When visiting Vilnius and wishing to try national dishes, you will surely be surprised at how closely Lithuanian cuisine resembles the traditions of neighboring countries. Therefore, the menus in Vilnius restaurants and cafés will seem very familiar and easy to understand.
Hearty dishes made from potatoes and meat dominate here. Borscht is also popular in Lithuania, especially the cold version.
The main national dish of Lithuania is cepelinai — large dumplings made from a mixture of raw and boiled grated potatoes, stuffed with minced meat (or sometimes cottage cheese or other fillings). Cepelinai are served with sour cream and fried bacon. Keep in mind that this dish is quite fatty and extremely filling.
In addition, Vilnius restaurants offer many other potato-based dishes, including potato sausages and even the mysterious “potato in a potato.” Meat lovers can enjoy roasted wild boar, beaver meat, duck, and venison.
Coffee lovers should know that the Lithuanian capital serves some of the most delicious coffee in Europe. As for fans of national alcoholic beverages, they can try the 75-degree mead “Žalgiris,” aged for two years — a drink that requires a strong tolerance! You should also taste local beers and wines, as well as the raspberry liqueur — it’s simply divine!
