Riga's Sweetest Secret – discover the story of the Vecrīga pastry

Every city has its signature flavours. Portugal has the Pastel de Nata, Vienna has the Sachertorte, and Riga has a pastry of its own – Vecrīga. This light choux pastry filled with delicate sweet curd cream is a classic of Latvian confectionery and a dessert with a story closely connected to Riga.

One version of the Vecrīga pastry’s origins credits confectioners Ilmārs Uldis Cīrulis and Vilhelms Pīrāgs, who also worked at Riga’s legendary Ch. Jürgenson–Otto Schwarz café. Over the years, Vecrīga has become a beloved staple of Latvian bakeries and pastry shops, while today’s pastry chefs continue to reinvent the classic with new and creative interpretations.

As Riga celebrates its 825th birthday, from 3 to 16 August the city invites you to discover this sweet piece of local heritage through Riga’s Sweetest Secret. Cafés, bakeries and pastry shops across Riga will offer their own versions of the iconic Vecrīga pastry.

To make them easier to discover, a special Vecrīga pastry map will guide you on a delicious journey through the city. Explore Riga’s cafés and bakeries along the way and taste everything from the traditional Vecrīga to surprising contemporary interpretations.

Discover Riga through its flavours and find your favourite Vecrīga!