Lithuania might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to gastronomic prowess but its ranking as number one on the World Happiness Index for under-thirties shows the country’s strength as a soft-power player. Here, Monocle’s Lily Austin heads to its capital, Vilnius, to get a taste of its burgeoning culinary scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello and welcome to Food Neighbourhoods on Monocle Radio.
I'm Monica Lillis and once again we visit the places locals love for their food and drink.
Today we're in Vilnius as Monacle's Lily Austin walks us through the Lithuanian capital's flourishing food scene, where its culinary traditions continue to thrive.
Take a listen.
Earlier in the year, you may have heard us report that Lithuania has been ranked number one in the World Happiness Index for under 30s and number 19 overall.
Not bad for a country that only gained sovereignty from the Soviet Union 34 years, but it isn't hard to see why the locals are smiling.
Lithuania's cities have enjoyed a significant amount of development in the last 10 years as well.
Educated 30 somethings who left the country after university for opportunities abroad are returning in droves, contributing to an economic, cultural and culinary boom.
The nation's capital, Vilnius, is the biggest beneficiary of this trend, with eateries cropping up across the city with world standard cuisine from all four corners of the globe.
This year also marked a culinary milestone for Lithuania, as for the first time, four of its restaurants received Michelin stars, all of which reside in Vilnius.
Clearly, the city's food scene is on the up, but it is the traditional fare that justifies a journey to this Baltic gem.
Lithuanian food is at once decadent and homely, both nourishing and indulgent, so let me walk you through the best spots in Vilnius to enjoy the country's many delicacies.
At the heart of the action is the Old Town, a beautifully preserved medieval site known for its impressive mix of architecture spanning Baroque, Gothic and neoclassical.
But before you get lost in its winding streets, first head to Backstage, a popular brunch spot offering all the hits of the genre, such as avocado on toast and eggs Benedict.
So feel free to ease yourself in with something familiar, but my recommendation would be the Curd pancakes.
Plump little tanned discs about the size of English scones, sprinkled with icing sugar and served with dollops of ricotta and strawberry jam.
Curd is big hit, as is ricotta.
Get used to slathering the latter on everything.
To make a little space before lunch, why not take a walk through the city towards the river and visit the local jail?
Stay with me here.