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Country Guide > Europe > Latvia | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Hors d’oeuvres are very good and often the best part of the meal. Local specialities include 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) and sorrel soup with boiled pork, onions, potatoes and barley. Potatoes feature regularly on the menu prepared in a variety of ways. There is also a large selection of excellent dairy products on offer, such as skabs krejums (sour cream). 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 also popular. Nightlife Riga has a good range of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes. Shopping Amber is of high quality and a good buy. Other purchases include folk art, wicker work and earthenware. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900/1000-1800/1900, Sat 0900/1000-1600/1700. Some smaller shops may be closed 1400-1500 for lunch. Food shops open 0800/0900-2000/2100. Some shops are open 24 hours. Special Events For a complete list of events, contact the National Tourist Board or local Embassy (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Latvia in 2005: Jan 7 14th Festival of Ancient Music, Valmiera. Feb 5-6 International Festival of Ice Sculptures, Jelgava. Feb 18-20 International Festival of Music Traditions, Riga. Mar 380th Anniversary of Liepaja City. Mar 11-13 Riga Fashion Week. May 7 May Fair, Riga. Jun 7-12 and 15-19 8th Riga Opera Festival. Jun 19 Enchanting of John's Day, Riga. Aug 5-7 City Festival, Ventspils. Sep 25 Fair of Autumn Solstice, Riga. Dec 18 Traditional Latvian Christmas Celebrations. Dec 26 Winter Party, Riga. Social Conventions Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Latvians are somewhat reserved and formal, but nevertheless very hospitable. They are proud of their culture and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity. Tipping: Taxi fares and restaurant bills usually include a tip. It is customary to give a little extra for good service. |