Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you're craving cepelinai (potato dumplings) or šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), knowing a few key phrases will make ordering smoother and more enjoyable. This guide covers everything from greetings to handling the bill.
Basic Restaurant Phrases
- Labas – Hello (casual)
- Sveiki – Hello (formal)
- Ar turite laisvų vietų? – Do you have free tables?
- Galima meniu? – Can I see the menu?
- Ačiū – Thank you
Lithuanians appreciate politeness. A simple 'prašau' (please) goes a long way!
Ordering Food and Drinks
Norėčiau
[nɔˈrʲeːtʲɪ]“I would like”
Use this to start your order, e.g., 'Norėčiau cepelinų.' (I’d like potato dumplings).
- Ką rekomenduojate? – What do you recommend?
- Ar tai vegetariškas? – Is this vegetarian?
- Vandens, prašau – Water, please
- Alaus – Beer
Handling the Bill
- Sąskaitą, prašau – The bill, please
- Ar galima mokėti kortele? – Can I pay by card?
- Ačiū, buvo skanu – Thank you, it was delicious
Common Lithuanian Dishes
| Lithuanian | English |
|---|---|
| Cepelinai | Potato dumplings with filling |
| Šaltibarščiai | Cold beetroot soup |
| Kugelis | Potato pudding |
| Vėdarai | Sausage made from pig intestines |
For more on Lithuanian food culture, check out our guide on The Hardest Parts of Learning Lithuanian.
Troubleshooting
- Atsiprašau, nesuprantu – Sorry, I don’t understand
- Ar kalbate angliškai? – Do you speak English?
- Gal galite padėti? – Can you help?
Most Lithuanians under 40 speak decent English, but attempting Lithuanian will earn you smiles and better service.
With these phrases, you’ll navigate Lithuanian restaurants with confidence. For more language tips, see our article on Lithuanian Language Exchange.
