Traditional Lithuanian Food to Try On Your Visit

Wondering what traditional Lithuanian foods to try on your visit? Here I will cover the best traditional Lithuanian dishes, the Lithuanian national dish, and other Lithuanian cakes and desserts to try, too! Keep reading for the best Lithuanian food to try.

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When people think about European cuisine, it’s safe to say that traditional Lithuanian food does not spring to most people’s mind. But, this under-the-radar Eastern European country offers so many unexpected and tasty traditional Lithuanian dishes that are extremely flavorful and incredibly unique.

Despite it’s various occupations and struggles, Lithuania has managed to retain its staple dishes and flavors. And you will be glad for that after you try them!

Yes, I am biased. I’m Lithuanian by heritage.

I travel to Lithuania every few years to enjoy the sights and tastes of Lithuania. In fact, you simply cannot visit Lithuania without trying the signature traditional dishes! And here, I’d like to share them with you.

Here are the tastiest Lithuanian dishes and traditional Lithuanian food that you must try!

What to Eat in Lithuania: Traditional Lithuanian Food to Try

1. Cepelinai – the Lithuanian National Dish.

As the national dish of Lithuania, Cepelinai gets the number one spot on this list.

Cepelinai are a huge and extremely filling dumpling made with grated and “riced” potato flour. They are usually about the size of a softball and the “walls” of the cepelinai are about 3/4″ thick.

These are not like any other dumpling you have tried!

The giant balls are first boiled in salted water and then served with various accoutrements. I suggest trying this dish at Etno Dvaras if you’re traveling in Vilnius, a restaurant that has won awards for their traditional Lithuanian food cooked in an authentic way.

Inside of the cepelinai, you you can choose from a variety of fillings, like spiced ground meat, Lithuanian cheese, mushrooms, and more!

Note – these can be served as a round ball or as a long oval.

2. Saltibarsciai – Lithuanian Cold Beet Soup

Saltibarsciai (pronounced shal-tee-bars-chay)is a popular bright pink soup that has earned a place alongside other traditional Lithuanian dishes.

Beetroot, dill, and cream make this dish so vibrant in both look and flavor. Saltibarsciai is usually served with peeled and boiled potatoes and a hardboiled egg on the side.

A staple food of Lithuania all year round, I have had the pleasure of trying this soup both hot or cold. Lithuanian cold beet soup is typically bright pink and served in summer months. And, the hot version is a deep maroon color, served without the cream, in winter.

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3. Kibinai – a Trakai Staple

Kibinai are a tasty Lithuanian food primarily associated with the city of Trakai. This is where the Karaim people, an ethnic minority who make this dish, are centralized.

Kibinai are traditional Lithuanian crescent-shaped pockets of deliciousness. They remind me a bit of empanadas, but Eastern European-style empanadas.

The pastries are hand-rolled, stuffed with various fillings, and pinched shut. Like many traditional Lithuanian dishes, you can choose spiced and herbed minced meat or mushrooms or veggies and cheese.

As a vegetarian, I’ve tried kibinai filled with cheeses, mushrooms, spinach, and mixed vegetables. Check out this article to find the best place in Trakai to eat them.

Kibinai are incredibly delicious and I highly recommend them!

4. Šakotis – a Lithuanian Cake

I visited Lithuania for my birthday one year, and my goal was to get the famous Lithuanian cake, Šakotis – or “tree cake” – as my birthday dessert-of-choice. I am happy to report that I did get to eat this for my birthday, and on many subsequent visits as well.

This famous Lithuanian cake is both delicious and interesting to look at!

Šakotis is prepared using a thick batter that is repeatedly poured over a rotating horizontal spit, cooking as it spins. The “tree shape” comes from batter dripping as the spit rotates, traditionally over an open fire. In modern times, this cake can be baked slowly inside of an oven, instead.

Šakotis is typically reserved for special occasions, and is often the Lithuanian wedding cake of choice. I decided that my birthday in Lithuania fit the bill.

If you are interested in trying this traditional Lithuanian dessert, you can buy it pre-made in many grocery stores around the country.

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5. Bulviniai Blynai – Lithuanian Potato Pancakes

You’ve probably noticed by now, potatoes are an integral part of Lithuanian cuisine. Another common way of preparing potatoes in Lithuania is to fry them into crispy Lithuanian potato pancakes called Bulviniai Blynai.

Bulviniai Blynai contain grated potatoes, onions, eggs and flour. What makes Lithuanian potato pancakes special is just how fine the insides are. Smooth and creamy, almost like mashed potatoes, these pancakes will melt in your mouth.

When in Lithuania, this traditional dish can be eaten with a side of applesauce or sour cream.

6. Blynai

Blynai is another traditional Lithuanian food that completely surprised me. This dish can be served both sweet or savory, which I was not expecting.

I’d never had a savory pancake before, but my cheese, mushroom and spinach one was unbelievable!

Blynai are made with flour and beaten egg whites, which creates a very light pancake similar to a crepe. They are usually filled with either sweet fillings, like fruit and preserves, or savory ingredients, as mentioned above. Then, they are folded over and served warm.

Don’t skip these! I was pleasantly surprised!

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7. Dark Rye Lithuanian Bread

Another staple of traditional Lithuanian dishes, dark rye bread is easily found across the country.

Though farmers in Lithuania do grow wheat and buckwheat, the most commonly used bread in traditional Lithuanian dishes is dark rye. Historically baked at home, dark rye bread is of course available in markets nowadays.

Lithuanian bread is dense – more thick and filling than bread found elsewhere. Typically sold as loaves and slices, occasionally you can even find sweet versions with fruit throughout.

8. Kepta Duona – Lithuanian Fried Bread

Dark rye is often used to make another tasty Lithuanian snack called Kepta Duona; or, fried bread with garlic. I will never forget enjoying kepta duona on a winter night in a small traditional Lithuanian restaurant. Delicious!

The bread is cut into strips or bite-sized pieces and rubbed with an amble amount of garlic. It is then fried until crispy and served with a garlic mayonnaise or a garlic-cheese.

I have cooked this at home several times, for myself and for friends, and the verdict is always the same. Everyone loves it!

As simple as it is, there is no denying that kepta duona is an incredibly delicious snack.

9. Lithuanian Cheese with Honey

Believe it or not, Lithuania is well known for it’s cheese… with honey!

Lithuanian cheese is often served as an appetizer. I recently tried many types of cheese near the Hill of Crosses and was not disappointed!

Some Lithuanian cheeses has fresh herbs within, and others are curd cheeses, and yet others are hard and soft. Often it is served with dark bread and honey.

Interested in learning more about Lithuanian honey? Check out the Top Things To Do in Lithuania for more info at the Beekeeping Museum!

10. Balandeliai – Lithuanian Cabbage Rolls

Balandeliai are a traditional Lithuanian food consisting of cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced meat. Though you will find similar rolls in other countries in the region, Lithuanian cabbage rolls are a cut above.

Lithuanian’s stuff these cabbage leaves with the traditional spiced meat, but you can also occasionally find them stuffed with vegetables and / or rice. Even if you are not a cabbage fan, you will likely be pleasantly surprised!

11. Grybai Mushroom Cookies – Lithuanian Poppy Seed Cookies

These popular Lithuanian mushroom cookies are a hit! They are covered in icing and poppy seeds – yes, cookies with poppy seeds! – and for anyone who doesn’t like dessert to be too sugary sweet, these are for you.

They have a spicy sweetness and the center is somewhat soft. But, they are not overloaded with sweetness, and that is exactly why I like them. They are the perfect snack after a hearty meal. You can find them in Lithuanian grocery stores, and often in Lithuanian bakeries, too.

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12. Tinginys – Lazy Lithuanian Cake

Yep, you read that right! Tinginys translates to “lazy” – or, lazy cake. This is because it is so easy to make.

It is made by mixing crushed-up biscuits or cookies with powdered cocoa, condensed milk, melted butter, and sugar. Once evenly combined, the batter is rolled into plastic wrap left to set in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to eat it, simply slice and enjoy! I always see tinginys in bakeries all over Lithuania so you will easily be able to find it and taste it.

FAQs

What are traditional Lithuanian foods?

s noted in the list above, traditional Lithuanian foods are made from rye, barley, wheat, potato, and vegetables. Some traditional dishes are cepelinai, beet root soup, and potato pancakes.

What is the most popular food in Lithuania?

Hands down, cepelinai is the most popular Lithuanian dish. It is also the national dish, and the food that most visitors make it a point to try.

What is a typical breakfast in Lithuania?

In Lithuania, the typical breakfast consists of oatmeal or porridge, fruits, pancakes, and even soup. Rye breads and coffee or tea are also common.

What do Lithuanians drink?

Lithuanians drink coffee and tea for breakfast; hot herbal teas with real fruit with meals; and of course, Lithuania is well known for it’s beer.

Is Lithuanian food healthy?

Lithuanian food is extremely hearty, and depending on what you order it can be healthy, too. Made from real ingredients, this farming country has some of the best potato and veggie based dishes around. However, going overboard on heavy creams and butters can make your meal less healthy.

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And there you have it! The top Lithuanian traditional foods that you must try on your visit.

These are some of the best meals and desserts made in Lithuanian and I bet you fall in love with at least one.

Which of these traditional Lithuanian dishes will you try first?!

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