Lithuania targets gastronomy hub status within ten years

President of the Bocuse d'Or organization in Lithuania, Darius Katinas, announced an ambitious plan for the country to become a "gastronomy Mecca" over the next decade. The strategy includes attracting world‑class culinary events, with negotiations underway to host the Bocuse d'Or Europe competition in Lithuania between 2032 and 2036.

A Baltic Gastronomy and Innovation Centre is slated for creation between 2028 and 2034 to bring together regional gastronomy organisations and international researchers. Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas endorsed the plan, noting that gastronomy now draws about 80 % of tourists and could nearly double visitor flows. The latest Michelin guide awarded five Lithuanian restaurants stars, three retaining their rating and two receiving their first.

The roadmap, set for finalisation this year, aims to boost Lithuania’s profile as a regional culinary destination and stimulate related tourism and innovation sectors.