Autumn 2023 promises to be an exciting time for gastro enthusiasts in Lithuania. From a beer festival featuring over 30 different European breweries to an entire week celebrating the country’s culinary heritage, it’s a certainty there will be no shortage of incredible tastes, textures, and aromas.
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Lithuania, gastronomy has burgeoned into an artful symphony of flavours. Emboldened by an authentic culinary legacy spanning centuries, Lithuanian chefs and drink brewers have harnessed their expertise to concoct a kaleidoscope of recipes that pay homage to tradition while embracing innovation.
Starting in early Autumn, gastro events centred around Lithuania’s culinary legacy will captivate the palates of locals and discerning travellers. Those arriving in this Baltic gem will embark on a flavourful odyssey, where savoury aromas dance in the breeze, the clink of glasses echoes through lively beer gardens, and the essence of Lithuania’s history and innovation converge in each carefully crafted dish.
Foam-filled former factory
In 2020, a former scythe factory became home to Sakiškės brewery, their bar and alternative event place, which are now collectively called – Dūmų fabrikas.
This year, on September 22-23, the venue will host its second annual craft beer exposition Putoja 2023 — in honour of the delightful sight of bone-white foam atop a cooling pint of beer, an exciting sight for any drink fan.
During the two days of this beer fest, the taste and quality of brews take centre stage: from fruity IPAs to curious sours, around 120 different varieties will be up for tasting straight from the taps of Europe’s thirty best craft breweries. Visitors can be confident that there will be plenty of fun accompanying sampling sessions, thanks to a live DJ and delicious finger food to ensure that no stomach goes empty between tastings.
Dine like a Lithuanian Duke
During Lithuanian Gastronomy Week 2023, which is scheduled to run from November the 6th to the 12th, many restaurants will be offering cheaper-than-usual tasting menus, opening their doors wide to those who want to learn about higher food culture, gastronomic trends, and the capabilities of restaurant chefs.
Somewhere that will be ideal for those wanting a deep dive into Lithuanian culinary heritage is the Lokys Tavern. It is located in Vilnius Old Town and is a second-generation family restaurant that tells stories of Lithuanian cuisine on noblemen’s tables laden with forest produce.
Game, berries, mushrooms and nuts have always been an integral part of Lithuanian cuisine. During the week of gastronomy, the restaurant’s chef will prepare two different menus featuring modernized dishes from the Lithuanian nobility.
Largest coffee industry event in the Baltics
The Vilnius Coffee Festival, now in its 13th year, is three caffeine-fueled days during which the biggest trends and innovations in roasting and brewing are featured. With over 50 coffee roasters, bars, equipment and food brands, the festival is by far the most significant event for coffee enthusiasts in the Baltics.
There is a lot more to see at the event besides Java. A range of teas, freshly squeezed juices, lemonades, smoothies, kombucha, and sweet and savoury baked goods were also available so everyone will be able to find something to treat the palate.
This year, on October 13-15, attendees can get a chance to see some of the top industry players compete in the national Barista, Coffee Making, and Coffee Tasting Championships, learn about innovative home brewing equipment, listen to three days of interesting coffee presentations, and sample a huge range of top-quality, freshly-roasted coffees, delicacies, and drinks.
One hundred twenty different brews under one roof
For two entire days from November 24, the LOFTAS art factory will be transformed into a beer-drinkers paradise for Vilnius Beer Festival 2023, where there will be more than 2000 craft enthusiasts, 30 brewers from 15 countries, 20 craft and gourmet food providers, and most importantly, entertainment, and chatter aplenty.
As previous years have shown, visitors from all across the globe come not only to taste over 120 varieties of beer but also to indulge in delicious food, restock their shelves with never-before-seen delicacies, and even learn how to combine drinks and different foods in tastings from some of the industry’s most experienced brewers.
Images courtesy of Lithuania Travel, Go Vilnius and the Vilnius Coffee Festival.
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