Food scholar,
researcher,
and author,

Astra Spalvēna

I study food as a cultural medium – a carrier of identity, memory, and history, expressed as much in what we eat as in how we talk about eating. My research centers on Latvian food culture, from its history through to contemporary developments in heritage, tourism, and gastronomic writing, alongside broader work in cultural history at the museum, particularly everyday life and women’s history.

I hold a PhD in Culture Studies and Art History from the Latvian Academy of Culture, and an MA in Creative Writing. I currently head the Research Department at the Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum in Riga.

Beyond my museum work, I write for a broad public audience – popular science articles, essays, and creative nonfiction – translating research on food culture into accessible writing, with occasional contributions to peer-reviewed academic publications.

Curriculum-Vitae-English →

I welcome inquiries related to research collaboration, lectures, or consultation on food culture, culinary tourism, cultural heritage, and museum content development. Please get in touch – I’d be glad to hear from you.

+371 26 330 992

astra.spalvena@gmail.