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

As Riga celebrates its 825th anniversary, the city invites locals and visitors alike to discover one of Latvia's best-loved desserts – the Vecrīga pastry. From 3 to 16 August, cafés, bakeries and pastry shops across Riga will be celebrating this iconic sweet with both classic recipes and creative new interpretations. You can find a map of bakeries and their "Vecrīga" menu HERE

When travelling, we often seek out a destination's signature flavours. While Portugal has its Pastel de Nata, Riga has the Vecrīga – a light choux pastry filled with sweet curd cream that has become an enduring symbol of the city's confectionery traditions.

The origins of the Vecrīga pastry are closely linked to Riga. One of the best-known versions of its story traces the recipe back to pastry chefs Ilmārs Uldis Cīrulis and Vilhelms Pīrāgs, who developed the dessert while working in Riga and helped establish it as a classic of Latvian confectionery.

To help visitors explore the city's sweetest tradition, a special Vecrīga Map will highlight participating cafés, bakeries and pastry shops serving both traditional and contemporary versions of the dessert. It's the perfect excuse for a sweet walk through Riga, discovering neighbourhood cafés, artisan bakeries and local flavours along the way.

More than 25 cafés, bakeries and pastry shops across the city will take part, making this one of the tastiest ways to experience Riga's culinary heritage during the city's birthday celebrations.

Go and look for for these places - Līvi Café, Beķereja Bazaar, Konditoreja "Sala", Crumble Cake, Kafijas Namiņš, Stockmann Café, FIKA, KRIŅĢEL'S, All Cappuccino, KŪRE Ceptuve, Melnā Bite, TAPAS TAPAS, After..., Raunas Dārzs Eklērnīca, Lapsas Māja, Kafe Manna, Liepkalni, Kairi Cafe, Vaniļas Debesis, Pērles Gardumi, Ugly Cake, Bezē konditoreja, Better Bread, KŪŪK Cafe, Cake D, Cruffins, Rocket Bean Cafe and more to come! Map with all the locations HERE!