Panevėžys is famous not only for its Čičinskas steak, Raseiniai is famous not only for its Viduklė dumplings, Trakai – not only kibinai, and not only Samogitian pancakes are tasted in Telšiai. National Tourism Promotion Agency Public Institution “Travel in Lithuania" together with tourist information centers presents a map of dishes that have become symbols of cities, "The Most Delicious Cities in Lithuania". It is intended for all local tourists who cannot imagine traveling around Lithuania without tasting and discovering regional cuisine. And the term "GASTROliuoti" is now an official neologism describing traveling in search of tasting experiences.
You can find the thematic map "The most delicious cities in Lithuania" HERE.
"The ratings of the international guide Michelin have revealed the potential of Lithuanian gastronomic tourism, but this is just the beginning. It is important to us that gastronomic initiatives and experiences await tourists not only in Vilnius, but also in the regions of the country. Lithuania is distinguished by its authentic culinary heritage and long-standing traditions. We are one of the few European countries that have a short path from farm to table and can enjoy local products and, of course, the creativity, hospitality and enthusiasm of our communities. I believe that this new gastronomic map will encourage travelers to discover the regions of Lithuania and travel more," says Agila Barzdienė, Vice Minister of Economy and Innovation.
"Thematic maps such as "Flood of Cold Bars", "Ice Cream Map. Flavors that can make you melt" and, of course, the "GASTROliavimo Guide" published in 2019, which became extremely popular, contributed to the gastronomic tourism boom in Lithuania. Many local tourists traveled based on it to try nettle ice cream, orange soup or milk champagne. According to the latest research, gastronomic tourism remains one of the most popular tourism branches worldwide, so the upcoming travel season is a great opportunity to rediscover taste stops in various regions of our country," - Neringa Sutkaitytė, local tourism expert at the National Tourism Promotion Agency "Travel Lithuania", presents the tastiest news of the year.
According to the Local Tourism Survey conducted by the Public Institution "Travel Lithuania" last year, as many as 39 percent of respondents consider visiting restaurants and cafes to be the main activity when traveling around Lithuania. 13 percent of respondents want to try new flavors and dishes while traveling, and every eighth wants to taste the traditional cuisine of that region. On average, Lithuanians spend 24 percent of their entire trip expenses around Lithuania on food and drinks, i.e. about 39 euros. As an unsatisfied gastronomic expectation during the trip, 13 percent of local tourists indicated the lack of information about catering establishments, especially about the cuisine of the region they are visiting (Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija, etc.). This prompted the compilation of GASTROlivamo Guide No. 2 "The Most Delicious Lithuanian Cities".
Grobas, kakoras, kleckai, black cheese, edible paintings, kosher ice cream, atomic pizza… These are just some of the flavors in 51 Lithuanian municipalities that presented the most exclusive dishes, drinks or edible stands. The thematic map includes not only examples of historical cuisine with long traditions and culinary heritage, but also creative and playful suggestions for gourmets who are constantly asked the question “Where to eat here?” while traveling. From now on, tasting experiences in local cafes, restaurants, homesteads or gastronomic educations will also help identify the places you visit.
For example, you can only taste the executioner's soup associated with a terrible city legend in Skuodas, and nowhere else. An ice cream cocktail enriched with mineral water or cold borscht are served only in the Birštonas resort, famous for its minerals. In the land of beer, Biržai not only brews beer soup, but also produces the world's first chocolate not from cocoa beans, but from acorns. Pasvalys is famous for dishes made from krekens, Radviliškis - elderberry lemonade, and Rokiškis - reborn "cows".
By the way, the terms "GASTROlės" and "GASTROliuoti", created and put into use based on a word game by the national tourism promotion agency PšĮ "Keliauk Lietuvoje", were included in the database of Lithuanian neologisms as words describing traveling in search of tasting experiences.
