Exhibition “Culinary Stars”

Culinary Stars: Latvian Chefs Around the World

The exhibition focuses on nine outstanding Latvian chefs whose careers have developed outside of Latvia. These professionals have influenced the culinary landscape both in Latvia and abroad through their ideas and work.
It brings together Latvians from various walks of life — some were born into the diaspora after their families fled abroad as war refugees, while others have emigrated from Latvia more recently. The exhibition reveals both their food philosophy and their professional successes in Michelin-starred restaurants and prestigious competitions.

Drawing on interviews with the chefs themselves, the exhibition is complemented by photographs and a diverse collection of objects. For example, Miķelis Strautmanis’ (1945) connection to Latvia is illustrated by a wooden spoon his mother brought with her while fleeing as a refugee. Having grown up with food shortages in a refugee camp, Miķelis later became a judge for international competitions in Australia and paid special attention to food waste by chefs. Another generation is represented by Lauma Kilgasa (1992), who now lives in Ireland and won the Ireland’s Next Top Chef competition in 2025. One of her winning trophies, along with several other awards, are on display in the exhibition. Meanwhile, a menu from Martin Blunos’ (1960) restaurant Lettonie in Bath, United Kingdom, offers a glimpse into the experience provided by a restaurant that boasts two Michelin stars.

The exhibited items will become a valuable addition to the museum’s collection. The exhibition is part of the museum’s research project “Taste of Home”, which invites Latvians around the world to share their stories. Stories submitted so far are available on the project’s website maju-garsa.lv, and they are planned to be compiled into a book at the end of the year.