FEAST FROM THE EAST. 5+ great Asian food stores in Riga.
Sometimes potatoes, sausage rolls and soups are just too much. Sometimes one strives to try tastes outside the Western hemisphere or bring back memories from flavours experienced when in the East. Without any further ado, we just can't believe there has been no solid article praising temporary grocery stores in Riga with foodstuff exclusively further East from Latvia. So there it is - these are 5+ shops where everyone can find something from the West and South, to the Far East of Asia!
Basically, this is a small town supermarket - a plethora of well-priced products from East and South Asia cramped in a tiny, yet comfortable place. Probably the best and most authentic variety of often vegan-friendly finger foods, peculiar delicacies and also authentic day-to-day ingredients and sauces in Riga from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and more. There's also a large online store AND a huge food store in Vecrīga, at Aspazijas iela 32!
EDITOR'S CHOICE.
Where: Krišjāņa Barona iela 96/98; Aspazijas 2
As the name says, this store sells Indian products, predominantly staple foods, dry mixes and snacks (also some selfcare products) in large variety. There's still plenty of room to grow brick-and-mortar, but this is, for now, the most decently furnished and supplied Indian food store in Riga with reasonable prices, mostly vegan assortment and also with a wee bit of fresh vegetables. They only need to drop Pepsi, Mirinda and some Nestle items as they truly don't fit.
Where: Dzirnavu iela 102
It's a store, alright. Very basic interior, a little bit on the side street, but still an abundance of South Asian and mostly vegan foodstuff. All items are unique, many tastes are adventurous and untamed (including their own Musk jarred food line), and the prices are great. Also, there is what we believe to be the owner who works at the shop often, and he is just the kindest man!
Where: Kurbada iela 2a
A little bit on the expensive side, but, you pay for the style, I guess? Don't come here for staple foods - Oishii Asian Mart is more like a fan cave for those loving all snacks, sweets, and finger and comfort food Asian. But in a good way for the selection is of great quality, every product is unique and worth buying and trying! There's also an online store!
Where: Marijas iela 20
All things Ayurveda, yoga and meditation in this locally run and popular oldtimer - a large assortment of teas, also spices, vegetarian and vegan mixes, incense and self care products as well as yoga mats and other thematic gear. Not much of staple foods, and prices could be lower, but still a curious place for both the practitioners and also the general public.
Where: Skolas iela 31
A plethora of all things Turkey in a place that looks like a proper chain store if there was a Turkish chain store in Latvia. Decently priced, albeit quite traditional/reserved - not too many exotic surprises or discoveries, yet an abundance of spices, sweets, meatstuff, preserves, beverages, and more.
Where: Dzirnavu iela 121
MORE INFO
There are a few other places you can visit if you run out of options, are a completionist or just a fan of all things Asia.
Mannat Mart is a humble shop full of potential with products common to
South Asia (predominantly India). If the store adds more foodstuff to
their half-full stands and almost empty fridges and opens up on time, this place can jump to
our primary recommendations as many items sold there currently are authentic and
interesting.
A&A is an Asian food store with a potential. It has an online version, but for the brick-and-mortar space they have in Riga, albeit small, the offer could be much larger. Also the offer is slightly superficial and narrow with many products found in other conventional stores too. For now, nothing exciting, but if you're down with any East Asian snacks, sodas and sauces and a hint of k-pop, this might be the place.
Ishwari, once called Hanumans, has shrunk three sizes and has sadly lost its appeal to general public as probably the oldest Asian-themed store for Ayurvedic lifestyle. Still associated to the well-known Hare Krishna centre in Riga and Rāma vegetarian canteen, Ishtari is interesting to visit, but not much to offer (for now).
Spice Bazaar has a few interesting things associated with South Asia to offer, but it lacks pleasant enough atmosphere, enough authentic items (there's gotta be something more Indian than Nestle or Patak's products), and enough staple foods (instead there's lots of snacks, dry mixes and rice/gram).
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