20 Lithuanian Food and Drinks to Try

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One of my favorite things about traveling to a new country is discovering its food. You can learn so much about the history and traditions through traditional foods. Plus the experience of eating with others creates bonds that are shareable with other travelers. 

Lithuanian food is no exception. While society is moving away from some of these more traditional foods and making them healthier or putting a modern spin on them, they are still worth trying. I found some delicious options! I did skip some that included pig’s ears and herring but generally covered a good base. Here were some of the best Lithuanian foods and drinks that I tried.

Best Lithuanian Foods to Try

Kepta Duona (Fried Bread with Garlic-Cheese Sauce)

Where has this food been all my life? This dish consists of fried rye bread with a garlic and cheese sauce. While it’s really an appetizer, I could have eaten this at every meal.

Bulviniai Blynai (Potato Pancakes)

This was the first food I tried in Lithuania. They are potato pancakes generally served with sour cream. I found these tasted best when they were cold.

Cepelinai (Potato Dumplings)

You’ll see these potato dumplings filled with minced meat advertised everywhere. The outside is kind of like a gnocchi taste and texture. 

Kibinai (Meat-filled pastry)

Every country has some version of a meat-filled pastry – this is Lithuania’s version. Typically filled with mutton and onion. 

Juoda Duona (Dark rye bread)

Dark rye bread is the backbone of Lithuanian cuisine. The taste is good and the bread fresh. While not usually a fan of rye bead, I loved the one here.

 Žirniai su Spirgučiais (Peas with cracklings)

These peas with cracklings come in a shell bowl (like a taco shell bowl). Traditionally enjoyed as a snack along with a beer. 

Koldūnai (Meat Dumplings)

These reminded me of some Eastern influence. So many countries have dumplings as part of their culture and Lithuania is no exception. While traditionally these were stuffed with minced meat, you can also find them stuffed with cheese curd and an assortment of vegetables. 

Varškės Spurgos (Curd Cheese Donuts)

Traditional small round donuts with curd cheese filling. Frequently served with some fruit sauce, usually some type of berry.

Tinginio Skanestas 

Think of this dessert as chocolate salami. With the consistency between a cake and a biscuit, this chocolate treat is prepared with hazelnuts. 

Miško Grybų Tirštasriube (Thick Wild Mushroom Soup)

This thick and hearty wild mushroom soup is usually served inside a dark rye bread bowl. Mushroom lovers will truly appreciate the thick consistency and strong flavor of this soup.

Varškės Virtinukai (Curd Dumplings)

These resemble gnocchi but are made of cheese curds. They are topped with a creamy sauce. The overall taste is sweeter than I expected.

Kastinys (Sour Cream Butter)

Based on the description on the menu, I couldn’t wrap my head around sour cream butter. The meal is served with hot potatoes on which the Kastinys is spread. It is extremely rich.

Kasha (Buckwheat Porridge)

The ultimate breakfast food if you’ve got a big day ahead of you. This savory dish is served with mushrooms, bacon, and topped with an egg. It reminded me of a mushroom risotto. Very hearty meal!

Skilandis (Cold Smoked Cured Sausage)

This traditional cured meat is specific to one region of Lithuania. Under European Law, it is protected and can only carry this name if it is from that region and using traditional methods. You’ll find them on appetizer plates as well as hanging in markets.

Šakotis (Tree Cake)

Made of eggs, butter, flour, sugar, and sour cream, what gives this cake its unique shape is that it is made on a rotating spit. Traditionally served during festivities, it is still widely popular as a treat. 

You may need a nap after all those foods! Check out these options in Vilnius.

5 Lithuanian Drinks to Try

Midus (Mead)

The most historical drink from the region is mead – an alcoholic drink made from honey. 

 

Alus (Beer)

The next most historical drink from the region is beer dating from the 16th century. Breweries are plentiful in Lithuania and you’ll find many options.

Vaisinis Vynas (Fruit Wine)

Because grapes don’t grow well in this region, an alternative was born – wine made from other fruits. In winter, it may be served warm.

Tradiciné gilių kava (Traditional acorn coffee)

This nutty-flavored hot drink provides just what you need to stay warm without any caffeine. Well worth the try.

Šaltalankių Arbata (Sea Buckthorn Tea)

Need some multivitamins to stay healthy? This hot, fruity tea will provide you with them. You can find it served in markets while you’re walking around. 

Best Restaurants to Try Lithuanian Food & Drinks

Vilnius has many restaurants where you can try Lithuanian Food & Drinks. Here are some of my favorite ones:

Etno Dvaras

With five locations in Vilnius, this restaurant focuses on traditional meals. The food is affordable, though the service can be hit or miss.

Aline Leičiai

Located near the old Town Hall, this gastropub has its own brewery and serves a good variety of food options. They also offer local mead and wine, so it is a one-stop-shop for traditional drinks.

Senoji Trobele

Highly rated by tourists, this restaurant offers traditional foods presented in a more elevated form.

Bernelių Užeiga

Try their “Gaspadorius” feast (about 20 Euros) and you’ll get a sample of many of the traditional meals – perfect to share!

Šnekutis

This pub has two locations in Vilnius. You can try an affordable traditional meal while tasting some fabulous ales!

Girta Bité 

If you want to try mead in all its forms, this is the place to visit. From tasty samplings to mixed drinks, this place will make you appreciate this truly historic Lithuanian drink.

Have you tried Lithuanian food and drinks? What were your favorites?

Loving these food and drink options? You’ll want to check out my Top 10 Lithuanian souvenirs to bring home!

Happy travels,

Annick, The Common Traveler

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