With 64% of people wanting to go on a foreign holiday in 2024, and 46% of those looking to travel in the summer, now is the perfect time to seek inspiration for gastronomic getaways.
When travelling abroad, experiencing the culinary delights of a new country is truly a remarkable and unforgettable experience – and one that can help visitors truly get under the skin of their destination. This summer, Lithuania has a host of delectable delights to tempt any traveller to visit.
Gastronomy significantly shapes our travel experiences, whether it’s savouring street food in bustling markets, dining in gourmet restaurants, or learning to cook traditional recipes. While people may not instantly think of Lithuania as a foodie’s paradise, this Baltic gem offers a unique and gourmet journey for visitors. This year, Lithuania has earned recognition from the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, which this year is including its prestigious restaurants within its guide for the first time.
Traditional Delights
Lithuanian cuisine is rich with traditional dishes which reflect the country’s heritage and the spirit of its people. These culinary treasures are more than just food; they are a testament to Lithuania’s deep-rooted culture. Here are some highlights:
· Šakotis: A symbol of celebration and festivity, “šakotis” is a majestic cake resembling a tree trunk with intricate layers. Baked over an open flame, each “šakotis” is a masterpiece of cookie-like goodness that captures the essence of Lithuanian hospitality.
· Black Bread: Nearly no Lithuanian meal is complete without the beloved soft black bread, a staple that has sustained generations. Made from rye flour and baked to perfection, the Lithuanian bread symbolises resilience and sustenance.
· Apple Cheese and Curd Cheese: Sweet and savoury delights await with apple cheese, a treat made from apples and sugar, and curd cheese, a versatile ingredient enjoyed with fresh vegetables, and jam, or used as an ingredient for pies.
· Cold Pink Soup (Šaltibarščiai): Cool off with “šaltibarščiai”, a refreshing cold beetroot soup bursting with vibrant flavours. If you want to taste “šaltibarščiai” to the fullest, visit Vilnius Pink Soup Fest (June 1st). During the festival, visitors have an opportunity to taste traditional and various unique takes on the dish – from pink cold soup panna cotta to pink soup-flavoured mussels.
· Zeppelins (Cepelinai): After cold beetroot soup, indulge in “cepelinai”, hearty potato dumplings stuffed with savoury fillings like meat, curd, or mushrooms. It’s a beloved comfort food and if you are up for the challenge – get two zeppelins in one sitting!
With good food comes good drink
In Lithuania, gastronomy culture is not just about what’s on the plate; it’s also about what’s in the glass. The country’s drink culture is as diverse and vibrant as its cuisine, offering a variety of beverages to complement every meal. Raise your glass with one of these options:
Fermented Beverage – Kvass (Gira): Quench your thirst with “gira”, a traditional fermented beverage made from bread, water, and herbs. With the making process similar to a kombucha, this is a sweet, refreshing, and slightly tangy drink with a fizz. “Gira” is the perfect accompaniment to a Lithuanian feast.
Birch Sap: Experience the essence of the forest with birch sap, a natural elixir harvested from birch trees in the spring. With its subtle sweetness and earthy undertones, birch sap is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that captures the purity of the landscape.
Local Beer: Raise a glass to Lithuania’s flourishing beer culture, where ancient brewing traditions converge with modern craftsmanship. From crisp lagers to robust crafts, Lithuania offers a diversity of beers to satisfy any palate.
Modern Culinary Scene
While honouring its culinary traditions, Lithuania also embraces innovation and creativity in the kitchen. The modern culinary scene is a dynamic playground where chefs push the boundaries of taste and technique, creating imaginative and delicious dishes.
From avant-garde restaurants to bustling street food markets, Lithuania offers a wealth of dining experiences for the adventurous foodie. Enjoy innovative interpretations of traditional dishes, savour farm-to-table cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and explore the vibrant flavours of vegetarian and vegan fare.
Don’t miss the summer food festivals! Festivals to visit this summer include:
· Vilnius Burger Fest, held on August 7, transforms Tymas Market into a culinary paradise for burger lovers, featuring classic beef, pulled pork, and inventive vegetarian options.
· The Cheese Festival in Druskininkai, typically held in August, has become an annual celebration for cheese gourmands, offering an extensive variety of cheeses with gourmet flavours.
· The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, held on June 1st, is dedicated to celebrating Lithuania’s cherished cold beetroot soup. Popular among locals and tourists – in 2023, the festival attracted an enthusiastic crowd of 15,000 who consumed approximately 2,995 bowls of the iconic pink soup.
In Lithuania, food is more than just a way to survive; it’s a celebration of life, culture, and community. This has been recognised by the MICHELIN Guide, which will unveil its inaugural guide for Lithuania on June 13 in Vilnius, highlighting the country’s exceptional culinary establishments. So come, and experience Lithuania – a destination where every meal is a journey. And as Lithuanians say wishing someone a delicious meal – “Skanaus!”
Visit: https://lithuania.travel/en
