Saltibarsciai
The shocking pink cold beetroot soup of a Lithuanian summer - beets and kefir served chilled with dill, egg and hot potatoes on the side.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Saltibarsciai is the vivid pink cold soup that defines a Lithuanian summer: grated beetroot and cucumber in soured milk or kefir, served ice-cold and bright magenta, scattered with dill and chopped egg, with a bowl of hot boiled potatoes on the side. Locals love it so much the capital holds a festival in its honour.
What you actually see
- The pink soup - the electric-magenta chilled beetroot and kefir soup.
- Dill and egg - the herbs and chopped hard-boiled egg on top.
- Hot potatoes - the warm boiled potatoes served alongside, the traditional pairing.
- Summer ubiquity - on nearly every menu once the weather warms.
When to go
Summer, when it is everywhere and at its most refreshing; it is a warm-weather dish and less common in winter. Any Lithuanian eatery will have it in season.
Honest expectations
The colour startles first-timers, and the cold soured-milk base is an acquired pleasure for some. The hot potatoes on the side are part of the dish, not an afterthought. It is cheap, cheerful and genuinely refreshing on a hot day.
Nearby
Every traditional and casual restaurant in Vilnius serves it in season; the Hales market has cheap fresh versions.
What to pack for Saltibarsciai
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
