Sweet, flavorful, and ubiquitous, meet Lithuania's liquid gold. From tea to a cure for sore throats, Lithuanians use honey constantly. So much so that I'd have to call Lithuanian honey liquid gold.

Is Honey Really That Important In Lithuania?

The short answer: yes. More than black rye bread, wild-collected mushrooms, and potatoes, honey might just be Lithuania's number one culturally important food. So much so that it has been incorporated into Lithuania's pagan belief system, proverbs, tourism, and basic healthcare.

A Lithuanian proverb says, "A lone bee cannot create honey." (Viena bite avilin medaus neprines.)

 

How is Lithuania's honey consumed + utilized?

Honey tea

One of my favorite ways to consume Lithuanian honey is in the form of honey tea, something that I had never heard of prior to moving to Lithuania. Honey tea is made from thick, spun honey with herbs incorporated into the mixture to provide ultimate health benefits. Though there are several brands that sell honey tea, my personal favorite is from Apiflorus.

They sell honey teas in a variety of sizes and include teas infused with herbs that have added health benefits. For example, lemon balm is thought to aid digestion, reduce period cramps, and be calming. The honey tea with lemon balm is excellent for relaxation, in my opinion.

To use honey tea, simply mix a small spoonful with hot water and stir. This can be enjoyed immediately -- I really enjoyed it while I was pregnant with Baby ISO. You can buy honey tea at several gift stores and at the Vilnius Airport, but my favorite place is at Senamiescio Kratuve on Literatu g. in the Vilnius old town.

Cakes

Honey is used as a traditional sweetener for numerous Lithuanian desserts, although honey is now sometimes replaced by white cane sugar. My favorite Lithuanian cookbook, Taste Lithuania* by Beata Nicholson, even has a wonderful chapter entitled "Rivers of Honey." This entire chapter is dedicated to desserts, most of which use honey as the sweetener and main flavoring. Included in the recipes are gyrabukai -- my favorite Lithuanian dessert -- glazed mushroom cookies. The most famous Lithuanian dessert, honey cake, is also described, and of course, features honey as one of the main ingredients.

Honey cake (medaus tortas) is a labor intensive layer cake sweetened and flavored with quite a bit of honey. Found in numerous bakeries in Lithuania, visitors can easily sink their teeth into a slice of honey cake. Made with a different number of thin, wafer-like layers of cake depending on who makes it, the layers are then soaked in tea before assembly.

I think the best honey cake in Vilnius can be found at Senamiescio Kratuve on Literatu gatve and Pilies Kepyklele on Pilies gatve. Senamiescio Kratuve also has excellent gyrabukai, although they aren't always shaped as mushrooms. If you'd like to try out this recipe at home, the blog Ugne Bakes has a really nice recipe. The blog's writer, Ugne, is the Lithuanian woman who was on Great British Bake Off in 2015!!

Mead

The delicious hard alcohol made from honey -- mead -- has likely been produced in Lithuania for thousands of years. At one point, noble Lithuanian families even had their own special recipes and consumed up to 30 barrels per week. If you want to read more about the history of Lithuanian mead, I've written about it here for Culture Trip.

If you want to taste mead while in Lithuania (I know I do!), Lithuania's most famous mead company, Lietuviskas Midus, just started holding mead tastings in Vilnius. Prices are really reasonable, 8 Euros for four beverages, education, plus snacks. Tastings are held on Stikliu g., which is really the perfect location in old town. I'm dying to get a babysitter for the afternoon to do a tasting!

Cure for ailments

"A spoon full of [honey] makes the medicine go down[?]" ... that is how the song in Mary Poppins goes, right? Well, I bet the version translated into Lithuanian would be more culturally appropriate if honey replaced sugar in the timeless song. In Lithuania, honey is thought to be a cure for ailments. Spoonfuls of honey are added to tea, hot water, or simply consumed to prevent or help colds and sore throats.

This belief is actually backed by science, as honey is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antibacterial properties are actually what makes honey unable to spoil. Using honey (and other bee products) as a medicine is considered apitherapy, and other than ingesting honey, it can be used in facials and spa treatments.

The wonderful resort town of Druskininkai in southern Lithuania has an abundance of spas with honey-based treatments. Though I wasn't in love with the treatments at the spa I stayed at, Spa Vilnius Druskininkai was highly recommended by my friends, and I'm rather envious of their stay! Spa Vilnius Druskininkai offers body massages with honey meant to stimulate the immune system and relieve inflammation.

Where can you learn more about Lithuanian honey?

Beekeeping Museum

I hate to say that after four years in Lithuania, I still haven't had the chance to visit the Beekeeping Museum even though it has been on my Lithuanian Bucket List since the beginning. Though way off-the-beaten-path for most visitors, the Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping is an open air museum located in Aukstaitija National Park. The museum features carvings of pagan beekeeping gods and goddesses, examples of tree-trunk beekeeping hives, and other beekeeping paraphernalia. It is slightly unclear when the museum is open, so you might want to check with the tourism board and call ahead before visiting. I'm hoping to visit before leaving Vilnius, although some sources say it doesn't open for the season until May, so hopefully we have time for a quick weekend escape!

Rumsiskes: The Lithuanian Open Air Museum

Rumsiskes was also on my Lithuanian Bucket List, but we managed to visit this year for my birthday. This awesome open air museum holds historic houses from all of Lithuania's cultural regions and also has a small area about beekeeping.

Honey + Lithuanian beliefs

Honey gods and goddesses 

Honey features in Lithuanian food, culture, and is even wrapped into Lithuania's former pagan beliefs. Lithuanian folklore remembers two pagan bee deities. The first is the female queen bee, Austeja, the goddess of fertility and protector of women, especially pregnant women. The second deity is the male worker bee, Babilas. Further excellent details are given in this blog post.



Who knew honey could be so important. Tell me, is honey used where you live?

Our trip to Bari was a bright ray of sunshine that we really needed during the long Lithuanian winter. The warm weather, beautiful buildings, great food, and lively atmosphere put a smile on my face and gave me the endurance to survive the rest of the winter. One of the best things to do in Bari is wander the city and enjoy the affordable local food including the fabulous street food.

Keep in mind that in Bari, as in many other places in Italy, restaurants open around 12 for lunch and close in the afternoon, then reopen again around 6 or 7 pm. This can be difficult when traveling with a perpetually hungry toddler, so we opted to snack a lot when out and cook dinner at home. In general, food prices were inexpensive -- we even ordered a pizza to go for 3.50 EUR!

Where to eat:

Pasticceria Boccia: Located near our comfortable Airbnb apartment rental, Pasticceria Boccia seemed to be a local hang out. Coffee lovers would belly-up to the bar to order an espresso and a fluffy, sweet brioche. The meringues were also amazing and had a surprising number of flavors. The staff were super helpful, kind, and friendly and the prices were great. Find Pasticceria Boccia on C.so Sonnio, Bari.

Pasticceria Portoghese: Located in the old town, Pasticceria Portoghese is a delicious bakery selling cookies and other Portuguese sweets. The cookie sandwiches were delicious and melted in the mouth. Pasticceria Portoghese is located on Via Giovanni Modugno 29D.

Pasticceria and Bistro Salvatore Petriella: Located in one of the several stunning opera buildings in Bari, this pasticceria was seriously to die for. Though a bit pricier than elsewhere, the dainty cakes were beautiful and incredibly tasty. I have to suggest the pistachio desserts and pistachio filled croissant -- so good. The interior of the cafe was beautiful, making it a perfect place for a date, and the outdoor seating was ample enough for relaxing while people-watching. They also have sandwiches and light lunch options. Stop by for amazing treats at Via Fanelli, 207, 70125 Bari, Italy.

Panificio Fiore: Panificio Fiore is a little stand-up shop for homemade Apulian specialties. From focaccia to fried cornbread and spinach frittatas, Panificio Fiore was a perfect stop for a quick lunch. The woman running the shop reminded me of a stereotypical Italian grandmother and she even said "mamma mia" when she touched something hot. It was wonderful! Find them on Str. Palazzo di Città, 38, 70122 Bari, Italy.

 

Gadi: Gadi is a delicious gelato popsicle shop with numerous dairy-free options. The best thing though, is that the pops can be dipped into a fountain of melted dark chocolate and subsequently rolled in nuts or desiccated coconut. They also have swirl your own soft serve gelato and other mix-ins. Via Niccolò Piccinni, 14, 70122 Bari, Italy.

 

Gelateria Gentile: What would a trip to Italy be if you skipped traditional gelato? Located right across from the beautiful Castello Normanno Svevo, Gelateria Gentile served very rich, boldly flavored gelatos. The pistachio was really good, as was the regular chocolate (the dark chocolate was a bit too strong for me). They also featured numerous lactose-free gelato options. Find it at Piazza Federico II di Svevia, 34, 70122 Bari, Italy.

Where to shop:

As I mentioned in my last post about Bari, the city was surprisingly large and featured a huge amount of shopping. Think major brand names like H&M, the Disney Store, Zara, United Colors of Benetton, Sephora, and high-end shops way, way out of my budget. But those stores aren't my focus when shopping at home or while traveling; I'm all about the local stores. While I don't generally shop a lot, I did find two wonderful stores.

Fuecu: Fuecu is a gorgeous shoe store selling handmade Italian shoes and when I visited, had amazing sales. Stop by their shop on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 72.

Citta del Sole Bari: When traveling with kids, it becomes a must to stop into at least one toy store when traveling. It is even fun for us adults to check out the cool toys available in different countries, and perhaps make a sneaky purchase to reveal during the flight (what kid doesn't love a new toy). Citta del Sole featured a section with children's books in Italian, games, plush toys for babies, manipulatives for toddlers, and activity books and games for older children. It also had a great selection of plastic animals. Find Citta del Sole on Via Nicolò Putignani, 14/A, 70121 Bari, Italy.


Where else do you suggest eating in Bari? What is your favorite Italian street food? 

This weekend has been full of junk food because of the delicious street food at the Kaziukas festival. I have a particular weakness for these amazing jam sweetbreads that look like pies! To balance things out a bit and add back in the veggies, I've gotta have a healthy week. Luckily, among the potatoes stuffed with meat and topped with cream sauce, Vilnius has some wonderful healthy restaurants.

Vegafe

J and I found Vegafe our first year in Vilnius when we were dying for something a bit different. The restaurant on Augustijonu g. 2, near the Town Hall Square, is also a yoga studio, so guests must take of their shoes and many tables have cozy floor seating. With the no shoes cozy seating, and Tibetan music, from the second you enter, it feels like you've left Lithuania.

The food is what I'd call Tibetan vegetarian and it is wonderful. The chickpea meatballs in a red sauce is a family favorite, as is the hummus platter. They also have a large offering of vegan food, so if you have dietary restrictions against dairy, this is a perfect option.

Vegan Raw House

Though the raw diet is something I don't necessary understand, I can absolutely get behind fresh, healthy, local produce. Vegan Raw House on Rudninku g. 12 is a raw, vegan restaurant severing lovely fresh vegetables.

A few weeks back, the kind owners invited me to their reopening night, which was a wonderful chance to taste some incredible dishes. My favorites were the delicate veggie rolls stuffed with herbs and the naughty tasting coconut raw balls that tasted just like raffaello candies. So good!

The veggie roll ups are a really excellent snack that make for a healthy treat -- something I'm in need of this week.

Maghrib

Maghrib, located in Uzupis, is a great option for someone wanting to eat vegetarian while out with a group of meat-eaters. Though the menu is pretty small, Maghrib really offers something for everyone. I'm a big fan of their chickpea and vegetable tagine. Their fig, cheese, and bread appetizer is also delicious.

-->If you are looking for unhealthy treats in Vilnius, check out this post.<--

Where else do you suggest eating healthy while in Vilnius?

One of my favorite ways to travel and learn about culture is through food. No matter how long or short your trip, you can always find somewhere to taste the local cuisine or sample an imported delight. If you are hungry in Tallinn, here are six wonderful and surprisingly affordable places to eat in Tallinn.

Ribe Restaurant

Ribe is an amazing restaurant in Tallinn's old town, just off of the main square. Ribe serves high quality European food in a really beautiful atmosphere. I dined alone at Ribe because J was in Tallinn for work, and the staff were super nice and attentive. I enjoyed a delicious pumpkin salad and really amazing lamb. I highly recommend a meal at Ribe when you visit Tallinn.

Vene 7, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia

Lendav Taldrik

We ate at the Indian restaurant Lendav Taldrik during our multifamily road trip through the Baltics. I thought that the food was delicious and was really happy to be eating something a bit spicy! The food is really for sharing, so if you do visit Lendav Taldrik, don't order too much! Lendav Taldrik is located in Building E of the Telliskivi Creative City.

Telliskivi 60A, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia

Rataskaevu 16

Rataskaevu 16 is J's favorite restaurant, perhaps of all time. On our most recently visit to Tallinn, we had made reservations to eat here as our special Thanksgiving meal, but I unfortunately was sick and couldn't go. I forced J to go without me (he had eaten there before) and he made me drool over the food descriptions.

According to J, Rataskaevu 16 also has a children's play area, which makes it convenient for families!

Rataskaevu 16, Tallinn, Estonia

Olde Hansa

We also ate at Olde Hansa, which is right in Tallinn's old town square. Now, I wouldn't think that a restaurant on the square would be good, but it really was! The environment was interesting, with staff dressed in medieval clothing and everything lit by candles. It was pretty cool! I ordered fig with lamb and the portion was massive.

Town Hall Square

Pannkoogipubi Kompressor

Pannkoogipubi is a quick cafeteria to order specialty pancakes. The free walking tour guide suggested Pannkoogipubi as a cheap lunch place and she was right. The meat and cheese pancake I had was really filling and delicious.

Rataskaevu 3, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia

Pierre Chocolaterie 

Pierre Chocolaterie is a delicious cafe and chocolate house with a beautiful courtyard that I bet would be great in the summertime. The chocolate cake I had was pretty tasty and I've heard that they serve amazing hot chocolate.

Vene 6, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia



There are a bunch of other places that I'd like to try in Telliskivi Creative City, so I'll have to plan a return trip to Tallinn soon! Where else would you suggest to eat in Tallinn?

Probably not unsurprisingly, J and I don't get out for dates much since having a baby. So, when we do go out now, we look for special locations where we can have a wonderful and slightly fancier meal. Maybe you are in the same boat as us, or maybe you are looking to simply enjoy one of Vilnius' top restaurants. Either way, I've got you covered with nine different options.

Here are my top picks:

Gaspar's: 

Gaspar's is a great restaurant for a weekend brunch, afternoon business lunch, or tasty evening meal. I've enjoyed an amazing weekend brunch at Gaspar's and was surprised by how reasonable the prices were.

I also recently went on a date night to Gaspar's for dinner and the food was SO good and the value for money was excellent. For around 50 Euros, including tip, J and I each ordered three courses (an appetizer, main, and dessert), a glass of wine each, and a coffee (just for J). If you've not been to Gaspar's, you have to go because the food is amazing. This meal totally catapulted Gaspar's to the top of my restaurant list and is easily my favorite restaurant in Vilnius.

Gaspar's is pretty small and very popular, so don't forget to call ahead to make a reservation. You can find their phone number and lunch menus on their website.

Really good banana pancakes

Trust me, order the turmeric ice cream dessert

The duck was really good, too

The Town:

 In my opinion, The Town has one of the best steak menus in Vilnius. We've gone to The Town a few times now and I'm always impressed with the wonderful service; the staff are just so helpful and nice, which tends to be a bit rare in Lithuania! Be sure to order sides with your steak (or chicken) as they are really tasty and creative. Side dishes change depending on the season, and each one I've tried (mashed wasabi potatoes, potatoes au gratin) are SO tasty. Order some wine and a dessert to complete your meal!

Apparently I forgot to take a photo of the meal!

Dublis:

I've visited Dublis for lunch twice now.  I was really impressed during my first visit (but not as impressed my second visit), because the food was tasty and unique. I especially liked the dessert options at Dublis and remember the options all being really tasty. Because the menu rotates and can include some ingredients that are a bit unusual for some (e.g., chicken hearts), it is best to check their menu ahead of time.

Bistro 18: 

Bistro 18 is one of my favorite restaurants in Vilnius for a consistently good meal. On Bistro 18's menu, you'll find seasonal soups, delicious salads, steaks and other hearty mains, risotto, and really amazing desserts.

One of my favorite times to go to Bistro 18 is in the spring (approximately early May) when they feature locally grown asparagus in several dishes on the menu. Every asparagus dish I've tried has been absolutely amazing, so if you are in Vilnius in May, it is worth it to check their menu!

Bistro 18 is a really popular restaurant, so I suggest booking a table in advance.

Lauro Lapas

Lauro Lapas serves food with a creative twist on traditional ingredients. It is a great restaurant for a date night and the serve who had the funniest sense of humor was the cherry on top of a great meal.

You can find out more about Lauro Lapas on their website. Don't forget to call and make a reservation beforehand.

Uzupio Klasika

 Uzupio Klasika is a small restaurant located on Uzupio g. 28. While I enjoy their main dishes, their chocolate fondant cake, which takes 15-20 minutes to bake, is what really steals the show. I'm not ashamed to admit that J and I have just gone to Uzupio Klasika to order wine and a chocolate fondant cake!

That being said, I do also like their chicken dishes, and have enjoyed every meal I've had at Uzupio Klasika. While the other six restaurants on this list have some unique or unusual dishes, Uzupio Klasika serves classic Eastern European food, such as stuffed chicken or roasted pork, but the classic dishes are done really well. The interior is also very classically designed with long table cloths and tons of candlesticks providing light.

Sweet Root 

I've only eaten a small dish at Sweet Root during the Vilnius Gastro Walk, but Sweet Root is a really raved about restaurant due to its unique use of ingredients. Perhaps not for picky eaters, Sweet Root creates meals with locally sourced ingredients that are often grown on their own farm.

Find out more about their unique tasting menu and make a reservation on their website.

Sugamour

If you fancy a sweet dessert, I'd suggest stopping off for a date at Sugamour on Vokiecu gatve. Sugamour is a very cute, reasonably large restaurant that has beautiful, if a bit expensive, desserts. When we are short on time, J and I pick up desserts to go from Sugamour to enjoy after Baby ISO's bedtime.

Alaus Biblioteka 

Perhaps you are craving an after dinner drink? Head to my favorite bar in Vilnius, Alaus Biblioteka (Beer Library), which has nearly any beer you could ever want to drink. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and even people who don't like beer can find an option that they'll enjoy. Just ask the staff for suggestions! They also have an amazing cheese and meat plate that you must try as an appetizer to your meal out.

What do you do for date night? What are your favorite restaurants in Vilnius?