What Food To Try in Kaunas and Food Prices

Šaltibarščiai - Chilled Beet Soup - A strikingly bright pink soup made with beets, kefir, cucumbers, and dill, served cold. It’s a popular summer dish, often enjoyed during hot days, and you’ll find it as a staple in many local homes.

Šakotis - Tree Cake - This unique cake is made from a batter poured over a rotating spit, creating a layered ring shape that resembles tree bark. Perfect for festive occasions, locals love to share this resolute dessert during celebrations and family gatherings.

Cepelinai - Zeppelin Dumplings - Large potato dumplings filled with minced meat, served with a hearty mushroom or sour cream sauce. A winter favorite, locals often enjoy this dish on Sundays with family, embracing its filling nature during colder months.

Dešinys - Street Meat Skewers - Grilled skewers featuring marinated meats, often a mix of pork and chicken, served with flatbread and tangy sauce. You’ll see vendors selling these all across the city, especially during local festivals—perfect for a quick lunch on the go.

Bulviniai Blynai - Potato Pancakes - Crispy golden pancakes made from grated potatoes, usually served with sour cream or applesauce. This dish is commonly eaten for breakfast, and you may find it often mistaken for a simpler snack—don’t make that mistake!

Šprotu Kasy - Sprat Casserole - A warm, layered dish combining sprats (small fish) with potatoes and cheese, baked until golden. This is a great casual dinner option, usually shared among friends with some homemade bread on the side.

Varnalinė - Curd Pancakes - Soft pancakes made with cottage cheese that are pillowy and delicious, typically dusted with powdered sugar. This underrated gem is best eaten for breakfast or brunch, especially in fall when fresh cheese is abundant.

Grikių Košė - Buckwheat Porridge - Nutty and hearty buckwheat served as a side dish or sometimes enjoyed as a main course topped with sautéed vegetables or meat. This staple is a winter favorite for its warmth and filling nature, often prepared at family gatherings.

Šaltibarščiai - Cold Beet Soup (chilled soup) - A vibrant, cold soup made from beets, cucumbers, dill, and buttermilk, creating a refreshing and tangy flavor. It’s particularly popular during the hot summer months, often served with boiled potatoes on the side (trust me, it's a delightful combo!).

Espresso - Kava (strong coffee) - A rich, bold coffee made from finely ground beans, typically served in small cups. Locals often enjoy kava at cafés while catching up with friends, and don’t be surprised if you need to specify without sugar — many add it automatically!

Alus - Beer (local lager) - A crisp lager brewed with locally sourced ingredients, enjoyed everywhere from cozy pubs to rooftop bars. On a sunny afternoon, it's common to see friends gathering for a round, accompanied by traditional snacks like kvass or pickles.

Šakotis - Tree Cake (layered pastry) - A unique, tall, tree-like cake made from a batter that’s poured over a rotating spit, creating layers of crispy and soft textures. It’s often a showstopper at celebrations and weddings, served freshly sliced with a dusting of powdered sugar (don’t mistake it for a regular cake—this one has a serious wow factor!).

Budino - Pudding (creamy dessert) - A silky, cold dessert made from milk and sugar with flavors like vanilla or poppy seeds, often topped with seasonal berries. This refreshing treat makes for a perfect summer dessert, typically enjoyed in parks during warm weekend picnics.