Taste of the Baltics

Baltics is a destination for food lovers?

Traditional Baltic cuisine is characterized by its hearty ingredients and a strong connection to the region's agricultural roots, featuring an abundance of potatoes, rye, and fresh fish. Each country offers unique specialties: Lithuania is known for cepelinai, large potato dumplings often filled with meat, while Latvia delights in its flavorful grey peas and ham. Estonian cuisine boasts dishes like kiluvõileib, a herring sandwich topped with egg and onions, showcasing the region's rich fishing heritage. The use of seasonal produce and preserved foods, such as pickles and smoked meats, highlights the importance of sustainability and resourcefulness in Baltic cooking. With influences from neighboring countries and local traditions, Baltic cuisine offers a delicious and diverse culinary experience that reflects the culture and history of the region. You may also find Michelin rated restaurants.

Michelin rated restaurants

All three Baltic countries are rated by the worlds best experts. Latvia and Lithuania have recently started gaining recognition in the culinary world, and in 2023, the Michelin Guide introduced its first ratings for both countries. This inclusion marks an exciting moment for the Baltic culinary scene, spotlighting the growing sophistication and creativity of local chefs who blend traditional flavors with modern techniques.

Local cuisine

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and deeply rooted in local traditions, often influenced by the country's agricultural heritage and seasonal ingredients. Potatoes are a staple, and one of Lithuania’s most beloved dishes is cepelinai, large potato dumplings filled with meat or cheese, topped with sour cream and bacon bits. Another popular dish is šaltibarščiai, a vibrant cold beet soup with a striking pink color, typically enjoyed in summer and served with boiled potatoes. Rye bread, called ruginė duona, is central to Lithuanian meals and is often eaten with butter, cheese, or honey. Mushrooms, berries, and wild game also feature in many dishes, reflecting Lithuania’s connection to its forests and fields. With its rich flavors and traditional recipes, Lithuanian cuisine offers a delicious insight into the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Markets

The Central Market in Riga is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets, known for its unique setting and impressive variety of goods. Located in five massive, repurposed Zeppelin hangars from the 1920s, this market is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of local flavors and traditions. Visitors can wander through sections dedicated to fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy, and baked goods, as well as stalls with flowers, crafts, and clothing. The market is popular for showcasing authentic Latvian foods like smoked fish, pickled vegetables, rye bread, and locally made cheeses, providing a true taste of the Baltic. It’s not only a spot for shopping but also a cultural experience, as the lively atmosphere and friendly vendors make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Riga.

International traditions

Lithuania has two Jewish and Karaite cuisines that are fully integrated into our daily life and have distinct roots: Jewish cuisine primarily comes from the Ashkenazi Jewish community, while Karaite cuisine stems from the Karaite people, a Turkic-speaking group with unique traditions. Ashkenazi Jewish food traditions include gefilte fish (poached fish cakes), herring served in various sauces, and hearty borscht (beet soup). The most famous Karaite dish in Lithuania is kibinai—flaky, hand-pulled pastries typically filled with minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions. Originally brought by Karaite soldiers and settlers from Crimea in the 14th century, kibinai became a staple, especially around the town of Trakai, where Lithuania’s Karaite community has lived for centuries.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1. Riga, Latvia
Arrival to Riga. Meeting at the airport and transfer to hotel. Accommodation. Dinner suggestions depending on the arrival time.
Day 2. Riga, Latvia
You will spend full day in the capital of Latvia, world know northern port and a center of Baltic development in the beginning of the 20th century. Riga was found more than 700 years ago, but we can call 20th century as the golden age of this city. In the morning you will enjoy the tour of the old town. And for lunch we offer you a company of famous chef from 3 Pavari (3 chefs) restaurant. First, enjoy the tour to the old Riga market, and then cooking together. Food is one of the ways to get to know the country better and today is time for Latvian cuisine, that was influenced by northern location and many nationalities that used to live here. Germans and Swedish, Russians, Jews – all nationalities left their marks in the national Latvian cuisine and today you are going to learn about it. After the lunch – boat tour on the canal of Riga with small Riga’s balsam tasting – this will be a digestive just on time after rich lunch. Evening free for your leisure.
Day 3. Vilnius, Lithuania
Through the hill of Crosses a world famous sight, you will reach Birzai – a center of Lithuanian beer. The northern part of Lithuania is famous for good milk, good beer and honey – today we will try to show you all. Firs of all visit to Birzai “Sakotis factory”, Sakotis is a national Lithuanian cake, and a most famous attribute of all weddings. And for lunch – welcome to Rinkuskiai brewery. Rinkuškiai beer museum is the only beer museum in Lithuania. Ancient beer making premises are built on the second floor that exhibit original beer making gadgets, belonging to Čygas family. Enjoy good lunch and a glass or two of beer – just beware – it is much stronger than a traditional lager! And after lunch – time for dessert and what could be sweeter and healthier than honey? Welcome to the bee museum in Ignalina. Have you heard that you can not only enjoy sweet treasure of Lithuania but also have a bee massage? Not exactly at this museum – but if you stay in Lithuania few more days – we definitely will tell you even more secrets! Evening arrival to Vilnius and a calm walk in the old town.
Day 4. Vilnius, Lithuania
Half day tour of Vilnius visiting most famous sight of this Unesco city built mostly in the 16th century by Italian architects. Have you heard that Vilnius has second largest collection of Baroque architecture after Rome? The tour also includes cup of coffee and a very special ice cream made from buckwheat honey or local moonshine. Trakai – ancient capital of Lithuania – and lunch will be very special. This small village is not only a home for the most famous castle in the area located in the middle of the lake, but also a home for the most interesting ethnic minority – Karaites. This tiny ethnic group, despite of the fact that there are less than few hundred of people remained through the 600 years history in Lithuania still managed to keep their traditions and kibinas – a pastry with meat inside – already became an important part of Lithuanian cuisine. Learn how to make them and enjoy lunch together. Afternoon free for shopping and in the evening you will finish this tour with a royal dinner – recovering royal food of the 16th century Lithuania at Ertlio namas restaurant and tasting 6 course special dinner.
Day 5. Departure

Tour includes

Package price is based on
10-30 persons
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Guide and entrance fees
  • Market visits
  • Special restaurants and exclusive tastings

Reviews

Amazing Tour! Great views, stunning sights, and excellent guides. We had an awesome time. We had some special requests which were easily accommodated by the company. The staff were all amazing, the weather was just perfect, and the sights were truly so beautiful.
October 2024
The company was recommended to us by a friend, and now I can see why! It was certainly the highlight of our vacation. The pilot was very friendly, experienced, and professional which made it a real treat!
September 2023
I was visiting from out of state with my family, most of whom had never been to Lithuania before, and we thought a tour would be a good idea - we're sure glad that we did! The experienced guide made sure that the whole day went smoothly, and luckily for us the weather was great. Highly recommended!
July 2023
Price is available for groups
Booking Request
Enquiry Form

Payment Options

We will gladly accept online payment in the methods below, as well as bank transfers.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Does this look like fun? Book your tour today!

Related Tours

these are our chosen tours that you might like:

SPA experience in Lithuania
Wellness

SPA tour

A tour for everyone who wishes to indulge their body.
Rusne island, Lithuania
Tour for friends groups

Stay Active int he Baltics

This is a perfect tour that can be combined with exclusive food experience.
Kuchmistrai hotel, Lithuania, Central Europe
Solo country experience

Dive deep into Lithuania

Try our tour for Lithuania exclusively, and we will ensure you combine nature, food, and cultural experience.
Comments are closed.