The Tastiest Cities of Lithuania

1. Akmenė. Signature Dessert with Curd

If you’ve only heard of the Mars Canyons in the Akmenė region, now you have another reason to remember it—the unique dessert called Karštas bučinys (Hot Kiss). The Akmenė District Municipality has nominated this treat as one of the region’s standout flavors. You can try it at Viliošiai, one of the longest-running cafes in the area.

According to the cafe owners, the idea for Karštas bučinys was born during the construction of the cafe building itself. The construction took several years, and during the cold season, there was a strong desire for a sweet indulgence that could both warm and refresh. The recipe was inspired by the delicious curd and raisin buns made by grandmothers. By adding pineapple and walnuts, the pastry developed a richer flavor, reminiscent of childhood.

Café-homestead „Viliošiai“, Viliošių k., Akmenės r.

Edible Souvenirs from Akmenė: Herbal Tea.

For many, anything green growing in the wild is just grass. But for those who understand herbs, it’s a true natural treasure. This belief is shared by the founders of Arbatos šypsenos (Tea Smiles), who offer locally harvested Lithuanian herbal teas. Their selection includes primrose leaves, apple blossoms, tansy, nettles, poplar buds, and more. When steeped in a cup of tea, these herbs will fill the air with their aroma and bring back memories of your visit to Akmenė.

Store "Arbatos Šypsena," S. Daukanto St. 10, Akmenė

2. Alytus. Potato Bandos

When visiting Alytus, the capital of the ethnographic Dzūkija region, prepare your taste buds for traditional Dzūkian cuisine. One of its signature dishes is bulvinės bandos—potato pancakes baked on dried cabbage leaves and served with crispy bacon bits and Dzūkian sour cream or a rich bacon-cream sauce. You can try them at the restaurant Dzūkijos dvaras(Alytus district), though they are only served from Friday to Sunday.

In Alytus city, the best place to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bandos is Dzūkų alaus restoranas. While waiting for them to cook in a wood-fired oven (which takes about 45 minutes), the Alytus Tourism Information Center suggests visiting the Audiovisual Arts Center—a former synagogue—right next to the restaurant. A small note: at this restaurant, bandos are not baked on cabbage leaves, making them slightly different from the traditional Dzūkian version.

Hotel-Restaurant Dzūkijos dvaras – Radžiūnų St. 33, Radžiūnų km., Alytaus r.

Dzūkų alaus restoranas, Vilniaus St. 35, Alytus

Edible Souvenirs from Alytus: Tatar Šimtalapis

According to the Alytus Tourism Information Center, this dessert is the region’s most iconic treat and is deeply tied to the history of the Tatars, who settled in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century. Traditionally baked for celebrations, šimtalapis (meaning "hundred-layer cake") is available in most bakeries across Alytus and its district. At Šimtalapė bakery, you can even attend a šimtalapis tasting session, where you’ll sample variations with poppy seeds, cottage cheese, dried fruits and nuts, apples, and cranberries.

Šimtalapė Bakery, Tvirtovės St. 20, Alytus

3. Anykščiai. Rosehip Seed and Other Lithuanian Coffees

According to the Anykščiai Tourism and Business Information Center, Anykščiai is proud of its Lithuanian teas and coffees. At the small family farm of Ramūnas Daugelavičius and Justė Lotyš, you can experience true local herbal magic. Here, you can learn everything about herbal tea varieties, their preparation, health benefits, and tasting through the educational program The Tea Journey in Anykščiai. You will also hear about the ancient art of drinking Baltic tea. Have you ever tasted teas made from cornflower, peppermint, Jerusalem artichoke, sunflower petals, oat grass, peony flowers, forest heather, plantain, primrose, and buckwheat blossoms? You’ll be even more surprised by the Lithuanian coffee collection, which includes not just acorn coffee but also dandelion, burdock, horsetail, carrot, rosehip seed, and hawthorn seed coffee! True history of the Anykščiai region in herbs. The farm's products are certified with the Lithuanian National Heritage and Anykščiai Regional Park product certificates.

Tea Magic Store, Tilto St. 3B, Anykščiai

Edible Souvenir from Anykščiai: Apple Cheese

For a souvenir from Anykščiai, the Anykščiai Tourism and Business Information Center recommends filling your basket with Marijos trobelės apple cheese, a true Lithuanian culinary heritage product. Anykščiai is known as the apple region! The apple cheese was reportedly served at the Radvila family’s table in the 17th century, and its recipe can be found in V. Zavadzkienė’s book Lithuanian Cook, published in 1907.

-Marijos trobelės products are available at several stores in Anykščiai, and at the Anykščiai Tourism and Business Information Center, Muziejaus 1, Anykščiai.

4. Birštonas. "Edible Minerals"

Birštonas and mineral water should be listed together in the dictionary as inseparable things. Many people, when they hear the name of this resort, immediately taste the salty, unmistakable flavor of mineral water from the Yellow Well. The connection between mineral waters and the establishment of the Birštonas resort is well-known, as there are 13 operational mineral water wells in the resort area. In modern Birštonas, the salty water city, you can enjoy the healing minerals in unexpected ways: in the summer, the Ice Cream Alley offers a milkshake with mineral water, and at the Pievosrestaurant, they serve cold beet soup with mineral water!

Ice Cream Alley, Kęstučio 1A, Birštonas (summer season only)

Restaurant Pievos, J. Basanavičiaus a. 16, Birštonas (summer season only)

Edible Souvenir from Birštonas: Whale-shaped Cookies

Don't try to bottle mineral water from the Yellow Well as a souvenir—according to the Birštonas Tourism Information Center, it is recommended to consume the water within one hour of filling it. Instead, sign up for the educational program Fragrant Birštonas Whale Cookie at the Birštonas Sacred Museum. During this session, you will bake special cookies in the shape of the resort's symbol—the whale—using a recipe from the 12th-century St. Hildegard, a medieval nun and herbalist. It is said that these cookies bring joy and good mood, making them perfect as a souvenir.

Birštonas Sacred Museum, Birutės 10, Birštonas

5. Biržai. Spicy Beer Soup

Biržai is the land of beer. Even if you're not a beer lover, it's worth remembering during your visit that historically, beer was not only drunk but also eaten, meaning it was used as an ingredient in various dishes. For this reason, the Biržai Tourism and Business Information Center recommends trying beer soup. This dish was once very popular among the nobility of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today, you can taste variations of this spicy beer soup with red beans and beef at the Rinkuškiai Brewery's restaurant Alaus kelias. For dessert, don't forget to order beer ice cream or chocolate beer cake. The restaurant also offers various "Alaus kelias" educational programs.

Restaurant Alaus kelias, Alyvų St. 8, Biržų k., Biržų r.

Edible Souvenir from Biržai: Acorn Chocolate

Who doesn't know the Biržų duona bakery? Be sure to pick up some Senolių bread, which has been baked since the founding of the Biržai bakery, or the legendary Skarelės bread. The Biržai Tourism and Business Information Center asserts that this is one of the most iconic Biržai baked goods, associated with the bakery and, of course, the town of Biržai itself.

However, those waiting for your return from Biržai will surely expect souvenirs with a taste of beer. In the first GASTROliavimo guide, we suggested trying beer candy Biržė. In the Rinkuškiai store, you can also find malt flour cookies or beer caramel. But perhaps fewer people know about Biržų šokoladas (Biržai Chocolate). Its latest product is chocolate made not with cocoa beans, but with acorns! It is said to be the world’s first chocolate product made with acorns.

UAB Šokolado gama, Vytauto 5 A, Biržai

6. Druskininkai. Šiuškės

The name "šiuškės" might raise an eyebrow, right? Or perhaps you're more familiar with "švilpikai" or "bulvinukai"? The Druskininkai Tourism and Business Information Center in this popular Lithuanian resort invites you to try this regional dish. Šiuškės are potato dumplings with a sauce and Dzūkian porcini mushrooms. Known also as skryliai, these dumplings can be sampled at the Velvetti restaurant, which also made Druskininkai famous for its surprising flavor—nettle ice cream.

Restaurant Velvetti, Vilniaus alėja 16, Druskininkai

Edible Souvenir from Druskininkai: Šakotis

Romnesa šakotis is the number one souvenir from Druskininkai. The Druskininkai Tourism and Business Information Center has no doubt about this. The resort is home to the only Šakotis Museum in Lithuania, featuring a Guinness World Record holder— a 3-meter 72 cm tall šakotis. By the way, you can bake this horned cake yourself by booking the educational program "Demonstrative Šakotis Baking."

Romnesa, Vienkiemių St. 3, Jaskonys, Druskininkai

7. Ignalina. Aukštaitiška žuvienė

How could there be no fish in Ignalina, a land of more than 200 lakes? The Ignalina District Tourism Information Center reminds visitors that traditional Aukštaitian fish soup is cooked in Ginučiai. You can try it by booking a cooking demonstration at the rural tourism farm "Gaidelių sodyba." During the program, the hosts prepare the soup based on centuries-old fishing traditions from Eastern Aukštaitija and share insights into the eating habits and lifestyle of ancient Eastern Aukštaitians. The hosts are also certified professionals in the traditional smoking of fish—they prepare and smoke fish using ancient methods. So, you can not only taste freshly smoked fish here but also buy some as a souvenir.

Gaidelių sodyba, Ginučių k., Ignalinos r.

Edible Souvenir from Ignalina: Honey

If you visit Ignalina between May and October, don’t miss the Beekeeping Museum in Stripeikiai, the most visited object in the Aukštaitija National Park! Here, you can learn about bees and beekeeping, buy local honey, and even participate in a workshop to bake gingerbread with honey.

Beekeeping Museum – Pabalių St. 3, Stripeikių k., Ignalinos r.

8. Jonava. Monarda Tea

Perhaps many will rush to search online for more information about "monardas" upon seeing this name. These are flowers with vibrant blooms, native to North America. It is said that Native Americans used monarda tea to treat digestive issues and reduce fever. Interestingly, this tea was also popular among the nobility in Lithuanian manors, including the Nasvyčiai family, who were former owners of the Barborlaukio manor. The favorite spot for afternoon tea was Meilės Island. By the way, this herb, nurtured by pharmacist Steponas Nasvyčius, is still grown by the current manor owners. So, make sure to stop by and try it! According to the Jonava Tourism Information Center, this noble history will also lead you to other places in the region, which is home to many place names from across Europe.

Barborlaukio Manor, Pavasario St. 30, Šveicarija, Jonava

Edible Souvenir from Jonava: Baked Goods and Cheese

On the oldest street in Jonava, a delicious aroma of baked goods fills the air. It comes from the confectionery workshop and bakery "Vara," where treats are made according to local confectioners’ recipes. Their signature dessert is the "Vara" cake, made with white and dark chocolate and almond paste.

Café "VARA", Kauno 17, Jonava

For those who are not indifferent to sweets, the Jonava Tourism Information Center recommends visiting local farmer Petras Bieliauskas. Here, you can taste kastinis (a traditional dairy product) and enjoy fresh, smoked, baked, and dessert cheeses with various additives.

"Petro kastinis", Ragožių k., Jonava District

9. Joniškis. Žiemgališki Dumplings

Joniškis is known as the land of dumplings or, in other words, the dumpling capital. A traditional dish from the Žiemgala region, dumplings were served at both noble and peasant tables. So, what's the difference between dumplings and kleckai? According to the Joniškis Tourism and Business Information Center, kleckai are also dumplings, but they are much larger. Žiemgališkos kleckai are rye-based dumplings filled with bacon and sauerkraut. A true kleckai feast can be ordered at the "Žiurkiemis" countryside tourism farm.

More types of dumplings can be found at the famous "Virtienių restoranėlis." In addition to traditional varieties, you can also try bacon-filled dumplings (with smoked bacon and onions), Joniškis-style dumplings (with smoked bacon and curd filling), and cement dumplings (with grated raw potatoes, bacon, onions, pepper, and salt). At "Virtienių restoranėlis," they also offer dumpling-making workshops.

Countryside Tourism Farm "Žiurkiemis", Žagarės St. 51, Žiurių k., Joniškio r.

"Virtienių restoranėlis", Miesto a. 11, Joniškis

Edible Souvenir from Joniškis: Zaptė

If you want to surprise your loved ones with Joniškis dumplings, the Joniškis Tourism and Business Information Center suggests taking home frozen, handmade dumplings from "Miltinukas" (available in specialty stores or shopping centers in Joniškis) with various fillings, such as venison.

If you're visiting Joniškis in the summer, be sure to bring back some zaptė from the Žagarė Cherry Festival. This delicious cherry jam can also be found at other local festivals and events, but only in Žagarė! At other times of the year, you can taste zaptė during educational sessions with folk artist, founder of the Dollhouse, and owner of the Scarecrow Factory, Aušra Petrauskienė. While making a scarecrow or doll, you'll enjoy tea with zaptė and local cookies.

Žagarė Scarecrow Factory, Švėtės St. 20, Žagarė, Joniškio r.

10. Jurbarkas. Grilled Gudgeon

Not many dishes have a dedicated sculpture, but grilled gudgeon does! Grilling gudgeon over embers, skewered on a willow branch, is a signature dish of the Jurbarkas region. For a long time, Jurbarkas held the Žiobrinės festival, a centuries-old Nemunas River fishermen tradition, during which gudgeon were grilled over an open fire. In the center of Jurbarkas, near the fountain, there's even a sculpture dedicated to the Žiobrinės festival. According to the Jurbarkas Tourism and Business Information Center, once the festival was attended by the President of Lithuania, Antanas Smetona. He enjoyed the grilled gudgeon so much that he invited the cook to the Presidential Palace to prepare the fish for guests. Those wishing to taste this uniquely grilled fish can book a mobile educational program with a cultural heritage certificate at a location in Jurbarkas.

Edible Souvenir from Jurbarkas: Black Cheese

"Polonezas," "Pipirinis tango," "Salsa," "Siuita," "Klumpakojis," "Etiudas," "Serenada," "Bolero," "Rapsodija," "Nakties simfonija" – these are not the titles of a concert program, but the variety of cheeses produced by the family-run cheese dairy "Sūrio džiazas" in the Jurbarkas region. You can sample them in advance by ordering a cheese tasting or by stopping by the cheese shop-cafe. Be sure to try the black "Sūrio džiazas" cheese with maple tree ash, said to be inspired by the black walls of the Panemunė Castle.

"Sūrio džiazas" Cheese Dairy, Mituvos St. 28, Girdžių k., Jurbarko r.

11. Kaišiadorys. Kaišiadorys-Style Kakorai

If you haven’t tried kakorai yet, make sure to visit Kaišiadorys to discover this potato-based dish, which may be unfairly overshadowed by cepelinai or Žemaitijan pancakes. The Kaišiadorys Tourism and Business Information Center recommends trying it as part of an educational program at the Žasliai Traditional Crafts Center. Here, you’ll learn about the preparation and eating traditions of kakorai, as well as the distinctive features of the Kaišiadorys regional cuisine. Participants, together with traditional craftswoman and author of the book Kaišiadorys Cuisine, Nijolė Adukonienė, will prepare and taste kakorai stuffed with a carrot and onion filling, served with a sauce made of crispy pork bits, onions, butter, and sour cream.

Another intriguing dish from the Kaišiadorys region is skaruliniai (from the word skarelė, meaning "scarf") – pancakes with crispy pork bits and eggs. They are especially delicious when dipped into a soft-cooked egg and crispy pork sauce. Interestingly, this traditional dish has even made its way onto the modern menu of "Centro Pizzeria."

Žasliai Traditional Crafts Center, Vytauto St. 38, Žasliai, Kaišiadorys District Municipality

Edible Souvenirs from Kaišiadorys: Mint Cheese

Following the recommendation of the Kaišiadorys Tourism and Business Information Center, you won’t go wrong choosing Mėtinis Kmynas cheese. This uniquely flavored cheese is made using mint leaves and caraway seeds—two ingredients that were traditionally used to season cheese in central Lithuania. The combination creates a fascinating contrast: the mint provides a cooling sensation, while the caraway seeds add warmth to the palate. For an even deeper experience, visitors can pre-register for an educational or tasting session.

Ostvalds Fabrica Cheese Dairy, Jovarų St. 44, Liutoniai Village, Kaišiadorys District Municipality

12. Kalvarija. Kugelis

Representatives of the Kalvarija Regional Museum assure visitors that trying kugelis in Kalvarija is an experience they won’t regret. For over a decade, the Aistiškiai village community has been preparing exceptionally delicious homemade kugelis (potato pudding), enriched with crispy pork bits. Many say its taste is reminiscent of the comforting dish their grandmothers used to make. The generous, hearty portions impress all guests. While the community also offers other homemade dishes such as meat rolls and gingerbread mushrooms, kugelis remains the star of their kitchen. Tastings of "Homemade Kugelis with Crispy Pork Bits" are available by prior arrangement.

Aistiškiai Village Community, Liepų St. 38, Aistiškiai Village, Kalvarija Municipality

13. Kaunas. Donuts

Laisvės Avenue in Kaunas wouldn’t be the same without the iconic aroma of freshly fried donuts from the legendary Spurginė. According to Kaunas IN, these donuts are a signature treat of the city. For both locals and visitors, it has become a tradition to stop by Spurginė and indulge in jam-filled, meat-filled, or curd-filled donuts. Many even leave with a box of these nostalgic pastries as a tasty souvenir for their loved ones. After all, the recipe for these irresistible treats has remained unchanged for decades.

Kaunas IN also recommends seeking out šakotis-flavored ice cream to experience the full range of Kaunas' culinary delights.

Spurginė, Laisvės Avenue 84, Kaunas

14. Kazlų Rūda. Kropeliai

The Kazlų Rūda Tourism and Business Information Center highlights kropeliai as a traditional dessert of the region and a part of its culinary heritage. Inesa Karnauskienė, who recorded the recipe for a culinary heritage book, shares that kropeliai have been made in her mother-in-law’s family for about 150 years. In the past, after work or during celebrations, people would gather, and while the men tended to the horses, the women would prepare the dough, let it ferment slightly, and fry the kropeliai in pork fat—a true feast!

The best way to enjoy them is fresh and hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar. It’s said that kropeliai take on fascinating shapes as they fry, and children would have fun searching for ones that resembled fish, piglets, or other familiar figures. Today, visitors can taste kropeliai during old craft workshops organized by the Būda Village Community.

Būda Village Museum, Liepų St. 2, Būda Village, Kazlų Rūda Municipality

Edible Souvenirs from Kazlų Rūda: Šakotis

Did you know that people from all over Lithuania come to Kazlų Rūda for soft, delicious šakotis (tree cake)? Two local bakeries specialize in making this traditional treat:

Dalytė’s Bakery, where family-made šakotis has been prepared since 1967, following old traditions and preserving the original recipe.

Senamiesčio Šakotynas, which produces buttery, melt-in-your-mouth šakotis using a long-standing recipe.

The Kazlų Rūda Tourism and Business Information Center guarantees that stopping by for these delicious souvenirs is a choice you won’t regret!

15. Kelmė. Kelmė Pie

Both a treat for yourself and a souvenir from Kelmė – the Kelmė pie. In presenting this pastry, the Kelmė Tourism and Business Information Center recalls Jewish history. In the first half of the 20th century, half of Kelmė’s residents were Jewish, and the town had many bakeries where pies, rolls, bread, and especially everyone’s favorite bagels were baked.

According to information collected by the Žemaitė Public Library of the Kelmė District Municipality, in 1948 confectioner Vladas Gailius created and began baking the Kelmė pie, which in both recipe and form resembled the Jewish Sabbath bread challah.

In the 1970s–80s, word about the Kelmė pie, earlier known as the “Žemaitian Braid,” spread thanks to bus passengers. Since the town center had a bus station next to a bakery and shop, it became common for travelers to stop in and buy a freshly baked pie.

To this day, the certified national heritage Kelmė pie – with a history spanning already 80 years – is baked by the bakers of VK Kelmės prekyba. You can taste this pie with various jams and milk, and learn more about the history of Kelmė hidden in its flavor at the educational program “The History of Kelmė Pie.”

Kelmė District Municipality Žemaitė Public Library, Vytauto Didžiojo St. 73, Kelmė

16. Kėdainiai. Kėdainiai Pancakes

Some cities are lucky enough to have their names become part of a dish’s name. Many have heard of Kėdainiai pancakes, but what’s their story? Unfortunately, little data exists. It is believed that this dish gained popularity about 50 years ago when potato-based recipes were common in Lithuania. But why "Kėdainiai pancakes"? According to one version, a woman working in a factory in Kėdainiai came up with the idea of stuffing potato pancakes with minced meat to make them more filling. The Kėdainiai Tourism and Business Information Center recommends several places in town where you can try the best Kėdainiai pancakes.

Café "Beneto karčema", Senoji St. 7, Kėdainiai

Restaurant "Smilga," Senoji St. 16, Kėdainiai

Gero Skonio Namai "Uršulė", Didžioji St. 22, Kėdainiai

Edible souvenirs from Kėdainiai: Cucumber-flavored lollipops

Edible souvenirs from Kėdainiai: Cucumber-flavored lollipops If you’re bringing back something from Kėdainiai—the "cucumber capital"—it has to be cucumber-themed! Previously, the first GASTRO guide featured cucumber jam from the local store "Gurkė," which is still available. If you’ve already tried that, this time, go for cucumber-flavored lollipops made from freeze-dried Kėdainiai cucumbers!

Store "Gurkė", Didžioji St. 28, Kėdainiai

17. Klaipėda and Klaipėda District. Cheese Fingers and Cepelinai

According to the Klaipėda Tourism Information Center, Old Town cheese fingers have become a culinary symbol of the city largely thanks to the bar “Klaipėdos senamiestis” (“Klaipėda Old Town”). The bar’s owner, Silverijus Grikšas, says that the recipe was originally created in collaboration with a woman, but was later perfected over time. He emphasizes that the recipe remains a family secret and is not sold or disclosed to others: “Many have tried to copy our dish, but in 27 years no one has succeeded.”

The cheese fingers are served with a special sauce, and their unique flavor and crispness have won over many visitors. This dish has become not only the symbol of the bar but also of the entire Old Town of Klaipėda, attracting both locals and tourists eager to taste its authentic flavor and feel the spirit of the city.

Bar “Klaipėdos senamiestis”, Kepėjų St. 13, Klaipėda

And let the smell of steaming cepelinai lead you to Gargždai, a town in the Klaipėda district! After all, Gargždai is considered the city of cepelinai. You may ask why? The Klaipėda District Tourism Information Center explains:

“Several decades ago, composer B. Gorbulskis, who often visited Gargždai, once said: ‘Poetry must be written with love… You must go to the audience with love… And you must cook cepelinai with love.’ That’s why Lithuania even has the song ‘Cepelinai of Gargždai,’ with lyrics written in 1976 by the late Vytautas Rimavičius, and music composed by Gorbulskis himself.”

What’s more, Gargždai has a tradition of hosting Lithuanian Cepelinai Cooking Championships (the 7th took place in 2024). Stop by the legendary canteen “Bulvė”, where cepelinai have been made for more than 40 years, or at any other restaurant in Gargždai – you won’t be disappointed.

Canteen “Bulvė”, Kvietinių St. 9, Gargždai

18. Kretinga. Chocolate with Pork Cracklings

The "Count's" chocolate with pork cracklings is a unique flavor identified with Kretinga, not found anywhere else in Lithuania, as highlighted by the Kretinga Tourism Information Center. It can be found at the "Manor Confectionery" inside the Kretinga Winter Garden Watermill. The shop also offers caramel candy-making workshops, chocolate with chicory inspired by the Countess, and the Count’s chocolate with pork cracklings and dried apples. The latter isn’t an authentic historical recipe but rather inspired by the saying that Samogitians eat apples with bacon. However, the Countess’s chocolate was recreated based on an 18th-century diary entry from Countess Sofija Tiškevičienė.

Manor Confectionery, Vilniaus St. 41, Kretinga

Edible souvenirs from Kretinga: Salantai Cake

It’s said that Salantai is famous not just for the well-known Pakalnutė café but also for Salantai Cake. The Kretinga Tourism Information Center highly recommends trying this treat while traveling through the region. Originating during the Soviet era, this wheat flour-based yeast cake is traditionally baked in rectangular trays and can weigh up to 2 kg. It is often enhanced with raisins and is especially popular in the summer, as it pairs well with fresh berries and milk.

Official "Salantai Cake" stores: Rotušės a. 1, Kretinga and Turgaus a. 17, Salantai, Kretinga district

19. Kupiškis. Funeral Buns

"We debated for a long time – what dish truly represents Kupiškis today? It had to be something made for generations, once popular but not forgotten, still alive but unique to our region. So what is it?" shared the Kupiškis Tourism and Business Information Center. The pakišuolis dish was considered but was ultimately deemed too forgotten, even among locals. However, "Funeral Buns" stood out—these pastries, certified as part of Lithuania’s national culinary heritage, have a 200-year tradition. They are baked in the Adomynė Manor, where you can enjoy them fresh and warm.

Adomynė Manor, Adomo Vilėniškio St. 4, Adomynė village, Šimonys eldership, Kupiškis district

20. Lazdijai. Dzūkian Potato Cakes

Dzūkian potato cakes (bandos) are a highlight of Dzūkija’s regional cuisine, making them a proud dish of many Dzūkian towns. These cakes are an ancient culinary tradition, baked in a wood-fired oven on cabbage leaves using birchwood. The Lazdijai Tourism Information Center recommends places where you can not only try them at restaurants but also order them for home or participate in a baking workshop with traditional music and Dzūkian storytelling.

Rimos Seklyčia, Lakštingalų St. 6, Varnėnai village, Lazdijai district

Restaurant Liepų Ratas, Danieliaus Sadausko St. 8, Veisiejai, Lazdijai district

Restaurant Gojus, Kauno St. 5, Lazdijai

Edible souvenirs from Lazdijai: Smoked Fish

The Lazdijai Tourism Information Center suggests bringing back fish-themed souvenirs. Historically, the Meteliai area in Lazdijai was known as a fishing village where fresh smoked whitefish (seliava) was available. Today, Metelių Žuvys has revived this tradition, offering naturally smoked fish like bream, carp, catfish, whitefish, trout, and more. Their fish are seasoned only with natural spices and smoked using real alderwood, earning a National Heritage Product certificate.

Metelių Žuvys, Ežero St. 35, Meteliai, Lazdijai district

21. Marijampolė. Suvalkietiškas grobas

In the capital of Sūduva, you’ll find several unique flavors not encountered in other regions. Plan your trip to taste kastos silkė (creamed herring) at the Šunskai Herring Mine, and on another visit, try suvalkietiškas grobas.

The Marijampolė Tourism Information Center offers a tasting of this dish during a theatrical program called Hearty Lunch at a Suvalkian’s Home at the Sūduva Community House in Valavičiai village. The dish’s name comes from the old word grobas, meaning "bone." This steaming dish, with a history of over a hundred years, consists of minced pork wrapped around a rib. It is served with mashed potatoes and cabbage and was considered a festive dish, typically enjoyed at celebrations.

Sūduva Community House, Sūduvos St. 35C, Valavičiai village, Marijampolė district

Edible souvenirs from Marijampolė: dried crickets

One of the most unique souvenirs from Marijampolė is dried crickets seasoned with spices, cricket flour, cricket protein bars, and cricket flour pasta. This superfood comes from a farm where crickets are specially bred for human consumption. Learn more about them through an educational experience or find these products at the Marijampolė Tourism Information Center.

Marijampolė Tourism Information Center, Vytauto St. 17, Marijampolė

22. Mažeikiai. Pusmarškonė Porridge

The Mažeikiai Tourism and Business Information Center has no doubt: the best representation of the region’s culinary heritage is pusmarškonė košė, a Žemaitijan breakfast dish from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is said that not every cook can prepare it correctly—it requires true porridge-making mastery!

This tradition is upheld by the staff at Seda Cultural Center, who cook the porridge using potatoes and flour, topped with a special bacon sauce. They offer an educational program where visitors can learn the secrets of this century-old recipe. In 2021, Seda’s pusmarškonė porridge was awarded a national heritage certificate.

Seda Cultural Center, Dariaus ir Girėno St. 4, Seda, Mažeikiai district

Edible souvenirs from Mažeikiai: honey

The Mažeikiai Tourism and Business Information Center invites visitors to try the Nabažai family apiary’s products: bee bread, pollen, propolis, and, of course, honey. These natural treasures are packaged in unique, reusable wax containers. You can purchase them at the Mažeikiai Tourism and Business Information Center.

Užpelkiai Honey Apiary, Užpelkiai St., Plinkšiai village, Mažeikiai district

23. Molėtai. Radvila Stew

Molėtai can be explored through the history of the Radvila family, one of the most influential noble houses of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The ruins of the Radvila Palace still stand at Dubingiai Castle site, while restored Alanta Manor remains on lands once owned by the family. No surprise, then, that Molėtai offers a gastronomic experience with a historical twist.

The Molėtai Tourism and Business Information Center offers Radvila Stew, a historical beef stew made following an authentic recipe. Why beef? In those times, it was believed that eating beef made one as strong as an ox. Instead of potatoes, the dish includes turnips or kohlrabi, as in the 16th century, potatoes were grown purely for decoration. The dish also features noble ingredients like lime, dry wine, and a mix of spices. The educational program about this dish and the Radvila family’s cuisine must be booked in advance.

Dubingiai Castle Site, Dubingiai, Molėtai district

Edible souvenirs from Molėtai: edible paintings

An edible painting or Aukštaitian mosaic—yes, you read that right! You can bring home one of these unique culinary artworks directly from the Molėtai Tourism and Business Information Center. Or, book the Edible Painting with National Motifs – Aukštaitija workshop and learn how to make your own. The secret? Apple cheese!

Molėtai Tourism and Business Information Center, Inturkės St. 4, Molėtai

24. Neringa. Freshly Smoked Fish

No one doubts that the highlight of Neringa’s cuisine is fish and seafood. Naturally, smoked fish holds an honored place on Lithuania’s GASTRO Journey map. According to the Nida Cultural and Tourism Information Center Agila, the top spot for fresh, smoked fish is the outdoor café Tik pas Joną in Nida. This fish courtyard has been enticing visitors with the aroma of smoked fish for over three decades, set against a scenic backdrop of the lagoon, dunes, and wind vanes. A new addition to their menu is freshly cooked fish soup.

Outdoor Café "Tik pas Joną", Naglių 6-1, Nida

Edible souvenirs from Neringa: smoked fish and baked goods

You can never have too much smoked fish! The Nida Cultural and Tourism Information Center Agila also recommends visiting Olego Žuvys (Ievos Kalno St. 2, Juodkrantė, open almost daily) or Rimas Lubys (Preilos St. 25, Preila, available by pre-order only). Another must-visit is Gardumėlis, said to be the best bakery in Nida, offering mouthwatering cookies, cakes, and gingerbread.

Gardumėlis Bakery, Pamario St. 3, Nida

25. Pagėgiai. Mažlietuviškas šiupinys

Pagėgiai is known for its Lietuvininkai cuisine, featuring dishes like mažlietuviškas šiupinys (a hearty stew), kuchen(strudel), and kafija (barley or acorn coffee). To taste them all, the Pagėgiai Tourism and Business Information Center recommends visiting the Mociškiai Manor rural homestead, where you can take part in the educational program The Peculiarities of Lietuvininkai Cuisine.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Mažlietuviškas Šiupinys was a staple in every Lietuvininkai household. Its ingredients include beans, grey peas, barley, pearl barley, onions, carrots, and... a pig’s snout and tail. It is said that cooking this stew took two whole days! Interestingly, while the rest of Lithuania celebrated Užgavėnės (Shrove Tuesday), the Lietuvininkai observed Šiupinys Day.

Mociškiai Manor, Jūros St. 12, Mociškiai village, Pagėgiai district

26. Pakruojis. Žaldokienė’s Malt Pancakes

The Pakruojis region is famous for the Pakruojis Manor, baronial dishes, and grill dinners, as highlighted by the Pakruojis Business Information Center. According to locals who remember the German Ropp barons who ruled the manor for centuries, food was an essential part of aristocratic life. Feasts were carefully prepared for guests, who were expected to savor every bite slowly and chew as many times as they had teeth.

At the authentic Pakruojis Brewery, where Žaldokas beer is brewed in wooden vats, you can book the “Beer Road Program.” This experience includes beer tasting, learning the secrets of brewing, and trying the special Žaldokienė’s malt pancakes baked in an oven and flavored with hemp seeds!

Pakruojis Manor, Parko St. 1, Pakruojis

27. Palanga. Smelt Fish

There’s one dish that instantly comes to mind when you hear “Palanga.” And no, it’s not chebureki—it’s smelt fish! Every February, Palanga hosts a Smelt Festival, and even a Smelt Order was established, uniting knights dedicated to the event.

While this cucumber-scented fish is seasonal, the Palanga Tourist Information Center can direct you to a restaurant where you can enjoy smelt fish all year round. At Žuvinė Restaurant, you’ll find crispy smelt fish as a snack and fried smelt served with lemon.

Žuvinė Restaurant, J. Basanavičiaus St. 37A, Palanga

28. Panevėžys. Čičinskas Steak

Panevėžys Development Agency, Panevėžys NOW, doesn’t hesitate—Panevėžys’ gastronomic signature dish is the Čičinskas Steak, and that’s sacred. Since 1972, it has been prepared at the Čičinskas Restaurant following an authentic recipe. Pork is rolled into a cylindrical “sausage,” wrapped in dough, and deep-fried. It is served with onions, pickles, and tomato sauce.

Why is it called Čičinskas? The name comes from Vladislovas Viktorinas Sicinskis, known as Čičinskas, a noble from Upytė. The dish was introduced around the 300th anniversary of his infamous legacy, and legends about his dark nature and mysterious death still circulate today.

If you’ve already tried Čičinskas steak and are looking for something new, Panevėžys offers other exclusive dishes: Panevėžys-style herring (at Kranto 12 Café) and Director’s Napoleon Cake, a favorite of renowned Lithuanian theater director Juozas Miltinis (at Vasaris Café).

Čičinskas Restaurant, Ramygalos St. 43, Panevėžys

Edible Souvenirs from Panevėžys: Cottage Cheese Treats & "Astronaut Food"

The Panevėžys Development Agency asks, “Who doesn’t know the brand Nykštukas?” At the flagship store of AB Pieno Žvaigždės, located in Laisvės Square, you’ll find a wide selection of dairy products at great prices. A unique favorite is cottage cheese mass, a sweet treat adored by kids. The store also features a cozy café where you can enjoy nostalgic milkshakes with fun names or try curd snacks covered in chocolate and ice cream with jelly pieces. Locals lovingly call it the “milk bar” or “little cow.”

Pieno Žvaigždės Store, Laisvės a. 25, Panevėžys

If you’re looking for truly unique souvenirs, visit Super Garden’s flagship store. Their freeze-dried food has traveled from Dubai to Japan and even to space! Super Garden became Europe’s first producer of freeze-dried food for astronauts (previously, only the USA had such manufacturers). Here, you’ll find freeze-dried snacks, candies, non-melting ice cream, functional treats for athletes and soldiers, and more – all made in Panevėžys! Ever tried freeze-dried cheese, black ice cream, or edible tea? Taste them yourself and surprise your friends!

Super Garden Store, Ramygalos St. 149E, Panevėžys

29. Pasvalys. Dishes Made from Colostrum

Baked and boiled colostrum, colostrum dessert, colostrum gingerbread, colostrum noodles—this little-known culinary experience is an educational tasting session offered by the Pasvalys Regional Museum.

For those unfamiliar, colostrum is the thick, yellow, and nutrient-rich first milk a cow produces after calving. Known as the "miracle drink for calves", it is packed with energy. Given Pasvalys’ long-standing agricultural and dairy traditions, colostrum dishes are a local specialty.

Visitors can even meet Žibutė, the community’s mascot cow, during tastings! Advance registration is required.

Namišiai Village Community, Žalioji St. 1, Namišiai, Pasvalys District

30. Plungė. Žemaitiškas šmakalas

Deciphering Samogitian (Žemaitija) dialect can sometimes be a challenge. So, what is Žemaičių Šmakalas? This question was even asked on a TV quiz show. The answers ranged from a sauce to a meat dish, but the correct answer is something else entirely.

According to the Plungė Tourism Information Center, their representative dish, Žemaičių Šmakalas, is a cold kefir soup with burnt herring. Think of it as a Samogitian version of cold beet soup (šaltibarščiai), but without the beets, or a cousin to cibulynė (Lithuanian onion soup).

Why is it called “Šmakalas”? Because all the ingredients must be thoroughly mixed together—“išmakaluoti” in the local dialect. This soup has been nourishing and refreshing Samogitians for generations.

Skalvija Restaurant, Vytauto St. 3, Plungė

31. Prienai. Čeburekai

Not every town can boast of preserved historical and culinary heritage dishes that contribute to shaping its identity. However, every town has a go-to spot that comes to mind first when asked, "Where’s the best place to eat here?" According to the Prienai Tourism and Business Information Center, the dish that puts Prienai on the map is čeburekai, freshly fried at Prienų Čeburekinė. This place is considered legendary by many, as it has been in operation for 28 years and is famous throughout Lithuania. The taste of the čeburekai has remained unchanged—just as juicy and delicious as ever. Those who try them say they haven't found better anywhere else.

Prienų Čeburekinė, F. Martišiaus St. 26, Prienai

32. Radviliškis. Elderflower Lemonade

Did you know that elder trees were once planted in old homesteads because they were believed to ward off pests like mice and mosquitoes, as well as protect against the evil eye? Elder trees have grown in Lithuania for centuries, but they have largely been forgotten. Perhaps this is why the Radviliškis Tourism Information Center supports the efforts of the "Panekelpių Kaimas" homestead to revive and popularize this plant while associating the region with its distinctive flavor. Visitors to the homestead can try elderflower lemonade made from elderflowers grown in their garden. The hostess also offers other elderflower-based products, such as gummies, elderflower kombucha, elderflower ice cream, and elderflower jam. Tastings and educational sessions at the homestead must be booked in advance.

"Panekelpių Kaimas" Homestead, Panekelpių k. 1, Radviliškis District

33. Raseiniai. Magdė’s Cake

Surprised that the "Discover Raseiniai" organization chose to introduce travelers to Raseiniai through something other than the famous Viduklė dumplings? You can always stop by for dumplings, but Magdė’s Cake might just become Raseiniai’s new gastronomic discovery.

There are many Lithuanian sayings about "Magdė," such as "She just sits like Magdė all day" or "She dressed up like Raseiniai’s Magdė." Given this legendary local figure, it’s no surprise that a cake was named after her over 40 years ago. This layered dessert consists of a sponge cake base, apple jam, and a marshmallow-buttercream topping that resembles a cocoa-flavored "Bird’s Milk" dessert. Magdė’s Cake is made at Restaurant Rasa, where it can be purchased from Monday to Saturday—though be warned, it often sells out quickly, as noted by the "Discover Raseiniai" staff.

Restaurant Rasa, Maironio St. 2, Raseiniai

34. Rietavas. Oginskis Soup

The Oginskis were a noble family of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, known for their influence in the country’s political and cultural life. In honor of the 250th anniversary of Michał Kleofas Oginski’s birth, researchers took a closer look at the culinary traditions of the noble family. It turned out that their kitchen placed a high value on spices, which were a luxury at the time. At the "Pasaulio Pakrašty" Family Restaurant in Rietavas, you can taste a creamy carrot soup prepared according to a recipe from the book Oginskių Dvaro Virtuvėje (In the Oginski Manor’s Kitchen). The soup is flavored with a blend of spices, including black pepper, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted almonds, goat cheese, and olive oil. According to the Rietavas Tourism and Business Information Center, this soup is especially popular among visitors who are interested in cultural heritage and want to experience more than just traditional Samogitian dishes. Interestingly, historical records from the 16th-18th centuries describe carrots—along with oysters, snails, chocolate, pistachios, and artichokes—as having aphrodisiac properties.

"Pasaulio Pakrašty" Restaurant, Žarėnų St. 1, Lopaičių k., Tverai Eldership, Rietavas Municipality

35. Rokiškis. "Rokiškio Karvutė" Candies

Did you know that in 1969, the Rokiškis Cannery introduced "Karvutė" candies as a New Year’s gift? Factory workers were sent to Latvian confectioneries to learn the secrets of making these treats. "Rokiškio Karvutė" became the most popular product, but when the Rokiškis Cannery shut down, the candies disappeared from store shelves. That is, until two friends decided to revive "Karvutės" and bring back their nostalgic flavor. Today, handmade "Rokiškio Karvutė" candies are available at the Rokiškis Tourism Information Center.

At Salų Manor, visitors can participate in a candy-making workshop where they learn how "Karvutės" are made while hearing the story of their origins—from cow to candy.

Rokiškis Tourism Information Center, Nepriklausomybės a. 8-3, Rokiškis

Edible souvenirs from Rokiškis: Šakotis (tree cake)

The "Šakočių Meistrai" bakery is a true gem of Rokiškis. For over 20 years, they have been baking mushrooms and šakotis cakes that melt in your mouth. Recognized as guardians of national heritage, their butter šakotis and handcrafted Juodupė porcini (mushroom-shaped pastries) hold official heritage certificates. They also offer unique variations like spinach šakotis, as well as versions made with buckwheat or corn flour.

"Pas Laimutę" Shop, Respublikos St. 7, Rokiškis

36. Skuodas. The Executioner’s Menu

In the past, the executioner was the most feared man in town. A legend from Skuodas tells of an executioner who spent the entire night sharpening his sword in anticipation of beheading a criminal. A huge crowd gathered to watch the event. Just as he raised his sword, the criminal’s hood slipped off, revealing a stunningly beautiful girl with blue eyes and golden hair—like something out of a fairy tale... Want to know what happened next and the fate of the executioner’s bloody sword? You can hear the full story at Vespera Café, which offers a mysterious tasting experience inspired by the legend. The dishes on this special menu cannot be found anywhere else. Reservations are required in advance.

Vespera Café, P. Cvirkos St. 4, Skuodas

37. Šakiai. Oven-Baked Cabbage Head

It looks like a giant stuffed cabbage roll, but in reality, it’s a whole cabbage head baked in the oven for several hours and filled with meat. This dish, served with hot potatoes, has been proudly presented on Zanavykai tables for generations. Because of its deep-rooted tradition, it plays a significant role in the culinary educational program Zanavykai Tasting. The Gaspadinė (hostess) and her mergučės (helpers) introduce guests to the history of Zanavykai dishes and drinks, teach the local dialect, and reveal the flavors behind intriguing words like košeliena (meat jelly), abriedukai (traditional cookies), sausgarė (a type of snack), and duonzupė (bread soup).

Zypliai Manor Kitchen Restaurant "Kuchmistrai", Beržų St. 3, Tubelių k., Lukšių sen., Šakių r.

Edible Souvenirs from Zanavykija: Sūduva Boba

Although people from Suvalkija are often jokingly teased for their supposed frugality, the Šakiai Tourism and Business Information Center explains that this is a misunderstanding. The people of this region take pride in properly hosting guests, generously offering food, and even sending them off with treats to take home. You shouldn’t leave Šakiai without Sūduva Boba—a light and crispy pastry made using a 19th-century recipe, flavored with cherries ripened in Suvalkija. Look for it at the Gulbelė store. You can also find Zanavykai Christmas Trees pastries at Loreta’s Bakery or try the legendary dandelion wine at Vilkinta Café.

Gulbelė Store, Cukrainė Laimė, V. Kudirkos St. 61, Šakiai

Loreta’s Bakery, Dariaus ir Girėno St. 26, Kudirkos Naumiestis, Šakių r.

Vilkinta Café, Sodų St. 26, Kiduliai, Šakiai

38. Šiauliai. Traditional Lithuanian Bread Kvass

"Liquid bread"—this is how some foreign tourists describe their first sips of Lithuanian kvass. The Šiauliai Tourism Information Center wants to introduce the city through this unique beverage. The traditional fermented and matured kvass is brewed in Gubernija, one of Lithuania’s oldest breweries, following a centuries-old recipe. Made from specially baked and toasted rye bread, this kvass carries the rich aroma of bread crusts.

A newly opened cultural and experiential space, Gubernija HUB (Historical Unique Brewery), offers visitors an up-close look at the production process. Guests can join guided tours of the brewery, explore cellars dating back to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and taste the unique bread kvass and beer made on-site. Gubernija holds immense significance for Šiauliai—it is not only the oldest operating brewery in Lithuania but also the oldest continuously operating industrial enterprise in the country. Remarkably, it still operates in the same location where it was established 360 years ago.

Gubernija HUB, Dvaro St. 179, Šiauliai

Edible Souvenirs from Šiauliai Region: Kuršėnai Roll Cake

For those with a sweet tooth, the Rūta confectionery factory—one of the longest-operating candy factories in both Lithuania and Europe—offers a selection of chocolates. The brand's signature store is located in the Šiauliai Chocolate Museum. However, if you’re exploring the Šiauliai region, make sure to visit Kuršėnai.

The famous Kuršėnai Roll Cake may have its origins in the Soviet era, but it is the only dessert in Lithuania honored with a dedicated sculpture. The statue stands at the entrance of Kuršėnai Manor, where the Šiauliai District Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts Center hosts an educational program called Tea Time with the Authentic Kuršėnai Roll Cake. This dessert, jokingly referred to as the region’s "greatest and longest-lasting brand" by the Šiauliai District Tourism and Business Information Center, can be purchased at a nearby bakery.

Šiauliai District Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts Cente, Ventos St. 7A, Kuršėnai, Šiaulių r.

39. Šilalė. Meškos Kakutis (Bear Droppings)

This dish was undoubtedly the star of the first GASTRO Tour guide. According to the Šilalė Vladas Statkevičius Museum, the name may sound unappetizing, but visitors come to Šilalė specifically out of curiosity to see what it actually is. Meškos Kakutis is an old Christmas Eve dish made from hemp seeds, black bread, and apples.

Important: This dish is not available for spontaneous visitors—it must be pre-ordered as part of the culinary heritage presentation program.

Šilalė Vladas Statkevičius Museum, S. Gaudėšiaus St. 4, Šilalė

40. Šilutė. Gliumzinis Pyragas

Coffee with cake—this is how Lietuvininkai (the Prussian Lithuanians) traditionally welcomed their guests. The Šilutė Tourism Information Center highly recommends trying Gliumzinis Pyragas when visiting the region. This is a cottage cheese cake of possible German origin. Interestingly, this dessert was even included in the cookbook Lithuania’s Millennium Birthday Cake, published to celebrate Lithuania’s 1000th anniversary.

Café "Kintų Smagurinė", Kuršių St.11, Kintai, Šilutės r. (open only during the summer season)

41. Širvintos. Primal Bread

It is symbolic that in Kernavė, a town famous for its hillforts and considered the cradle of Lithuanian statehood, educational workshops on baking primal bread are held. The Širvintos district municipality recommends visiting Gintaras and Edita Ruzgiai, who bake bread using century-old traditions. Their rye bread, fermented in an oak tub without yeast or sugar, kneaded by hand, and baked in a wood-fired oven, is said to be born slowly and sun-kissed. The taste of this dark rye bread is an essential part of Lithuania's national heritage.

“Duona pirmapradė,” Musninkai eldership, Krunai, Širvintos district.

Edible Souvenirs from Širvintos: Goat Cheese and Goat Sausages

Širvintos has many local farms. The municipality highlights the largest organic goat farm in Lithuania and the Baltic states, Griciūnai Ecological Goat Farm, which produces 56 types of cheeses and goat sausages! You can also buy flaxseed oil from B. Vošteris' farm in Bagaslaviškis or fresh hemp products, known as “green gold.”

Griciūnai Ecological Goat Farm “Aukso rageliai,” Griciūnai village, Širvintos district.

42. Švenčionys. Sea Buckthorn Tea

UAB “Švenčionių vaistažolės” is one of the oldest medicinal herb processing factories in Europe, operating since 1883. It’s no surprise that when traveling through Švenčionys, it is essential to taste or bring home some herbal tea. The variety is overwhelming, but the Švenčionys Business and Tourism Information Center notes that the most popular choice is sea buckthorn tea, best enjoyed at the Beržuvis Restaurant in Švenčionys.

Restaurant “Beržuvis,” Vilniaus St. 8, Švenčionys

43. Tauragė. Skaudvilė Dumplings “Im i met”

What do people in the Tauragė region “throw into the pot”? Dumplings. This is a dish made from boiled or grated potatoes, recognized as part of Lithuania’s culinary heritage. You can taste them in Skaudvilė, where a theatrical outdoor presentation of dumpling making and cooking in pots is organized. It is based on authentic ethnographic material, the history of the Skaudvilė manor, and even the journey of the potato from America to Europe.

Skaudvilė Cultural Center, Žemaitė St. 12, Skaudvilė, Tauragė District

Edible Souvenirs from Tauragė: Dried Berry Strips

It seems that farmers in Tauragė have found the answer to the question of what kind of dessert can be both sweet and healthy. On the Macijauskas family farm, so many currants are grown that their purée is used to make dried strips with bananas, apricots, strawberries, and chia seeds. The product is 100% natural, with no preservatives or added sugar, and contains vitamins that may help strengthen the immune system and improve heart and vascular function.

Gaurės uogos, Šermukšnių St. 15, Gaurė, Tauragė District

44. Telšiai. Cibulynė

Surprisingly, visitors to Telšiai do not primarily seek traditional Žemaitija (Samogitian) pancakes, even though they are available in nearly every café. “Tourists come to us not just to explore the city but also for authentic Samogitian tastings. The tasting set, which includes kastinys (sour cream butter), spirginė (pork cracklings), cibulynė (onion soup), potatoes, and herring, is an inseparable part of our city,” says the Žemaitija Tourism Information Center.

If one dish had to be singled out as the symbol of Telšiai, it would be cibulynė—a traditional Samogitian soup made with herring and onions! This is especially significant as Telšiai hosts the only cibulynė-eating competition in Lithuania, held annually during Tourism Night. The tradition is set to continue.

Café “Senamiestis,” Turgaus Square 11, Telšiai

Edible Souvenirs from Telšiai: “Džiugas” Cheese

“Džiugas cheese is a 100% local product,” boasts the Žemaitija Tourism Information Center. They strongly recommend buying Džiugas cheese, pastries, and kibinai. Additionally, the Džiugas Cheese House in Telšiai features a cheese museum filled with fascinating facts about cheese-making.

Džiugas Cheese House, Respublikos St. 49, Telšiai

45. Trakai. Kibinai

Trakai and kibinai (crescent-shaped pastries with various fillings) are inseparable. According to the Trakai Tourism Information Center, there are three restaurants in Trakai where kibinai have been officially recognized as part of Lithuania’s culinary heritage. Kibinai are a traditional Karaite dish.

Less well-known is kiubetė, a Karaite festive pie. The café “Kiubėtė” owns the patent for this dish, meaning that elsewhere, it is simply referred to as “pie.” Kiubėtė can be filled with fish, lamb, beef, chicken, porcini mushrooms, cheese, cabbage, or even made as a dessert—with walnuts and honey, dried plums, apples, or cherries.

When it comes to desserts, Trakai also offers Laumės Plaktinis—a treat made of black bread crumbs, jam, whipped cream, and preserved fruits. This dessert has long been a specialty at “Senoji Kibininė.”

Restaurant “Kybynlar,” Karaimų St. 29, Trakai

Karaite Cuisine Café “Kiubėtė,” Trakų St. 2D, Trakai

“Senoji Kibininė,” Karaimų St. 65, Trakai

46. Ukmergė. Smetonienė's Gingerbread

It is said that oven-baked kugelis and rustic snacks – such as herring with hot potatoes, smoked village meats, and homemade cheese with honey – were among President Antanas Smetona’s favorite dishes. But how often did he indulge in his wife Sofija’s homemade gingerbread?

This question is at the heart of an educational program at the Užugiris Educational Center, where Smetonienė's gingerbread is considered a culinary symbol of Ukmergė. The Ukmergė Regional Museum even recognizes it as an official representation of the town – just like Užugiris Manor, also known as Smetona’s Manor.

Užugiris Educational Center, Smetonos St. 20, Užulėnis village, Ukmergė district.

Edible Souvenirs from Ukmergė: Gingerbread Porcini Mushrooms

According to locals, the little mushroom-shaped treats baked by Ukmergės duona are worthy of a red carpet. They have been made since 1997 and are a handmade delicacy that won a gold medal as Lithuania’s Product of the Year.

Flagship store Šviežia duona, Maironio St. 56, Ukmergė

47. Utena. Aukštaitian Pancakes

If you’ve only heard of Žemaitijan pancakes until now, you must visit Utena to try Aukštaitian ones! According to the Utena Tourism Information Center, travelers looking for traditional dishes can visit cafés, rural tourism homesteads, and other dining establishments in the Utena region. The highlight of the Aukštaitian menu is Aukštaitian crepes, served with potato and crackling filling, stewed cabbage, or cottage cheese with thyme sauce. You can try them at the “ABU” café or in the Vyžuonos community.

Café "ABU", Aukštaičių St. 3B, Utena

Edible Souvenirs from Utena: Cardamom Buns

Utena is home to unique family-run cafés, one of which is located right in the city square. The café “Aikštės Kepyklėlė” attracts both locals and visitors with its exclusive, one-of-a-kind cardamom buns. These delicacies, made with high-quality ingredients and love, melt in your mouth. According to the café’s owner, Tomas, he brought this idea from Scandinavia, where such buns are popular, but he couldn’t find them in Lithuania. So, he started making them himself to delight sweet lovers. Return from Utena smelling like cardamom!

"Aikštės Kepyklėlė", Utenio Sq. 11, Utena

48. Varėna. Buckwheat Babka

The Varėna Tourism Center even organized a public vote to determine which dish best represents Varėna. Three dishes received a similar number of votes: buckwheat babka, mushroom soup (served year-round in cafés Grilis, Draugai, Pirčiupio karčema), and potato banda (try it at the restaurant Dzūkynė). Since Varėna is famous not only for mushrooms but also for buckwheat, this time we invite you to taste buckwheat babka – a festive Dzūkija cake made from buckwheat flour.

According to the Varėna Tourism Center, the tastiest babka is baked at the Marcinkonys Visitor Center of Dzūkija National Park. There you can not only take part in the educational program “Baking Buckwheat Babka” but also purchase special flour for this dish and learn the recipe.

Ecological Education Center of Dzūkija National Park and Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve Directorate, Darželių village, Varėna district

49. Vilkaviškis. Kosher Ice Cream

Ice cream is what best represents the Vilkaviškis region – at least according to the Vilkaviškis Tourism and Business Information Center. And not just any ice cream: due to its unique production, it was even included in the Travel Lithuania ice cream map “Flavors That Can Make You Melt.”

It is in Vilkaviškis that the world-famous Art Glacio kosher ice cream is produced, with the process supervised by a rabbi himself. At the Vilkaviškis Tourism and Business Information Center, you can join an educational tasting where guide Irma Maurienė shares the story of this ice cream, its ingredients, and varieties. Since it’s quite difficult to find this ice cream for sale in stores, taking part in the tasting might be the only opportunity to try it.

By the way, if you stop at Art Glacio’s “Delicious Ice Cream Shop,” you can also get other varieties at producer’s prices.

UAB Art Glacio, Pilviškių St. 48, Vilkaviškis

50. Vilnius. Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beet Soup)

Since 2023, when the first Šaltibarščiai Festival (Pink Soup Fest) was held in Vilnius, the city has aimed to present itself through this dish. The pink wave that floods the capital each June, drawing locals and visitors alike into a whirl of festivities, has become a new tradition that offers a fresh perspective on gastronomic heritage.

Go Vilnius, together with the Vilnius Tourism Information Center, highlights a couple of restaurants serving excellent šaltibarščiai, though you can taste this cold beet soup in nearly every restaurant in the capital—especially during the warm season.

Restaurant Grey, Pilies St. 2, Vilnius

Restaurant "Lokys", Stiklių St. 8, Vilnius

Edible Souvenirs from Vilnius: Bagels and Gingerbread with Herring

There used to be a joke that good people got bagels as a gift, while bad ones only got the hole. Bagels, or "Lithuanian baronkos," were once the most popular treat at the Kaziukas Fair, and their history dates back to the court of King Jogaila. Later, Jewish bakers popularized them, and Lithuanian Jews brought them across the Atlantic, where bagels became a staple in the U.S. According to Go Vilnius, bagels are one of the city’s most authentic culinary symbols. Before baking, they are either boiled or steamed, following traditional techniques. Currently, Vilnius is experiencing a bagel renaissance.

"Beigelių Krautuvėlė", Pylimo St. 4, Vilnius (currently under renovation)

"Beigelistai", Literatų St. 7, Vilnius; Halės Market (Pylimo St. 58, Vilnius)

To this day, the Kaziukas Fair wouldn’t be the same without ring-shaped cookies and gingerbread. According to the Vilnius Museum, Vilnius-style gingerbread is a traditional delicacy of both the city and the surrounding region, possibly introduced by the Old Believers. At the "Joy Workshop" in Naujoji Rėva village, you can try authentic, handmade gingerbread. The workshop’s founders combine old traditions with innovative techniques, resulting in unique treats flavored with poppy seeds, flaxseeds, lavender flowers, hemp, and even bacon or herring! Note: Call ahead before visiting.

"Joy Workshop", Naujosios Rėvos St. 8, Naujoji Rėva village, Vilnius district

51. Visaginas. Atomic Pizza

Visaginas, the youngest city in Lithuania, is just 50 years old. What culinary surprise can it offer? The city's identity is strongly shaped by its atomic heritage, so the Visaginas Tourism Development Center invites visitors to try the "Atomic Pizza" topped with jalapeños, pickled beef, hot peppers, and spicy seasoning. And to fully embrace the atomic experience, while enjoying the pizza, take a look around the restaurant III Blokas. The restaurant's name commemorates the third block of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which was decommissioned after the Chernobyl disaster. The interior features photos of the power plant, a radiation symbol in the logo, and other thematic details.

III Blokas Restaurant, Veteranų St. 2, Visaginas

52. Zarasai. Razavi Pancakes

To taste the Razavi Pancakes recommended by the Zarasai Tourism and Business Information Center, visitors must stop by the 300-year-old Šlyninka Water Mill, which still operates with authentic equipment. The mill continues to grind flour and produce this unique local delicacy. Razavi Pancakes are made from single-grind, one-pass wheat flour and mixed with homemade beer. These pancakes are part of Lithuania’s culinary heritage and can be enjoyed with jam or a savory topping of bacon, sour cream, and onions, best accompanied by homemade kvass. The mill also offers take-home goodies, including natural rye and wheat bread, flour, and grains.

Šlyninka Water Mill, Šlyninkos k., Zarasai