https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/15.07.2026-berry-good-latvias-juiciest-exports-have-growth-potential.a655123/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:54:00 GMT 655123 Latvia's berry exports are growing – in recent years, blackcurrant exports have reached a historically high level, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/09.07.2026-organic-dairy-brand-bryunala-discontinued-in-latvia.a654540/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:28:04 GMT 654540 The agricultural services cooperative “Viļāni” has a wide range of organic dairy products and the “Bryunaļa” brand, which was launched 11 years ago. Due to the unprofitability of the production facility, a decision was made to discontinue the production of organic dairy products as of July 10, Latvian Radio reported on July 9. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/08.07.2026-sweet-strawberries-but-poor-cherries-this-summer-in-latvia.a654265/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:09:57 GMT 654265 This year, the local strawberry harvest has come earlier than last year in many places, and thanks to the sunny weather, the berries are often much sweeter. Meanwhile, the harvest of cherries is damaged by rainfall, Latvian Television reported on July 7. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/08.07.2026-chanterelle-season-has-begun-in-latvia.a654260/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:42:22 GMT 654260 Chanterelle season has begun – the first wild chanterelles are already available at markets, and the supply is steadily increasing. Mushroom pickers say there aren’t as many chanterelles this year as there were last year, Latvian Radio reports on July 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/02.07.2026-southwestern-latvia-boasts-many-home-cafes-this-year.a653540/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:12:00 GMT 653540 This weekend marks the start of Home Café Days. This initiative is now in its fifth year in Latvia, during which local residents transform their homes into cafés, offering both their favourite dishes and honoring recipes passed down from their ancestors.  Southern Kurzeme has set a record for home cafés this year – 52 participants have signed up, Latvian Radio reports on July 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/30.06.2026-reduced-vat-rates-apply-in-latvia-from-july-1st.a653281/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:50:24 GMT 653281 From Wednesday, July 1st, a reduced Value Added Tax (VAT, or PVN in Latvian) rate of 12% will be applied to sales of bread, milk, fresh poultry meat and eggs in Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/29.06.2026-unhygienic-cherry-packaging-warehouse-uncovered-in-latvia.a653089/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:33:00 GMT 653089 The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has initiated enforcement proceedings against SIA "Topfruit" for violations of hygiene requirements, PVD said on June 29. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/18.06.2026-chicken-of-the-woods-aplenty-in-latvia.a652054/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:40:26 GMT 652054 The annual hunting season for early spring edible mushrooms has come to an end. However, we still have to wait a little while longer for the start of the chanterelle season. Not to mention the start of the season for boletes and other late-summer mushrooms… What should mushroom-loving Latvians do now? Experienced gourmets know: head out to find some chicken of the wood! https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/18.06.2026-limbazi-latvia-has-first-watermelon-harvest-of-year.a651979/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:44:15 GMT 651979 It’s customary to see cheese and beer on the Midsummer table, but at the Kantāni gardens in Limbaži Municipality, homegrown watermelons are the centrepiece. Farmers Mareks and Aija Kantāni told Latvian Television’s programme Morning Panorama that the first harvest comes in even before the holiday. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/16.06.2026-most-vendors-from-closed-pavilion-have-relocated-within-central-market.a651632/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:32:06 GMT 651632 Most vendors who used to sell goods at Rīga Central Market's meat pavilion, which was closed last week, now continue working in other locations at the market, according to the property manager Rīgas Nami's release on June 15. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/03.06.2026-are-latvians-drinking-less-short-answer-is-we-dont-know.a649862/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:34:00 GMT 649862 August marks one year since alcohol sales restrictions went into effect, including shorter hours for selling alcoholic beverages and limits on advertising. Has this changed any habits? Latvian Radio attempted to find out on June 3. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/29.05.2026-innovative-pizza-oven-brand-launched-in-valmiera.a649260/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 29 May 2026 07:31:32 GMT 649260 Valmiera's legendary Vīnkalni Pizzeria, led by Arti Žentiņš and his family, is launching a new venture and product in its 18th season: the “Pizza-FamilY” line of professional mobile pizza ovens. These are wood-fired metal ovens that combine traditional Italian pizza-making culture with the latest technologies, reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/27.05.2026-first-local-produce-appear-in-latvian-markets.a649047/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 27 May 2026 16:29:00 GMT 649047 Latvian farmers have begun selling this year’s new harvest. The first strawberries, the first new potatoes, as well as this season’s beets and carrots, are already available at the market. Prices for the first vegetable and berry harvest are traditionally high, Kurzeme Television reported on May 27. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/25.05.2026-kekava-poultry-farm-says-chicken-is-in-great-demand-in-latvia.a648541/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 25 May 2026 05:21:18 GMT 648541 Demand for chicken meat in Europe is growing, so the chicken meat producer "Ķekava Foods" encourages other farmers to raise poultry, Latvian Radio reported on May 25. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/22.05.2026-whos-in-for-a-frozen-latvian-treat.a648266/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 22 May 2026 05:26:00 GMT 648266 Ice cream manufacturers have had a slow start to the season, as the weather hasn’t been conducive to enjoying cold treats so far. However, significant investments have been made in new products, and manufacturers are hoping for a good summer, Latvian Radio reported on May 22. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/15.05.2026-we-are-not-starving-dont-eat-deadly-mushrooms-urges-mycologist.a647231/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 15 May 2026 08:25:00 GMT 647231 Perhaps driven by harsh conditions, Latvians have long since learned to prepare even those mushrooms that are considered poisonous elsewhere, but doing so is not safe. Eating boiled poisonous mushrooms is a pure game of chance that can result not only in digestive problems but also in serious, lasting consequences. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/14.05.2026-time-for-some-nutritious-nettle-soup.a647135/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 14 May 2026 11:27:41 GMT 647135 Nettle soup is a true spring dish, especially enjoyable on days when the sun is hiding behind the clouds. Nettles are also a good source of iron and also contain other valuable micronutrients and vitamins. LSM's lifestyle editorial has cooked up a nice nettle soup recipe. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/08.05.2026-latvians-tend-to-eat-midsummer-cheese-all-year-round.a646255/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 08 May 2026 11:23:00 GMT 646255 Latvia’s cheese industry is facing challenges. Although the country’s cheese exports are growing, the biggest problems stem from rising costs and a shortage of labour. However, the niche product “Jāņu cheese” is increasingly gaining market share, Latvian Television reported on 8th May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/06.05.2026-hopes-high-that-latvian-dairy-merger-will-safeguard-jobs-and-increase-exports.a645853/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 06 May 2026 09:45:31 GMT 645853 Two of Latvia's best-known dairy companies have officially joined forces after all legal hurdles on the deal have been jumped. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/06.05.2026-local-tomatoes-hard-to-get-into-shoppers-baskets-in-latvia.a645801/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 06 May 2026 05:44:33 GMT 645801 Last year, the value of tomatoes imported into Latvia reached a record high at more than 48 million euros. Local growers said that imports have a significant impact on the market and prices, Latvian Radio reports in 6th May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/29.04.2026-bakers-say-bread-prices-might-have-to-rise-in-latvia.a644987/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:14:00 GMT 644987 Bakers in Latvia are facing changes -- consumption is declining, and people’s preferences regarding the type of bread they eat are also shifting. Local companies note that the market is being affected by both demographic trends and rising costs, Latvian Television reports on April 28th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/27.04.2026-latvian-producer-very-berry-squeezes-opportunity-from-necessity.a644741/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:15:32 GMT 644741 Latvian berry processing company "Very Berry", operating in the Smiltene region, has experienced big changes in recent years – starting as a niche brand oriented towards the local market, it has become an exporting company and supplier to industrial customers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/21.04.2026-town-and-country-vegetables-are-equally-edible-concludes-study.a643440/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:22:00 GMT 643440 The conclusion that it is possible to grow equally good vegetables in Riga and in the countryside comes from a two-year study by the Institute of Agroresources and Economics (AREI). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/17.04.2026-fruit-orchards-have-felt-the-cold-this-season-in-latvia.a643344/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:38:43 GMT 643344 This spring, the effects of frost along with a lack of moisture in some areas, are being felt in orchards. More sensitive crops, such as peaches, apricots, and other stone fruits, may have suffered significant damage, Latvian Radio reports on 17th April. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/05.04.2026-farmers-say-spuds-will-not-be-as-cheap-in-future-in-latvia.a641737/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:57:00 GMT 641737 Potato acreage has stabilised in recent years – last year, they were grown on more than 12,500 hectares. There has been a sufficient supply of local potatoes on the market so far. Growers say that supplies are now running low, and the main concern is estimating how rising costs will affect production costs in the new season, Latvian Radio reported on 5th April. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/30.03.2026-video-puts-cage-farming-of-chickens-back-in-the-spotlight-in-latvia.a641122/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:03:00 GMT 641122 Cage farming of laying hens is legal in Latvia, but is facing increasing criticism due to the conditions in which the hens are kept, and this issue has also been put on the agenda of Latvia's parliament, the Saeima. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/30.03.2026-latvias-best-school-meals-are-in-jelgava.a640988/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:34:09 GMT 640988 The "Best School Caterer in Latvia" competition has concluded, and Jelgava Technology High School has been named the winner. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/27.03.2026-2025-was-less-meaty-more-eggy-in-latvia.a640764/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:03:04 GMT 640764 Central Statistical Bureau provisional data show that in 2025 meat production in Latvia was down but egg production was up. It was also a bad year to be a bee. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/25.03.2026-rigas-restaurants-ready-for-terrace-season.a640304/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:26:10 GMT 640304 With the arrival of warmer weather, hammers are sounding in Old Town as outdoor terraces are being built. However, many need only wipe away the winter dust, as cafes, bars, and restaurants were no longer required to dismantle their terraces this winter, Latvian Radio reported on 24th March. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/24.03.2026-third-country-citizens-in-latvia-might-no-longer-be-able-to-work-as-couriers.a640126/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:23:00 GMT 640126 It’s possible that in the not-too-distant future, we’ll have to go get our own meals. The Saeima is preparing to incorporate a series of amendments into the new immigration law and other regulatory acts that will significantly restrict food delivery platforms’ ability to employ third-country citizens as food couriers, Latvian Television reported on 23rd March. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/25.02.2026-home-cafe-days-set-to-return-to-latvia-in-2026.a636274/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:36:17 GMT 636274 Recent years have seen 'Home Cafe Days' become a very popular annual event across Latvia when people open their homes as pop-up cafes for a day or two. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/19.02.2026-financial-woes-of-estonian-dairy-have-serious-consequences-in-latvia.a635374/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:20:52 GMT 635374 The management of a modern dairy production centre in Estonia has filed for bankruptcy in court because it is unable to meet its financial obligations. Latvian Radio has learned that the dairy also owes Latvian farmers millions of euros for the milk they supplied. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/06.02.2026-baby-formula-batches-recalled-in-latvia.a633436/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:40:03 GMT 633436 The distributor of Aptamil and Tutteli products in Latvia, SIA Nutricia, has recalled several batches of products as a precautionary measure, according to the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/20.01.2026-feeling-blue-latvian-chicken-broth-is-the-answer.a630746/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:07:00 GMT 630746 It's cold outside, you've got the sniffles and the winter blues, your employer just told you there will be no pay rises this year, and 95% of news coverage reads like the raving of a lunatic. What's the answer? Why, Latvian chicken broth, of course!   https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/12.01.2026-latvia-signs-another-three-year-agreement-with-michelin-guide.a629498/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:55:00 GMT 629498 The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has signed an agreement on Latvia's participation in the international gastronomic "Michelin Guide" until 2028. Participation will cost €380,000 per year, Latvian Radio reported on 12th January. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/08.01.2026-michelin-acclaimed-restaurant-in-riga-to-close.a629090/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:02:20 GMT 629090 A decision has been made to close the seafood restaurant Tails, listed in the international Michelin Guide, at the end of this week, according to a statement posted on the restaurant's social media accounts. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/24.12.2025-dont-forget-food-safety-ahead-of-celebrations.a627715/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:25:52 GMT 627715 The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) urges consumers to think about safe food purchasing and storage during the holiday season. Special attention should be paid to product expiration dates, and consumers should not buy more than is necessary for the holiday table. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/23.12.2025-what-else-can-you-do-with-gingerbread-cookies.a627575/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:20:34 GMT 627575 Are you drowning in mountains of gingerbread cookies, or perhaps you've got no idea what to serve for dessert on Christmas Day? Fear not – LSM's Latvian language service has come to the rescue with three dessert recipes featuring the spicy crunchies. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/04.12.2025-alcohol-tobacco-and-energy-drinks-to-become-more-expensive-in-latvia.a625013/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:05:00 GMT 625013 Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, on Thursday, December 4th, supported amendments to the Excise Tax Law as part of its budget deliberations which will make alcoholic drinks more expensive in 2026. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/03.12.2025-no-police-action-to-be-taken-against-artist-over-offal-cemetery-stunt.a624877/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:24:00 GMT 624877 The State Police (SP) has decided not to initiate administrative violation proceedings regarding the activities of artist and associate professor of the Latvian Academy of Arts Kristians Brekte at the Riga Brothers' Cemetery, the LETA newswire reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/28.11.2025-latvian-bean-chocolate-does-well-at-european-level.a624171/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:37:14 GMT 624171 Latvian entrepreneurs have invented a natural delicacy from local beans that resembles chocolate, but does not contain a single gram of cocoa. At the prestigious European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) awards ceremony, the Latvians won second place in fierce competition, Latvian Radio reported on 28 November. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/07.11.2025-latvia-plans-to-renew-michelin-guide-contract.a621544/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 07 Nov 2025 07:18:55 GMT 621544 Two weeks ago, Latvian restaurants received the latest accolades from the prestigious Michelin Guide, which this year includes 34 restaurants. Meanwhile, Latvia is planning to sign a new three-year contract with the Michelin Guide, Latvian Radio reported on 7 November. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/06.11.2025-home-producers-gain-recognition-and-reputation-in-valmiera-district.a621405/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:33:08 GMT 621405 The achievements of small producers and cottage industries have been recognized in Valmiera district with the award of medals in the product quality competition "Novadu garša 2025" (Taste of the district 2025). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/28.10.2025-latvia-demands-more-organic-veggies-than-it-can-grow.a620059/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:47:36 GMT 620059 The unusually long rains, cool weather, and flooded fields and gardens have also affected organic vegetable yields this year, resulting in lower yields and lower quality of many vegetables, especially potatoes. Although the area under organic farming in Latvia is increasing year on year, the number of organic vegetables is still low. Meanwhile, the demand for organic vegetables is much higher than we are currently producing, Latvian Radio reported on 28 October. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/25.10.2025-ghee-whats-your-problem.a619797/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 25 Oct 2025 07:34:00 GMT 619797 A resident of Rīga purchased ghee butter at an Indian grocery store, but then suspected impurities.  After testing, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) found that this product did indeed contain non-dairy fats, which should not be present in ghee butter, and therefore suspended the sale of this batch, according to the Latvian Television programme "4. studija". https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/22.10.2025-latvian-john-chefs-hall-and-max-cekot-kitchen-retain-michelin-star.a619359/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:31:25 GMT 619359 The Michelin Guide 2026 includes 34 Latvian restaurants, including three new restaurants. John Chef's Hall and Max Cekot Kitchen have retained one star each, the Michelin Guide said. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/22.10.2025-gourd-geous-berries-fight-for-title-of-latvias-heaviest-pumpkin.a619311/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:14:08 GMT 619311 The 20th Latvian Pumpkin Championship in Vērmanes Gardens has revealed the heaviest pumpkin of the year. The winner weighs 295 kilograms and boasts a circumference of 3 metres 30 centimetres, Latvian Television reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/17.10.2025-good-cranberry-year-in-latvia.a618758/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 17 Oct 2025 06:31:07 GMT 618758 Cranberries are the most consumed berry in Latvia in a given year because they are long-keeping, claims the Latvian Fruit Growers Association (LAA). The cranberry harvest at Latgale Cranberries, located in Ludza municipality just a few kilometres from the Latvian-Russian border, has been impressive this year, with 50 tonnes of cranberries harvested, Latgale Television reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/16.10.2025-latvia-wastes-about-as-much-food-as-european-union-average.a618104/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:00:21 GMT 618104 In 2023, around 130 kilograms (kg) of food per person were wasted in the EU, according to Eurostat data published on October 16th.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/15.10.2025-pumpkin-time-at-latvian-nature-museum.a618426/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:43:36 GMT 618426 From 22 to 26 October, the Latvian National Museum of Natural History will host the exhibition "Cucurbits and Peppers 2025", which will showcase around 250 pumpkin and gourd species, the museum has announced.