Latvia Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 15
Home Country: latvia
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 Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:15 am Post subject: FOOD & DINING IN LATVIA / LATVIA DINING GUIDE |
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FOOD & DINING IN LATVIA
GENERAL
Pork and potatoes still may reign in Riga, but the last years have brought immense variety to the dining scene, so that even in this cream based nation, one doesn't have to compromise one's cholesterol. Between genuine sushi bars and real ethnic establishments there are also weaker attempts at exoticism, and prices aren't as low as one would expect in Eastern Europe.
Hors d’oeuvres are very good and often the best part of the meal. Overall, cuisine can be heavy but almost always tasty and nourishing.
National specialties
• Kotletes (meat patties).
• Skabu kapostu zupa (cabbage soup).
• Alexander Torte (raspberry- or cranberry-filled pastry strips).
• Smoked fish (including salmon or trout).
• Sweetbread soup with dried fruit.
• Piragi (pastry filled with bacon and onions).
• Sorrel soup with boiled pork, onions, potatoes and barley.
• Potatoes feature regularly on the menu, prepared in a variety of ways.
• There is a large selection of excellent dairy products on offer, such as skabs krejums (sour cream).
National drinks
• Riga’s Black Balsam is a thick, black alcoholic liquid which has been produced since 1700. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but some of the ingredients include ginger, oak bark, bitter orange peel and cognac. It is drunk either with coffee or mixed with vodka.
• There are several good local beers, including the dark beer Bauskas Tumsais and the pale Gaisais.
• Kvass is a refreshing summer drink.
• Sparkling wine is popular.
Tipping: Restaurant bills usually include a tip. It is customary to give a little extra for good service.
PLACES TO DINE IN RIGA
Ai Karamba!
Pulkveža Brieža 2,
Riga
Tel: +371 67 334-672
Website: www.aikaramba.com
Bestsellers
Dzirnavu 33 (Albert Hotel),
Riga
Tel: +371 67 142-748
Website: www.alberthotel.lv
Charlestons
Blaumaņa 38/40,
Riga
Tel: +371 67 770-573
Website: www.charlestons.lv
Columbine
Aspazijas bulv. 36/38 (Metropole),
Riga
Tel: +371 67 225-411
Website: www.metropole.lv
El Primero
Smilšu 6 (entrance from Aldaru),
Riga
Tel: +371 67 323-664
Fellini
Marijas 13 (Berga Bazārs),
Riga
Tel: +371 67 284-801
Website: www.fellini.lv
Indian Raja
Vecpilsētas 3,
Riga
Tel: +371 67 221-617
Melnie Mūki
Jāņa sēta 1,
Riga
Tel: +371 67 215-006
Salt ’n’ Pepper
13. Janvāra 33,
Riga
Tel: +371 67 226-836
Velvets
Skārņu 9,
Riga
Tel: +371 67 215-075 |
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