Travelfood

The medieval capital of Latvian, Riga, resembles of the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, and both are indeed port cities. Nevertheless, apart from Tallinn, a river runs through Riga and the city is often referred to as the Paris of the North. A river runs through the capital of Lithuania as well, but Vilnius is like the oldest city of the country, Kaunas, situated inland instead of by the shore. The old city of Vilnius is also filled with Gothic and Baroque style churches and cathedrals, which oddly make the city look like Vienna. The numerous cafés with irresistible cakes confirms the Viennese feeling.

Right outside the charming, renovated city centers the traveller nevertheless encounters old, tarnished buildings, which were left in upsetting condition after the Soviet occupation. The Baltic countries are excited about EU and a western lifestyle and they are also ready to work for it. As a tourist it is easy to recognize Russians and indigenious citizens by how they work and serve eagerly and by how quickly and efficiently they walk on the street! There is a big Russian population in the Baltic countries and they still influence the countries. Besides this Lithuania has strong bonds to its neighbouring country Poland and during the middle ages the area was one of Europe’s superpowers.

Both Latvia and Lithuania have a shoreline by the Baltic and the long beaches with fine sand and baths attract tourists mainly during summer. There are also vast, green woods in the countries and the people collect forest mushrooms and berries during autumn. This is apparent also on the menus.

Besides soups, a popular appetizer dish in the Baltic countries is marinated herring. The main course is usually quite heavy with pork in creamy sauces and with potato side orders , such as potato pancakes. A Lithuanian speciality is cepelinai, which is a huge meat stuffed potato dumpling formed as a zeppelin airship and it is served with melted butter or herb sauteed butter. The local beer brands are very tasty. Lastly I would like to recommend a unique chocolate restaurant on Piles Street in Vilnius, where chocolate pleasure gets a new dimension.

Europe, food, Latvia, Lithuania, travel, travel experiences