As Lithuania celebrates its famous pink soup, here are 5 traditional chilled soups worth knowing

Can you imagine a soup becoming the star of a city-wide celebration?

In Lithuania, that is exactly what happens every summer.

As Lithuania's much-loved Pink Soup Festival draws to a close today, the country's iconic cold beetroot soup has found itself in the global spotlight.

Over the past three days, the streets of Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, have been awash in shades of pink as thousands of locals and tourists gathered to celebrate šaltibarščiai, a traditional chilled beetroot soup that has become a symbol of the country's summer food culture.

The festival, now in its fourth year, features communal meals, concerts, parades and themed events inspired by the vibrant pink dish. As per the Associated Press, organisers expected more than 100,000 visitors to attend this year's festivities and consume over three metric tons of kefir, a fermented milk drink that forms the base of the beloved soup.

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The festival aims at promoting tourism while also celebrating the cultural heritage of the country through a fun and quirky way. AP

What is Lithuania's famous pink soup?

Šaltibarščiai or popularly known as the pink soup is a traditional Lithuanian cold soup that is especially popular during summer.

The striking pink dish is made with beetroot, kefir or buttermilk, grated cucumber, fresh dill and hard-boiled eggs. Served chilled, it is often accompanied by boiled potatoes on the side. The result is a refreshing combination of earthy, tangy and creamy flavours that provides relief during warm weather.

While the soup's bright colour may attract attention, its popularity points to a larger trend. Across cultures and continents, people have long turned to chilled soups as a refreshing way to stay nourished during hot summer months.

Why cold soups are good for summer

When temperatures soar, heavy meals can often feel less appealing. Cold soups offer a lighter alternative while still providing hydration and essential nutrients.

Nutrition and lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho has previously noted that cold soups can be excellent summer foods when prepared with vegetables, herbs and wholesome ingredients.

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, they help replenish nutrients lost through sweating while also supporting digestion.

The no cooking aspect of chilled soups help preserve the natural nutritional value of the ingredients used. Their high water content can also contribute to hydration, making them a practical addition to a summer diet.

Inspired by Lithuania's famous pink soup, here are five chilled soups from around the world that deserve a place on your summer menu.

Vichyssoise, France

Creamy, elegant and refreshing, Vichyssoise is one of the world's most famous cold soups.

Made with puréed potatoes, leeks, onions, cream and stock, the soup is traditionally served chilled and garnished with fresh chives. Although its origin remains a subject of debate, it is thoroughly celebrated across the world as a classic summer dish.

Cacık, Türkiye

Part soup, part dip and entirely refreshing, cacık is a staple of Turkish cuisine.

The dish combines yoghurt, cucumber and garlic with herbs such as dill and mint. Olive oil and lemon juice are often added for extra flavour. Depending on its consistency, cacık can be served alongside grilled meats, used as a dip or enjoyed as a chilled soup on hot days.

Its cooling ingredients make it a summer favourite throughout Türkiye and neighbouring regions.

Gazpacho, Spain

Few cold soups are as internationally recognised as gazpacho.

Originating in Spain's Andalusia region, this vibrant dish is typically made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, olive oil, vinegar and bread. The result is a refreshing soup that balances sweet, tangy and savoury flavours.

Over the years, countless variations have emerged, with ingredients such as watermelon and cantaloupe adding modern twists to the traditional recipe.

Kongguksu, South Korea

A beloved Korean summer classic, kongguksu combines noodles with a chilled soy milk broth.

The broth is traditionally prepared by cooking and blending soybeans, sometimes with sesame seeds or nuts for added richness.

Served with thin noodles and topped with sliced cucumber or tomatoes, the dish offers a cooling and satisfying meal during humid summer days. Some versions even include ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch.

Tarator, Bulgaria

Tarator is a simple yet flavourful Bulgarian cold soup that showcases the versatility of yoghurt. Prepared with yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, walnuts and water or ice, the soup is served thoroughly chilled. Its light texture and cooling ingredients have made it a favourite summer dish for generations.

Move over hot soups, it is the time for cold bowls

Lithuania's pink soup may be the latest food sensation to capture international attention, but it is far from the only chilled dish worth trying.

From Spain's tomato-rich gazpacho to Bulgaria's refreshing tarator, cold soups have been helping people stay cool for centuries.