Stuff you need backpacking around Latvia

Latvian belongs to the Eastern Baltic sub-group of the Balto-Slavic language group in the Indo-European language family. Of the Baltic languages, only Latvian and its closest relative Lithuanian remain, with the Slavs as their relatively close relatives. The language is spoken natively by over half of the 2.2 million residents of Latvia. There is also a lot of Russian language spoken by the Russian ethnic community and it is universally understood in Latvia. English is also understood in urban centers, however there may still be problems 'connecting' with people in English. See also: Latvian phrasebook

This is best thing that could happen to a traveler in Latvia - food. Latvian cuisine comes from the peasant culture, and is based on crops that grow in Latvia's temperate climate. Rye, peas, beets, and potatoes are the staples; smoked bacon, sausage, and other pork products are favorites. Since Latvia is surrounded by the sea, smoked and raw fish is also available. Lots of things are flavored with caraway seeds, especially cheese and bread. A cheese similar to smoked gouda, but more soft, is the cheapest and, arguably, tastiest variety. Latvian rye bread is heavy and flavorful, and goes well with hearty Latvian meals like pea soup, potatoes, and schnitzels (karbonades). Restaurants in larger cities often offer stews in clay pots. Latvian cuisine is typical for temperate and northern countries, high on butter, fat, and grains, low on spice. If you are from the Mediterranean, you will find it bland, but if you come from England or Russia or the Midwestern US, you won't have trouble getting used to it. Koknese castle ruins A more exotic Latvian dish is a sweet soup made from rye bread (maizes zupa). Some specific food only available in this area:

• Biezpiena sierins [6] - curd actually, but with sweet taste
• Kefirs - specific dairy product (vegetarian)
• Kiselis - served for dessert (vegetarian)
• Griki - buckwheat, eaten as main course
• Skabeti kaposti - cabbage in its own juice

Other mentionable food and dishes:

• Smoked cheese - goes very well with wine
• Eclair - cake with sweet cream inside
• Eel - fish that looks like a snake, European eel
• Frikadelu zupa - meatball soup with bullion (high fat)
• Biesu zupa - red colored beetroot soup (vegetarian and non-vegetarian)
• Rosols - salad with sour cream, usually non-vegetarian
• Kotletes - meatballs served with potatoes
• Gailenu merce - mushroom sauce, usually served with potatoes (vegetarian)
• Siļķe ar biezpienu - herring served with cottage cheese

A view from Skyline bar Many local beers are excellent. Aldaris, Līvu, and Senču can be bought almost anywhere. A special 'live beer' called Užavas can be found in selected pubs and restaurants. Don't forget to try the Balsam (Rīgas Melnais Balzams). It's a strong (45%) infusion of various herbs, roots, and spices. It will cure your flu in no time. Add a few drops to flavor your tea, or a few spoons to lace your coffee, or drink it neat. Wine is also grown in Latvia in small quantities. It is one of the most Northern points in the world where wine is grown. Vineyards can be seen in Sabile (in Latvian). Some remarkable places to have a sip:

• Skyline Bar, [7]. On the top of Reval hotel in Riga, just perfect view on sunset, not good idea to go there if you are on budget.
• Lido Recreation Centre,[8]. A restaurant complex in a huge wooden structure in Riga, children friendly.
• Roka kafejnica, Stendera iela 18/20, tel. 3481555, in Liepaja. First rock cafe.
• Krodzins "Riva" in Jurkalne, could be seen from Liepaja - Ventspils highway, a small pub near a waterfall and wooden bridge.
• Raganas Kekis, [9]. The name means witch's kitchen. Located in Ragana village, in the Vidzeme region, which obviously means "witch" in Latvian. You will see it if you travel on direction to Valmiera or Limbazi.
• Rossini, [10]. Near castle ruins and museum in Valmiera. Nice surroundings, serves Italian food.
• Double Coffee, restaurants in Riga, they have wireless hotspots, but you need to buy Lattelekom wifi card. 10% service is added to the bill there.

Places serving Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Ukrainian cuisine are also available in Latvia. It is common to tip 10% of the bill depending on the service you encountered. Make sure you check the receipt, as some establishments automatically include a 10% tip in the bill.

• Amber, which is sold in most souvenir shops. If you are lucky, some could be found on the Baltic Sea shore after a storm.
• Smoked (black) ceramics from Latgale.
• Silver jewellery
• Mittens with ornaments. Hand-made and representing traditional culture.
• Black (rye) bread gives more energy than the common white (wheat) bread. If bought fresh and kept in a plastic bag, it might last well up to 10 days or more.
• Melnais Balzams, a spirit enhanced with various herbs.
• Laimas konfektes Asorti, chocolate candy with various fillings.

Speciality shops are open from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, till 4 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays. Groceries are open every day till 8 PM or longer. Most supermarkets are open till 11 PM every day. ATMs are widely available throughout Latvia (including Riga International Airport), even in many small towns. Tax free shops have their signs clearly displayed. Banks will accept traveller's cheques with some fee as a percentage of the sum. Before leaving Latvia, it is advisable to exchange Latvian lats back to your foreign currency, unless you want to keep them as a souvenir.