Food Neighbourhoods #398: Vilnius, Lithuania

美食街区#398:立陶宛维尔纽斯

The Menu

艺术

2024-08-21

8 分钟
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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.

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  • 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.