Lithuania, while one of the smallest European countries, is also one of the richest in terms of history and culture. The Lithuanian language is considered one of the oldest surviving Indo-European languages. The land of amber, beautiful landscapes, and stunning architecture may not be the most popular among tourists exploring the eastern parts of Europe. But those who wander here have nothing to complain about, including the food.
It’s almost a crime to visit Lithuania without tasting its traditional recipes. The cuisine is as tied to its history and culture as any old building in the Vilnius Old Town. Discover which dishes you must try and learn a tip or two for exploring this historic country.
Tips for Visiting Lithuania
Before you embark on a journey to discover what Lithuania has to offer, don’t forget to prepare in advance. One important thing to consider is how you will stay in touch with friends, family, and home.
Most Lithuanian accommodations offer a reliable Wi-Fi connection, but you probably won’t—and shouldn’t—spend all your time in a hotel room. Exploring means going on little adventures, and Wi-Fi won’t always be available.
Our recommendation is to download an eSIM app. This app will provide you with several inexpensive data plans to use abroad and avoid high roaming costs. You can choose from various plans for Lithuania. Or, if you’re traveling across Europe, you can choose a regional plan to cover more than one country and stay connected.
Also, remember that Lithuania’s official currency is the euro, so don’t forget to exchange some money—preferably not at the airport, as exchange rates there can be unfavorable. Lithuania uses C/F 230 V plug standards, as do some other European countries, so take an adapter if your chargers are incompatible.
The Most Recognizable and Delicious Lithuanian Dishes You Must Try
Traditional Lithuanian cuisine is mainly based on potatoes with various additions, but don’t be fooled by how simple it sounds. Even such basic ingredients can taste heavenly when prepared according to old, artisanal recipes and made with local ingredients.
Lithuanian dishes are also full of carbohydrates and animal fats, which isn’t unique to the country. This cooking style, common in Central and Eastern Europe, developed because people needed lots of calories to work in the fields and had few ingredients available. Keep this in mind when you eat out—a hearty traditional Lithuanian lunch can fill you up for the day.
Let’s move on to the meat (or potato, in this case) of the article—what must you try in Lithuania?
Cepelinai
Cepelinai are a no-brainer when it comes to Lithuanian food, but it’s a crime not to mention them in any Lithuania-focused article. This most famous dish consists of dumplings made of grated potatoes and filled with a variety of fillings, including minced meat, mushrooms, and more. Cepelinai are usually served with a hearty addition of bacon bits and sour cream.
It’s thought that cepelinai appeared in Lithuania sometime between the 19th and 20th centuries. They were the ideal tavern food: fatty, caloric, full of carbohydrates, and ideal for tired and hungry workers and wanderers.
Interesting fact: Lithuania’s history is closely linked to Poland’s, which is also evident in the culinary traditions of both countries. Cepelinai are known in eastern and northern Poland as kartacze and are considered a regional dish.
Lithuanian pink soup (Šaltibarščiai)
Traditional pink Lithuanian cold soup is ideal for summer travel. It’s prepared with beetroot and kefir and served with a boiled egg, cucumbers, and the obligatory sprinkle of dill.
Pink soup appeared in Lithuanian culinary books in the 19th century but is probably much older. As the name suggests, it’s served cold and is meant to be a refreshing meal after a day of sweating in the heat. We recommend trying it, especially if you visit Lithuania during the hot, sunny summer!
Kugelis
Kugelis is a traditional Lithuanian dish that can simply be described as “potato pie.” Its ingredients include potatoes, onions, bacon, milk, eggs, and seasoning, which are combined and baked in the oven to create a savory pie. Kugelis is usually served with a dollop of sour cream.
We mentioned earlier that Lithuanian cuisine is largely based on potatoes, so it’s no surprise that Lithuanians have come up with dozens of ways to prepare this common vegetable. Nevertheless, kugelis is definitely something you must try when visiting Lithuania.
Kibinai
Kibinai are a must-eat item if you ever visit Trakai Castle—they are a regional specialty. Although it’s not a traditional Lithuanian dish, as it originated in Tartar cuisine, it’s much loved by Lithuanians and is part of the tradition now.
Kibinai are oven-baked dumplings traditionally filled with lamb meat. Today, the fillings vary—you can find kibinai with spinach and cottage cheese, and there are even sweet variations. So whether you prefer savory or sweet, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to burn off those calories by taking a walk through the beautiful streets of Trakai.
