Lithuania is a small country in Northern Europe, located east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave).
As a former Soviet Socialist Republic, Lithuania has been influenced by its Slavic neighbours in many aspects, including food. Lithuanian cuisine has been shaped by its geography and climate, as well as its history and culture.
The main staples of Lithuanian cooking are grains such as barley and rye, potatoes, root vegetables such as carrots and beets, and dairy products like cheese and sour cream. Lithuanians also enjoy eating meat – pork is the most widely consumed type of meat. Other common ingredients include mushrooms, onions, garlic, mushrooms, eggs, fish (mainly herring), beans and lentils.
The traditional dishes of Lithuania are hearty and filling. The national dish is cepelinai – potato dumplings filled with pork or beef that are boiled and served with a sour cream sauce. Other popular dishes include kugelis – a baked potato pudding made with bacon and onions; vėdarai – potato pancakes served with bacon; cold beet soup; šaltibarščiai – chilled beetroot soup; koldūnai – dumplings filled with meat or cheese; šakotis – a traditional cake made from honey-sweetened dough; skilandis – smoked sausage that can be served hot or cold; šaltiena – smoked bacon wrapped in cabbage leaves; balandėliai – stuffed cabbage rolls; varškės sūris – curd cheese spread on bread or crackers; gira – fermented rye bread drink; kepta duona– fried bread slices served with honey.
Conclusion:
Lithuanian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s geography, climate, history and culture. Its traditional dishes are hearty and filling – the national dish being cepelinai – potato dumplings filled with pork or beef that are boiled and served with a sour cream sauce.
Other popular dishes include kugelis – a baked potato pudding made with bacon and onions; vėdarai – potato pancakes served with bacon; cold beet soup; šaltibarščiai – chilled beetroot soup; koldūnai – dumplings filled with meat or cheese; šakotis – a traditional cake made from honey-sweetened dough. Lithuania is also known for its fermented rye bread drink Gira and smoked sausage Skilandis which can be eaten hot or cold.