Gira (Kvass)
Photo: Mr.Icon (Mricon) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Gira is the fermented Lithuanian rye-bread drink: low-alcohol, slightly sour and refreshing. The Baltic answer to kombucha, fermented from dark rye bread.

Gira (called kvass in Russia) is the traditional fermented drink across the Baltic and Slavic lands. The Lithuanian version is made specifically from dark rye bread, water, sugar and a starter culture. Pinavija and Užupio Kavinė serve house-made gira; Halės Turgus stalls sell bottled versions. The drink pairs particularly well with cepelinai and other heavy Lithuanian plates.

4 editor picks for Gira (Kvass) in Vilnius, ranked by editorial score. All Vilnius signature dishes · Gira (Kvass) across every city.

Pinavija ★ 4.4

€BakerySenamiestis

Pinavija on Vilniaus is a family-run Lithuanian bakery cafe known for hot kibinai pastries, šakotis tree cake and brunch in a softly-French Old Town corner.

TipIndoor seating fills early on weekends. A šakotis to-go travels home well in checked luggage.

Pinavija Café & Bakery ★ 4.3

€€LithuanianSenamiestis

Pinavija on Vilniaus is a family-owned bakery cafe known for hot kibinai pastries, šakotis tree cake and a brunch menu in a softly-French Old Town corner.

OrderA mutton kibinai with mustard, then a slice of šakotis.

TipIndoor seating fills early on weekends. The exterior bench seating runs along Vilniaus in summer.

Užupio Kavinė ★ 4.0

€€LithuanianUzupis

Užupio Kavinė sits on the Vilnelė riverbank at the edge of the Užupis Republic, the bohemian district's longest-running Lithuanian dining room.

OrderCepelinai with curd cheese; cold beet šaltibarščiai in summer.

TipThe terrace over the Vilnelė is the seat to ask for. The Užupis Constitution wall is across the bridge.

Halės Deli ★ 4.0

€€LithuanianNaujamiestis

Halės Deli inside Halės Turgus market hall sources every product locally and serves Lithuanian craft beer alongside lamb sausages and craft beef burgers.

OrderThe Lithuanian craft beef burger; pair with a Genys or Sakiškės beer.

TipA counter-and-table format inside the 1906 market hall; busy around lunchtime.

Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Gira (Kvass) makes more sense with someone from Vilnius explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

Book food experiences in Vilnius

Vilnius: Lithuanian Flavors Experience★ 4.9 (61)

Guided tour · 2.5 hours

Vilnius: Lithuanian Flavors Experience

A food tasting tour shows you that Lithuanian food extends much further than potato or meat dishes. You will indulge in Lithuanian snacks and beverages, which, for the...

from€55 Check dates

See all 158 bookable experiences in Vilnius