Saltibarsciai

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 to look for

• 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.

Good to know

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.