Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and rural culture. When visiting Vilnius, one of the best ways to get to know the city is by tasting its food—from warming soups and meat-filled dumplings to fresh rye bread and sweet desserts. Vilnius has no shortage of cozy taverns and modern restaurants where you can sample both classic dishes and creative interpretations. Here’s a guide to what to eat in Vilnius and where to try it.
Cepelinai (Zeppelins)
Lithuania’s most iconic dish, cepelinai are large, oval-shaped potato dumplings stuffed with meat, cheese, or mushrooms and typically topped with sour cream and crispy bacon bits. They’re filling and satisfying, perfect for cold days.
Where to try it: Head to Etno Dvaras in the Old Town—it’s tourist-friendly but also loved by locals for its traditional flavors.
Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beet Soup)
This vibrant pink soup is made with grated beets, kefir, cucumber, dill, and boiled eggs, and is often served with hot boiled potatoes on the side. It’s refreshing and light—popular in warmer months, but served year-round.
Where to try it: Try Senoji Trobelė for a cozy, rustic setting with homemade-style dishes.
Kugelis (Potato Pudding)
A dense, oven-baked potato dish often served with sour cream or bacon sauce. Think of it as a cross between a casserole and a giant hashbrown.
Where to try it: Forto Dvaras offers a great version, and the restaurant’s old-Lithuanian décor makes it a fun place to dine.
Lithuanian Rye Bread (Juoda Duona)
Rye bread is a staple of Lithuanian meals—dense, dark, and slightly sour, it’s often served with butter, cheese, or smoked meats. It’s also used in creative dishes and even desserts.
Where to try it: Buy a fresh loaf at Hales Market or enjoy it as part of a traditional breakfast in local cafés.
Vėdarai (Stuffed Pig Intestines)
A more adventurous option, vėdarai is a traditional dish of potato sausage—grated potatoes stuffed into natural casing and baked. It’s often served with sour cream or mushroom sauce.
Where to try it: For a truly local experience, check out Lokys, a medieval-style restaurant offering a variety of authentic game and rustic Lithuanian dishes.
Skilandis (Smoked Sausage)
This heavily smoked and air-dried sausage is made from pork and garlic, traditionally prepared during the winter months. It’s typically served cold, sliced thin, and paired with rye bread or cheese.
Where to try it: Sample it at Hales Market or order it as part of a Lithuanian appetizer platter in any traditional tavern.
Žemaičių Blynai (Samogitian Pancakes)
These are potato pancakes filled with minced meat, fried until crispy and golden, and served with sour cream. Rich and comforting, they’re perfect for lunch or dinner.
Where to try it: Visit Bernelių Užeiga, a cozy place serving a wide range of authentic regional dishes.
Dessert: Šakotis (Tree Cake)
This traditional Lithuanian cake resembles a tree with many branches and is often served during celebrations. It’s crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and mildly sweet.
Where to try it: You’ll find šakotis in bakeries, supermarkets, and souvenir shops. For a fresh slice, check local cafés or order it for dessert at Senoji Trobelė.
Drink to Try: Gira (Kvass)
A traditional fermented drink made from rye bread, gira is non-alcoholic and slightly sweet with a malty taste. It’s very refreshing and popular across Lithuania.
Where to try it: Available in most local restaurants and markets, especially Hales Market.
Food is a big part of the cultural experience in Vilnius, and trying these traditional dishes will help you connect with Lithuania’s roots and local way of life. Whether you’re tucking into a bowl of beetroot soup or biting into a slice of šakotis, you’ll find that Vilnius has plenty to satisfy your curiosity—and your appetite.