Food » Europe »
Scandinavia & the Baltics » Latvia »
Latvia
Food, Dining, & Drinks
Dining Etiquette
Latvia has its share of both Latvians and
Russians, fortunately both have similar dining habits, although neither
group will likely be dining with the other. If dining at a Russian's house,
you may want to consult the Russian Food page for
more details.
If dining at a Latvian's home, dress nicely, arrive
on time, and bring a gift like chocolates, or better, something authentically from
your home country. Once you arrive, remove your shoes at the door and get ready
for the formalities.
When eating in Latvia, always error on the side of being
more conservative and more formal. You will be shown a seat and are expected to
eat with your knife in your right hand and fork in the left. Your napkin is meant
to remain on the table where you found it, only being used to clean your mouth or
plate. The host will take the first bite of food or will let you know when to begin.
As the meal comes to an end, finish all the food on your plate and get ready to
sing, yes sing. You don't have to know the Latvian lyrics, but you are expected
to partake in their traditions, one of which is to follow up a good authentic meal
with a song.
If at a business dinner, don't discuss business. Meal time is meant to socialize
and improve relations, not to close a deal or finalize details.
When eating at a sit down restaurant with a server, you should round up or tip about
10% of the bill. In bars a tip is appreciated but not necessary.
History & Influences
Latvian cuisine is based on animal products. Meats, dairy,
eggs, and animal fats are commonly used and featured in most dishes. Additionally,
the people historically integrated potatoes, wheat, and other heavy vegetables.
After falling under Polish and German
control pork has been more significantly integrated into the Latvian diet. Today,
little has changed in Latvian cuisine other than a few new ingredients and ingredient
combinations. As communication and transportation channels have improved, new ethnic
foods and restaurants have been introduced, but not yet in significant numbers.
Staple Foods
Beans: considered a staple and found in many dishes, especially
traditional peasant dishes
Peas: like beans, not found in every dish, but a very common ingredient
Rupjmaize: a dark bread made from rye is commonly served with meals
in Latvia
Regional Varieties & Specialties
Grey Peas with Onions & Bacon: Latvia's national dish is
fairly self-explanatory
Drinks
On the non-alcoholic side, birch juice is a natural local beverage and skabputra
is a popular sour porridge beverage made from barley and milk. In addition, all
common drinks like soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea are available.
A fairly alcoholic drink in Latvia is maizes kvass,
which is fermented from rye bread crusts. Beer is also popular, which can be served
in various forms, some of which are made with honey.
Generally speaking, the tap water is safe to drink in Latvia,
but check with locals for any particular regional differences. Also, many people
may have troubles adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be
different from what your system is used to.
This page was last updated: September, 2011