Food in Lithuania

Lithuania, the Baltic gem, entices visitors not only with its scenic beauty and rich history but also with its unique and hearty cuisine. As you traverse this captivating country, you'll find that Lithuanian dishes tell a story of cultural intersections and local traditions, offering an authentic taste of the nation's heritage. From savory potato dishes to sweet pastries, Lithuania's culinary scene is an integral part of the travel experience. Discover the traditional Lithuanian specialties that should be on your must-try list when you visit this enchanting corner of Europe.

Lithuanian Dishes

Cepelinai

Cepelinai, also known as didžkukuliai, are a true staple of Lithuanian cuisine. These large, zeppelin-shaped dumplings are made from a mixture of raw and cooked grated potatoes, filled with a hearty center of minced meat, mushrooms, or curd cheese. They are often served drenched in a creamy sauce of sour cream, bacon, and onions, making them a rich and satisfying meal.

Šaltibarščiai

Šaltibarščiai is a refreshing cold beet soup perfect for warm weather. This bright pink soup is made with beetroots, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and dill, mixed with buttermilk or kefir for a tangy taste. It's commonly enjoyed with a side of hot boiled potatoes sprinkled with fresh dill.

Kibinai

Kibinai are traditional pastries that hail from the Trakai region, historically home to a significant Karaite community. These savory, crescent-shaped pies are filled with a variety of fillings, such as spiced mutton, beef, or pork, and are perfect for eating on the go. They're often paired with a clear broth or enjoyed as a standalone snack.

Bulviniai Blynai

Bulviniai blynai, or potato pancakes, are a beloved dish throughout Lithuania. These crispy, fried pancakes are made from grated potatoes, onions, and sometimes a bit of meat, and are typically served with sour cream or applesauce. They are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any meal.

Šiupinys

Šiupinys, also known as košeliena or vedarai, is a traditional Lithuanian meat jelly often prepared for festive occasions. This cold dish is made by boiling pork parts that contain a lot of collagen, such as pig's feet, ears, and head, until the liquid turns into a jelly when cooled. It's usually seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper and served with a side of boiled potatoes or bread.

Skrudeliniai

Skrudeliniai are Lithuanian crackling biscuits, a crunchy snack made from leftover dough and pork cracklings. These savory biscuits are a popular accompaniment to beer and are often flavored with caraway seeds for an extra kick.

Šakotis

Šakotis or raguolis is a traditional Lithuanian cake that is especially popular during weddings and festive celebrations. Its distinctive spiked shape is achieved by pouring batter onto a rotating spit over an open fire or special oven. The cake has a sweet, buttery flavor and can be very tall, depending on the occasion.

Lithuanian Desserts

Šakotis

Šakotis is not only a traditional cake but also considered a dessert in Lithuania. It has a rich, buttery flavor and a unique, tree-like appearance due to the special method of cooking on a rotating spit. This cake is often enjoyed during special events and holidays.

Kūčiukai

Kūčiukai, also known as šližikai or Christmas Eve biscuits, are small, sweet pastries made from leavened dough with poppy seeds. They are traditionally served during the Christmas Eve dinner (Kūčios) and are usually eaten with poppy milk, a sweet beverage made from poppy seeds soaked in water.

Spurgos

Spurgos are Lithuanian doughnuts that are soft, fluffy, and often filled with jam or curd. They are a popular treat during the carnival season before Lent but can be enjoyed year-round. Spurgos are typically dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Varškėčiai

Varškėčiai are curd cheese pastries that can be found in most Lithuanian bakeries. They are made from a dough that's similar to shortcrust pastry, filled with sweetened curd cheese, and sometimes raisins or citrus zest. These pastries can be either baked or fried and are a delightful accompaniment to coffee or tea.

Meduoliai

Meduoliai are traditional Lithuanian honey cakes, known for their spiced flavor and soft, cake-like texture. They often come in various shapes and sizes, with the most common being rectangular or flower-shaped. Meduoliai are typically glazed with chocolate or a sugar icing and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack at any time of day.

Tinginys

Tinginys, which humorously translates to "lazybones," is a no-bake dessert that is quick and easy to make. It consists of crushed cookies, cocoa, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, combined and left to set in a log shape. Once firm, it is sliced into rounds and reveals a marbled chocolate appearance.

Aguonų Pienas

Aguonų pienas, or poppy seed milk, is a traditional beverage made by soaking poppy seeds in water and then grinding them until the mixture becomes milky. Sweetened with honey or sugar, it is a customary drink during the Christmas season and is often paired with Kūčiukai biscuits.