ZANDER FROM LAKE BURTNIEKS – a dish of honor at the Latvian festive table

This year, Valmiera region proudly invites you to enjoy specially created gastronomic offers, in which the zander from Lake Burtnieks plays the main role. The festive offer has been prepared in ten restaurants and cafes. Chefs will take gourmets on a journey of authentic experience, preparing this royal fish in various variations – from delicious sushi, an elegant pop-up restaurant offer to sophisticated multi-course meals. 

All participants of the event have obtained the trademark and geographical indication “Lake Burtnieks’ zander”, which confirms the origin of a high-quality and ecological local product, honoring the ancient fishing traditions of at least three hundred generations and the culinary heritage of Lake Burtnieks. The Burtnieks’ zander has a special taste that distinguishes it from others, and it has been appreciated in the near and far vicinity of the fabulous Lake Burtnieks for a long time.  

Explore the special offerings! 

The team of chefs of the restaurant “Akustika” will highlight the flavors of Burtnieks' zander, offering it to be tasted, prepared in various techniques. On November 16, guests will be able to combine the taste pleasure with musical concert stories: “Laika Stīgas” (at 2:00 p.m., free admission) and “Sajūtu Spēles” with Gundars Āboliņš and Andrejs Osokins (at 7:00 p.m., admission 25 EUR, tickets available at bilesuparadize.lv). 

The Restaurant “Rātes vārti” invites to a four-course meal specially created by the chef. The offer will be complemented by a matching drink menu and a fascinating story, which will allow you to experience the harmony of taste and emotions in an elegant atmosphere. 

During the holidays the guests of the hotel “Wolmar” restaurant will be invited to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant and the harmony of flavors, offering aromatic zander broth soup and a hearty Lake Burtnieks’ zander main course. 

The Valmiermuižas beer kitchen invites you to taste Burtnieks’ zander in a special combination with Valmiermuiža brewery brews. Fish has been part of the story of the compatibility of beer and food since the beginning of the Valmiermuiža beer kitchen. From November 15 to 18, the festive atmosphere will be complemented every evening from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Valmiermuiža beer kitchen working hours until 8:00 p.m.), by the artist Sabīne Ozoliņa, with a light installation “Garam laiks”, which will be on display on the Valmiermuiža beer terrace. 

Pop-up restaurant “Promenāde” will be located in a significat place – by Zilākalns, where at the top of the hill–  the Latvian national flag will be solemnly flying at the top of the observation tower. The pop-up restaurant invites guests to enjoy a special four-course meal at the Zilākalns Cultural History and Visitors Center.  

At the Pavāru māja Līgatnē on November 15 and 16 guests can enjoy an exquisite four-course menu or a luxurious eight-course tasting evening – each accompanied by a story, a wealth of seasonal products and an authentic atmosphere. Reservations only via the homepage: pavarumaja.lv. 

Cafe “Būda” invites to enjoy the festive atmosphere in Mazsalaca, combining it with a delicious meal in the cozy cafe premises of the ancient Āža pub. The special offer includes a combination of flavors and aromas with zander “Papilloti” and matching French wine. 

Cafe “Burtniekkrasts” invites you to feel the peace and grandeur of nature at Lake Burtnieks, while in the warm rooms of the cafe you can enjoy a special festive lunch menu with the pride of the lake – Burtnieks’ zander in various delicious variations. 

Cafe “Mazais Ansis” invites you to enjoy a cozy festive atmosphere, offering a modern interpretation of Fish & Chips, which will be especially appreciated by the youngest gourmets, as well as zander in a combination of Latvian and world cuisine flavors. 

Cafe “Pizza Bar un Hangu Sushi” during Latvia's birthday month and Burtnieks’ zander days, invites guests to go on a taste journey in Japanese style, offering three unique sushi sets with Burtnieks’ zander - two cold and one hot, which combine local flavor with oriental delicacy. 

         Enjoy the festive atmosphere with your loved ones and discover how rich and sophisticated the Lake Burtnieks’ zander is in its diverse flavors! Reserve a table now!

Information prepared by:

Baiba Misiņa

Valmiera region tourism board

Tourism marketing specialist

Mob. phone: 26332213