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What to try in local cafeterias?

While visiting a new country it is always fun to explore local foods. Of course, in Latvia you will find restaurants serving foods from all around the world, so if you prefer Italian or Asian food, you will not face any challenges eating your favorite dishes here. But today we will look at some of the typical food you can find in any roadside cafe, but probably only somewhere in Latvia.

These are the dishes that I would not call “traditional” Latvian food, but more as a daily choice for lunch if you are a Latvian eating out.

So, first of all, the “Franču karbonāde” or in English “French chop”. Nobody knows why it is called French, as it does not come from France, and you cannot find this meal in France, and to be fair French people are always surprised to see a dish called like that. But basically, you take a piece of meat - either pork or chicken, put thin slices of meat on the pan, cover with onions, pour generously with mayonnaise and cheese on the top, and put in the oven. This high-calorie food is usually accompanied by boiled or fried potatoes. If you are trying it for the first time, my suggestion is to ask for a smaller portion, because in some cases the portion could be huge. And I mean huge.

Source: Delfi.lv

The second very common dish is the “Aukstā zupa” or Cold soup. Maybe you have heard the term Lithuanian soup. And although yes, Lithuanians have a similar Cold soup, Latvians would insist that their version is the true original. Either way, you can try both versions and write in the comments which one you prefer. As for the Latvian cold soup, there are several options for how to prepare it, but the most typical one is the pink version. “Aukstā Zupa” typically includes beets, cucumbers, dill, sour cream, kefir or buttermilk, and sometimes boiled eggs. The soup is served chilled and is refreshing, especially during the warmer months. It has a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors from the beets and sour cream, with the crunchy texture of cucumbers adding to its appeal. It’s specific and might not be everyone's cup of tea, but you have to try it to decide for yourself.

Source: SHUTTERSTOCK

And the third dish is something you will probably not find in fancy restaurants, but when you go to the countryside, it’s almost everywhere - “Siļķe ar biezpienu”. In English, "Siļķe ar biezpienu" translates to "Herring with cottage cheese." This dish is a traditional Latvian delicacy consisting of marinated herring served with cottage cheese. The herring is typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, onions, and various spices, which gives it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The cottage cheese adds a creamy and mild contrast to the bold flavors of the herring. It is served usually with boiled potatoes. And it would not be a typical Latvian dish without the dill. Dill will be put on the potatoes and mixed in the cotted cheese. If you are not a fan of dill, be sure to notify the waiter beforehand. In Scandinavia, you can find similar dishes, but this dish usually comes as a surprise for people from more southern European countries.

Source: Valdis Ošiņš

Hope you will have the possibility to try one of these meals and let us know what you think in the comments!