The Lithuanian food traditions used to vary depending on region and were influenced by cultural contacts with other nations.

The Highlanders from the northeast region are known for their various pancakes and cottages cheese dishes. The northwest region has its special sour butter, porridges and gruels, while the southeast region are main growers and users of buckwheat in all its forms, as well as mushrooms and potatoes.

The people of the southwest region favour smoked meats, sausages and zeppelins.

Along the seacoast and near rivers and lakes fish plays an important role.

These characteristics are less evident today, but the traditions of regional foods continue.

International cuisine

Today Vilnius and other larger cities offer more and more restaurants of various cuisines such as Irish, English, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Mexican, French, German and many others.

Early travellers and chroniclers wrote about the Lithuanian mead, which is the oldest and noblest drink served since the 11^th century. Mead has had an revival and is made in today’s Lithuania using ancient recipes.

Also beer has been brewed in Lithuanian since ancient times and is the preferred drink of today. Some of the Lithuanian brands have won international awards and world recognitions for taste and quality.

In Estonia they have “kali” and the Latvians call it “kvass” – in Lithuanian the same semi sour drink is known as “Gira”.

Skanaus – enjoy you meal in Lithuanian!