There are people among my foreign friends who for understandable reasons like the Soviet feel in Riga. They love the Central Market, the old trams, the flea markets, the Soviet functionalist architecture and monuments. For theoe people, I have a real treat: a nice, cheap, Soviet-style lunch experience.

Latvians like to have a serious meal for lunch – it is the main meal of the day for many. And for those who are familiar and sympathize with the Bistro concept a.k.a. the post-Soviet way of fast-food (‘bistro’ means ‘fast’ in Russian), this is exactly the place for you – the food is ready to be served, and I assure you, just like most any other food in Latvia – it is delicious (unless, you are an Italian; if you are, I am sorry – no place comes close to that Italian cuisine, but I guess there must be other reasons for you to travel).

Everything about this place is as if lagging behind in time – even the decoration that lingers on from Christmas till Midsummer’s. Perhaps the most special detail about this canteen is the lady serving the plates – she looks exactly like one would remember these ladies form Soviet movies in the best kind of way.  A sincere, playful, warm and witty open-hearted Soviet lady character. She’s aware of that too and owns her game, enjoying the show, as will you.