What are the tastes of Latvia and what makes it unique?
Through a gastronomic and cultural journey, we will help you to discover the culinary essence of this Baltic country which remains so deeply rooted to its still wild countryside. Here you will encounter, for example, the aromas of herbs and freshly baked bread, as well as the scents of dried mushrooms and forest strawberries. Strongly influenced by German and Swedish cuisine Latvia has preserved its strong connection to its past and its rich nature. For its unique character and gastronomic heritage, the Rīga and Gauja regions won the title of the European Region for Gastronomy for 2017.
During your gastronomic journey, you will have unforgettable experiences ranging from traditional countryside dishes to state of the art Nordic cuisine delicately created by Latvian culinary chefs.
You will experience many different and famous dishes like grey peas with pork speck, rye bread incorporated into traditional Latvian deserts, potato pancakes with sour cream, hearty beetroot soup, roasted buckwheat and more. You will be able to enjoy the excellent flavours of Latvian craft beer while seeing how it’s made, to taste traditional Latvian herbal liquor Riga black balsam and chocolate, to nibble on delicious cheeses with various seeds and herbs, and to explore the ancient traditions and old secrets behind smoked fish.
Your culinary journey will help you understand much more about wild herbs and their healing power as well as giving you insight into the art of pickling. To cap off your days’ activities you could enjoy magnificent dinners in the finest restaurants of Riga. Let your tasty adventure begin!
This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes. You can combine ideas from our other itineraries or request your own preferences. Together we will create the best experience for you.
Welcome to Riga. Private transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast in the hotel. Meet with your gourmet guide. First stop in Riga’s central market which dates back to 1924-1930 and is now recognised as the biggest market in Europe. You will be guided through its 5 pavilions where you will taste diverse Latvian countryside products and drinks. While listening to stories about this city you will continue walking towards our lunch destination where you will have a choice between 2 traditional meals. Afterwards, you will continue walking towards our next destination where you will enjoy an authentic Latvian dessert with a freshly brewed coffee or herb infusion and be able to taste Riga’s iconic Black balsam digestives. Thereafter some free time for personal exploration in the city. In the evening a “degustation” dinner (optional) at one of the best restaurants in Riga where you will experience unique tastes from organic natural foods that reflect true culinary art. Overnight.
Breakfast in the hotel. Meet with your gourmet guide. The day starts with a visit to a beer museum and brewery where you will experience how beer is made as well as taste and learn more about Latvian craft beer. Afterwards a hearty Latvian brunch in a beautiful old wooden house across the river. Afterwards free time for personal discoveries. Unique dinner experience (optional) with a celebration of local traditions in one of northern Europe’s best restaurants as linked in White Guide. Overnight.
Departure to the airport. Salutations and see you again!
