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

Every city has its own signature sweet treat. Portugal has its Pastel de Nata, Vienna has its Sachertorte, and Riga has its very own pastry – “Vecrīga”. This light and airy choux pastry, filled with a delicate, creamy cottage cheese filling, is a beloved classic of Latvian confectionery and a sweet symbol of Riga’s culinary heritage. Its story is as closely intertwined with the city as its name suggests.

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.

Discover this sweet side of Riga at the city's cafés, pastry shops and bakeries, each offering its own unique take on the iconic “Vecrīga” pastry.

To make your sweet adventure even easier, a special “Vecrīga” Pastry Map has been created, inviting you on a delicious journey through Riga. Explore charming cafés and bakeries, uncover hidden gems and taste everything from the beloved classic “Vecrīga” to surprising, modern interpretations of this local favourite.

Discover Riga through its flavours and find your favourite Vecrīga!