The Multicultural Culinary Scene Of Daugavpils

Founded in the 13th century as a castle, Daugavpils is the second largest city in Latvia and a renowned culinary hub of the Baltic region. Eatagram invites you to explore its cuisine and dining traditions.

The culinary scene of Daugavpils is determined by its location. On the one hand, the city’s proximity to the Baltic Sea provides an abundance of freshly caught seafood. On the other hand, as Latvia borders Eastern European countries, the local diet has undergone some gastronomic influences of these states. These natural processes resulted in a distinctive dining culture that beckons guests from all over the world.

Are you ready to stroll through the city’s gorgeous streets and discover its culinary wonders?

We’ll start with seafood and try zupa ar siļķi, a very popular herring soup. Smoked fish is a regional must-try, you’ll never find anything so delicious in any other city.

Bread is a cornerstone of the Latvian diet. Dark rye bread is the most delicious bread in Daugavpils. If you’re a fan of pastries, make sure to sample local pīrāgi, tiny meat pies. In Daugavpils, dairy products are essentials, for they have been widely used in every household throughout the city’s history. On a hot summer day, try skābputra , a soured porridge with fermented milk, and biezpiena sieriņš, a popular curd snack.

The countries of Eastern Europe have influenced Daugavpils' culinary landscape in many delicious ways. Local restaurants and street food stalls offer pelmeni (dumplings), Ukrainian borshch (beet soup), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), potato pancakes, pork stews, and pierogi (dumplings with various fillings).

Can’t decide on desserts? Daugavpils’ coffee shops and bakeries offer plenty of sweet options to choose from. Be sure to try medus kūka (honey cake), and žeppi (doughnuts filled with jam).

Beyond its traditional fare, Daugavpils is also home to contemporary dining trends. Chic cafes, bistros, and fine-dining establishments dot the city, offering innovative dishes that blend local ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Whatever you opt with, Daugavpils has something special for every foodie.

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