Fish dishes have always been familliar to Latvians. From sprat and Baltic herring sandwiches to “herring in a fur coat” and smoked carp, fish hold an important place in Latvian cuisine. What matters is not only eating fish, but also the process itself: angling, fishing, cleaning, and smoking.
These traditions also continue outside Latvia. Conversations with Latvians in the diaspora show that angling remains popular around the world, and that fishing and hunting clubs have played an important role in Latvian communities in Australia, the United States, and Canada.

As in Latvia, fish smoking is also important in the diaspora; it has become an integral part of Latvian identity. Fish dishes also often have a prominent place on the festive table at Latvian centres and festive gatherings, where they symbolize both tradition and belonging.

Riga sprats are also significant outside of Latvia, as they are one of Latvia’s best-known food exports. In many parts of the world, they can be found on shop shelves, and Latvians in the diaspora are happy to buy them as a reminder of their homeland.