Not many of you will decide to go off the beaten path this far, but if you end up in the north part of Vilnius, it’s worth going the extra mile. This spot is a real insider’s tip, tourist-free guarantee. The only question is – are you in for some delicious smoked fish?
It’s not often regarded as a very traditional Lithuanian dish, but I honestly believe that we have more than enough experience in smoking fish the right way. It should be a no-brainer, since we have a countless number of lakes and rivers, as well as the coast with the Baltic sea.
The fish quality is highly dependent on freshness, but the shelf life and the flavors can be enhanced by smoking the fish. This is where the smokehouses come into the picture. My personal favorite sits at the edge of Vilnius, in Tarandė. It can be reached by car or the local bus No.52 going from the city center (30 min journey one way).
Since I live on the complete opposite side of the city, my visits to this spot are occasional. But when I do happen to be near Tarandė, I always grab some smoked sea bass or pike. There are many other varieties like mackerel, carp, trout, etc. The prices vary depending on the type of fish, with the cheapest going for around 3-5€ per fish, and it’s take-away only.
Don’t forget that smoked Lithuanian fish are best pals with Lithuanian beer. Enjoy!