Comedian thought Lithuanian town was fictional, discovers rare delicacy

Comedian Laura Dragūnaitė and host Orijus Gasanovas explored Kretingalė, a small Lithuanian town near Palanga that often goes unnoticed. Dragūnaitė admitted she initially thought the town's name was fictional. Kretingalė, with a population of 1,047, surprised them with its central square offering free Wi-Fi.

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I thought this name was made up.

The town boasts two cafes, one of which is "Kukundra." The cafe's founder explained the name originates from a nearby hillfort where a castle once stood in the 19th century. The establishment aims to blend local Žemaitian resilience and heartiness with German orderliness, serving dishes inspired by historical recipes. Popular items include a large pork knuckle, blood sausage, and a pork neck dish. They also serve grilled skewers, which attract visitors from Palanga seeking authentic flavor cooked over an open fire.

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Kukundra is not a magic word or a made-up word.

During their visit, Gasanovas and Dragūnaitė tried a less common delicacy: pork brain cutlets. While initially hesitant, they found the dish surprisingly palatable. The cafe owner humorously noted that sons-in-law often order this dish for their mothers-in-law.

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People eat it.

Another local highlight is Albinas, described as Kretingalė's "superstar," who sells his homegrown produce from a "goodies bus." He offers items like garlic shoots, which he has been preparing for 20 years. Albinas uses fertilizer for his crops, noting the decline in livestock farming in the region.

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I don't know why, but sons-in-law like to order this dish for their mothers-in-law.