rye bread, dried fruits, and a touch of cream. It’s weirdly wonderful.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices rye bread, cubed
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, apricots)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
How to Make It:
Soak the bread in water, then blend until smooth. Add dried fruits and sugar, and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of cream.
Why We Selected It:
Maizes Zupa is a unique Latvian dessert that’s both comforting and surprising.
7. Kartupeļu Pankūkas (Latvian Potato Pancakes)
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these potato pancakes are a Latvian favorite. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, grated
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix the grated potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture, flattening them into pancakes. Fry until golden on both sides.
Why We Chose It:
Kartupeļu Pankūkas are a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases Latvia’s love for potatoes.
8. Biezpiena Sieriņš (Latvian Cottage Cheese Dessert)
This sweet cottage cheese dessert is creamy, tangy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Blend the cottage cheese until smooth, then mix with sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. Chill before serving.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Biezpiena Sieriņš is a light and refreshing dessert that’s uniquely Latvian.
9. Silke ar Biezpienu (Herring with Cottage Cheese)
This dish might sound unusual, but the combination of herring and cottage cheese is a match made in Latvian heaven.
Ingredients:
- 4 fillets of herring, chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
How to Make It:
Mix the herring, cottage cheese, onion, and sour cream. Serve with rye bread.
Why We Selected It:
Silke ar Biezpienu is a classic Latvian dish that’s bold, flavorful, and totally worth trying.
10. Kāpostu Zupa (Latvian Cabbage Soup)
This hearty cabbage soup is packed with veggies and flavor, making it a perfect meal for chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions, carrots, and cabbage. Add broth, potatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer until veggies are tender.
Why We Chose It:
Kāpostu Zupa is a comforting, wholesome dish that’s a staple in Latvian households.
11. Saldskābā Kāpostu Zupa (Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup)
This tangy twist on cabbage soup is a Latvian favorite. It’s sweet, sour, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and cabbage, then add broth, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer until tender.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Saldskābā Kāpostu Zupa is a unique and flavorful dish that’s perfect for adventurous eaters.
Conclusion
Latvian cuisine is a delightful mix of hearty, comforting, and unique flavors that deserve a spot in your kitchen.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of Pīrāgi or savoring a slice of Rupjmaize, these recipes offer a taste of Latvia’s rich culinary heritage.