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What to eat in Vilnius? Where to eat in Vilnius? 4 Traditional Foods You Have To Try in Vilnius

The best traditional dishes in Vilnius and the best authentic restaurants that make them, recommended by industry professionals.
Last update: Sun Apr 20 2025
4 Traditional Foods You Have To Try in Vilnius
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01
Cepelinai
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Cepelinai is the national dish of Lithuania consisting of potato dumplings stuffed with spiced ground meat. The dumplings are traditionally quite large, served with bacon, pork rinds, and a sour cream and milk-based sauce after they have been boiled in plenty of salted water.


The dish is named after Graff von Zeppelin, due to the resemblance between the dumplings and the airship. It is believed that cepelinai have German origins and are based on Kartoffelknödel. There are many versions of the dish, and similar dumplings can be found in countries such as Denmark, Norway, Ukraine, and Belarus. 

MOST ICONIC Cepelinai

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02
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This refreshing, cold beetroot soup is a part of traditional Lithuanian cuisine. It consists of a creamy blend of pickled or boiled beetroots and tangy kefir or buttermilk, poured over grated cucumbers and hard-boiled eggs. The whole soup is generously seasoned with dill, and usually left to set until all the flavors are thoroughly combined.


It is usually prepared in the summertime, and is best served chilled, preferably with potatoes on the side. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course.

MOST ICONIC Šaltibarščiai

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03

Potato Dish

ŠIAULIAI COUNTY, Lithuania
4.3
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Žemaičių blynai is a traditional dish, and the name translates to Samogitian pancakes. These flat potato pancakes are made from eggs, salt, and coarsely mashed, riced, or grated potatoes, and they're filled with carrots or meat. The filling is often made with diced pork, eggs, and pepper.


Once prepared, these oval-shaped potato pancakes are dipped in flour and fried in oil until golden brown. They're served with a dollop of sour cream, extra bits of bacon, sliced cucumbers, or beetroot salad. Žemaičių blynai can be served as they are or as an accompaniment to meat, fish, or egg dishes.

MOST ICONIC Žemaičių blynai

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04
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Kepta duona is a simple Lithuanian snack consisting of sliced rye bread that is shortly fried until crispy. The bread is usually sliced into thin strips before it is pan-fried in oil, and it is usually rubbed with garlic (duona su česnaku), while modern varieties often come topped with cheese (duona su sūriu) or mayonnaise.


This snack is commonly served in bars, and it is often paired with beer or gira (kvass).

MOST ICONIC Kepta duona

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