Vilnius

This former Soviet city is popular, especially among people who love beautiful architecture. The Old Town, a UNESCO-listed heritage site, reportedly has the highest concentration of Baroque structures in Eastern Europe. Museums, ranging from the inspiring to the slightly disturbing, are also part of the city’s appeal. The National Museum, for example, features model homes throughout the country and other interesting cultural exhibits. Meanwhile, the Museum of Genocide Victims tells the bone-chilling stories of Lithuanians who fell victim to Soviet occupation decades ago. In between these extremes are numerous churches and government buildings that give Vilnius an Old Europe vibe.

In Vilnius, you will find some delectable dishes that you just cannot miss! There are some mouth-watering dishes and tasty dishes like Cepelinai, Šakotis, and Lithuanian Cold Borscht (Šaltibarščiai) and many more. Continue reading to know more.

1. Cepelinai

Cepelinai are dumplings made from grated and riced potatoes and stuffed with ground meat, dry curd cheese or mushrooms. The cepelinai are boiled and often served with a sour cream sauce and bacon bits or pork rinds. The dumplings were originally called didžkukuliai, but the name gradually changed during the 20th century to cepelinai because of the food’s resemblance to Zeppelin airships.

The most popular places to try out Cepelinai are Beigel Shop, Senoji Trobele and Etno Dvaras.

2. Šakotis

The spit is rotated over an open fire or in an oven, that gives the cake its unique look. Šakotis literally means tree cake or branches in Polish. It can be decorated with chocolate and flower ornaments, but it is often served plain. Šakotis is one of the most important desserts in Lithuanian celebrations, especially at weddings or other special occasions such as Christmas.

The most popular places to try out Šakotis are Beigel Shop, 53 new oxford st and Croissants.

3. Lithuanian Cold Borscht (Šaltibarščiai)

Borscht means “sour soup” and this soup originates from Ukraine. Borscht can be served either hot or cold. Borscht is a very filling soup full of vegetables. The one main ingredient is beetroot and of course cabbage is always another must. Tomato paste or chopped tomatoes, also essential ingredients, add to the red tint of the soup.

The most popular places to try out Lithuanian Cold Borscht (Šaltibarščiai) are Lokys, Best Beer and Carousel Bakery.

4. Bulviniai Blynai

Bulviniai blynai is usually made of grated or mashed potatoes, but also sometimes used and mashed potatoes. They are most common in Central and Eastern Europe, as a Jewish cuisine . A traditional Hanukkah holiday dish. They are usually served with sour cream, apple sauce or jam.

The most popular places to try out Bulviniai Blynai are Best Beer, 53 new oxford st and Egyptian Nights.

5. Žemaičių Blynai

Žemaičių blynai is a Lithuanian comfort food. These flat, stuffed pancakes are made with potatoes, eggs and salt and filled with carrots or meat, often diced pork mixed with eggs and pepper. The pancakes are shaped and dipped into flour, then fried in oil until crispy and golden brown. Žemaičių blynai is usually served with sour cream, bacon bits, sliced cucumbers or beetroot salad.

The most popular places to try out Žemaičių Blynai are what a bagel, snekutis and BATALOGIANNI.

6. Tinginys

Around 1988 chocolate and other items started to be made in Kaunas, located in the south-center of Lithuania. Artisans began to create new recipes with chocolates. Tinginys is a popular Lithuanian dessert that is made with biscuits or crackers. Tinginys consists of a combination of crackers, butter, cocoa sugar and solidified milk.

The most popular places to try out Tinginys are Christopher’s and Local T.

7. Curd

Curdling is the process of coagulating milk by adding rennet, or something acidic such as lemon juice or vinegar. The acidity cause the milk proteins to form solid pieces called curds. The curds can be eaten as is, or pressed and drained to produce different styles of cheese. Curd products include cottage cheese, curd cheese, farmer cheese, pot cheese, queso blanco and paneer.

The most popular places to try out Curd is Christopher’s.