Riga restaurant's cocktail with a live fish as decoration sparks ethics debate
A video posted by a content creator showing a cocktail decorated with a live fish at Riga restaurant "Popcorn" has triggered debate over animal welfare. Delfi has asked the Food and Veterinary Service and Riga Zoo for clarification.
In August, content creator Iveta Jaunzeme shared a video on Instagram from a visit to the restaurant "Popcorn" in Riga. What drew the most attention was not the food, but the visual design of one cocktail, which used a live fish as a "decoration."
"Popcorn" positions itself as the first "Dinner & Show" concept venue in Latvia, offering not only meals but also live music and bartender performances. The video shows the fish swimming in a separate container that served as a base for the cocktail glass — a container noticeably too small to be considered an aquarium.
Viewer reactions
The post sparked extensive discussion in the comments. Several users expressed outrage over the fish's welfare, with some comparing the practice to torture. Another follower noted that the fish reportedly gets passed from table to table throughout the evening as part of the cocktail.
Jaunzeme herself said she was shocked by what she saw, but was also concerned about what happened to the fish afterward. According to her, the small container is later removed and the fish is taken to safety, which she said made her feel the situation was acceptable.
Questions about legality
To find out whether using live animals for cocktail decoration is legal and ethical, and what requirements should apply to container size, Delfi reached out to the Food and Veterinary Service and Riga Zoo for comment. The restaurant's representatives were also asked why crossing such an ethical boundary was deemed necessary to create a "unique experience."
