Food plays a significant role in Lithuanian culture, and learning the language’s culinary terms can be a delightful way to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of Lithuanian gastronomy. Let’s explore some essential food and culinary terms in Lithuanian, complete with definitions and example sentences.

Maistas
Maistas means “food” in Lithuanian. It is the general term used to refer to any kind of edible sustenance.
Kokių maistas tu mėgsti? – What kind of food do you like?

Valgyti
Valgyti is the verb meaning “to eat.”
Ar jau pusryčiavote? – Have you eaten breakfast yet?

Gėrimas
Gėrimas refers to a “drink” or “beverage.”
Kokį gėrimą norėtumėte užsisakyti? – Which drink would you like to order?

Kepykla
Kepykla translates to “bakery,” a place where baked goods are made and sold.
Šioje kepykloje pardavinėja labai skanias bandeles. – This bakery sells very delicious pastries.

Virėjas
Virėjas means “cook” or “chef,” a professional who prepares food.
Jis yra puikus virėjas. – He is an excellent cook.

Patiekalas
Patiekalas denotes a “dish” or a specific item of food.
Šis patiekalas yra labai populiarus tarp vietinių gyventojų. – This dish is very popular among the locals.

Desertas
Desertas refers to “dessert.”
Ar galėtume gauti desertą? – Could we get dessert?

Šaltas
Šaltas means “cold,” used to describe the temperature of food or drinks.
Man patinka gerti šaltą vandenį. – I like to drink cold water.

Karštas
Karštas means “hot.” This term can be used for both the temperature and the spiciness of food.
Ar ši sriuba pakankamai karšta? – Is this soup hot enough?

Aštrus
Aštrus means “spicy” and refers to the degree of spice in food.
Man nepatinka aštrus maistas. – I do not like spicy food.

Pusryčiai
Pusryčiai are “breakfast,” the first meal of the day.
Pusryčiams aš valgiau avižinius dribsnius. – For breakfast, I had oatmeal.

Pietūs
Pietūs stand for “lunch,” the midday meal.
Kviečiu jus pietauti kartu. – I invite you to have lunch together.

Vakarienė
Vakarienė is “dinner” or the evening meal.
Vakarienės metu mes dažnai aptarinėjame dienos įvykius. – During dinner, we often discuss the events of the day.

Užkandis
Užkandis means “snack” or “appetizer,” a small portion of food eaten between meals.
Ar norėtum šiek tiek užkandžių? – Would you like some snacks?

Vegetaras
Vegetaras refers to a “vegetarian,” a person who does not eat meat.
Nes aš esu vegetaras, visada renkuosi daržovėmis pagrįstus patiekalus. – Since I am a vegetarian, I always choose vegetable-based dishes.

By familiarizing yourself with these Lithuanian food and culinary terms, you can navigate menus, grocery stores, and culinary conversations with ease, enhancing your language skills and your enjoyment of Lithuanian cuisine. As you continue to learn and taste your way through the language, these terms will be your guide to a rich cultural and gastronomic adventure. Į sveikatą! (Cheers to your health!)