Best Vegan Spots in Riga
Permission to politely ignore those who continue to claim that Riga isn't vegan-friendly. You just have to know where to go and we’re right here to help you find the best vegan spots in Riga recommended by locals.
In Latvia, we’re blessed with top quality produce from Mother Nature’s larder. Wild mushrooms from the woods, beets, carrots and apples from granny’s garden, pure rye bread from artisan bakeries. But we’ve also developed a taste for spices and international cuisine. Taste what the chefs have thrown together at some of our favourite spots!
Terapija
Mazā Terapija — 28 Skolas Street
Join the ranks of Riga’s workforce making their lunchtime pilgrimage to the original Terapija or its little sister for their daily dose of plant-based brain food in the form of soup, salads and mains. In the evening, order from the a la carte menu. At weekends, experience a modern day Riga tradition - book a table for the all-you-can-eat brunch.
Don’t leave without picking up a sandwich or sweet treat to go. The “cheese salad” focaccia or rich slab of brownie make for a satisfying afternoon snack or breakfast! Mazā Terapija is renowned for its vegan sausage rolls.
If you’ve decided to mark a special occasion in Riga, order your cake from Terapija or Mazā Terapija. The lemon meringue, non-honey honey cake and banoffee pie have gone down in Riga’s vegan history.
Photos by @elizagutmane and @vegan_wieners
The Beginnings
A pioneer of healthy eating in Riga. What started as a small basement cafe has grown into a small health food empire with three bricks-n-mortar locations and its own product line featuring, among others, protein bars, raw crackers and superfood supplements. Their “guilt-free” sweets like “Bounty” bars and goji balls are the bomb.
The weekday lunch menu has raw food and hot options. The evening and weekend a la carte has a fantastic mix of fusion dishes like Latvian grey pea hummus, buckwheat “risotto” with chanterelles, and Northern poke bowls with trout, cranberries and horseradish. And did we mention the weekend brunch?
Mr Fox
So popular, they don’t take bookings. Mr Fox is a spot for dining and some serious Instagram posting. Its leafy green wallpaper and yellow sofas are famous among Riga’s design lovers who come here for breakfast and lunch. Favourite menu items include the vegan pancakes with fresh fruit, and nutritious buddha bowls. Guests can also build their own from a long list of veggies and protein sources! Finish up with an excellent coffee and sweet treat like chia pudding.
Stockpot
Stock Pot Two — 27a Dzirciema Street
Stock Pot XL —36 Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street
Stockpot is to thank for teaching Latvians to appreciate spices outside the salt and pepper spectrum. Their legendary chilli scale helps navigate the daily menu of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Mexican and lesser known Mediterranean dishes.
All three outposts offer vegan options. Meat free Fridays and Chilled Saturdays at XL are made for those weekending in Riga. Stockpot’s chilli con soya, vegan pho and “no death no dairy lasagne” are always big hits.
Dedicated spice lovers should consider taking part in the annual Stockpot Heroes Challenge. Competitors have 20 minutes to devour an off-the-scale hot dish without any sides.
Bio Bio
100% vegan, 100% organic. Part shop, part cafe. This is your chance to rub shoulders with Riga’s yummy mummies and influencers of the day over a steaming bowl of vegan solyanka or lentil stew.
Try one of BioBio’s cashew nut donuts or a slice of the spirulina-matcha-cashew nut “cheesecake”. Grab it to go and enjoy at the nearby Vērmanes Dārzs park or strolling through Bergs Bazaar shopping arcade.
Staying at an Airbnb or hostel with its own kitchen? BioBio’s shelves are stacked with quality staples such as pasta, lentils, coffee and chocolate.
Vegan Fest
The lucky few who are in Riga at the right time in August are in for a treat at the now-annual Vegan Festival. It’s a true celebration of vegan food with street food stands, talks and masterclasses.
The above list is far from exhaustive with the number of vegan spots in Riga growing exponentially. Shout outs also to Big Bad Bagels, Balts, Fat Pumpkin, Wok n’ Kurry, L’Acquerello, Nata Cafe, Aqua Luna, Shamna Ve Salta, Autentika, Indian Raja, Nirvana and all others making Riga’s vegans and vegan friends happy on a daily basis.
Text by Lelde Beņķe
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Riga Original city guide is a selection of the best local flavour—our favourite spots and friendly places. A collection of good design, happy people and simple things that make everyday life better.
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