What is Šaltibarščiai?

Šaltibarščiai | Traditional Vegetable Soup From Lithuania, Baltic | TasteAtlas

Vesna Kumić

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Vesna Kumić

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Vesna Kumić

shutterstock

Vegetable Soup Cold Soup

Šaltibarščiai

(Saltibarsciai , Lithuanian Cold Borscht)

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.

Lithuania

Šaltibarščiai Authentic recipe

PREP 15min

COOK 30min

RESTING 10min

READY IN 55min

This authentic šaltibarščiai recipe is the official recipe of the Vilnius Tourist Information Center.

VIEW RECIPE

WHERE TO EAT The best Šaltibarščiai in the world (according to food experts)

Lobster Jobs and 1 other food critic.

"The cold beetroot soup with a boiled potatoes side dish was also a 1st, but a local delicacy you can not at least try once (I loved it)."

Visit Kaunas

"Getting Your Šaltibarščiai Fix in Kaunas: It’s a very cosy and private courtyard, so don’t hesitate and order a second bowl of šaltibarščiai as no one’s watching!"

Viagem Valiosa

"As a starter it is worth trying the “šaltibarščiai”, or cold beetroot soup, this dish is delicious and the color is simply sensational."

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

"Order a bowl of pink soup at Piano Man Bar. Savvy locals consider it to be the best version in town and we don’t disagree."

Amy de Simone

"Last fall when I was in Eastern Europe I had an excellent borscht (šaltibarščiai) at Senoji Trobele in Vilnius, Lithuania. I tried it, was impressed, and like many other foods that I sampled during my travels, missed it when I was back stateside."