Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Rasa Noreika, the owner of Baltic Bay European Rustic Kitchen at 9371 Mill Street in Chilliwack, is set to open her business today (Thursday). Her store will offer Lithuanian meat pies and dumplings and more. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

New business in downtown Chilliwack

A taste of Lithuania set to open in downtown Chilliwack Thursday

Jan 23, 2025 | 9:39 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack’s newest eatery offering unique Lithuanian cuisine is set to open its doors to the public today in downtown Chilliwack.

Rasa Noreika, the owner of Baltic Bay European Rustic Kitchen at 9371 Mill Street, says she’s excited to offer kibins, a traditional hot meat pie, and traditional meat dumplings when she officially opens Thursday (Jan. 23) from noon to 2 p.m.

In the lead-up to her grand opening, Noreika says she has received an outpouring of support.

“Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. It is exciting, feels great and means a lot to my business and me,” Noreika said. “I promise to do my best to make your visit to Baltic Bay worth your time and attention.”

She plans to offer a lunch combo of two kibins with soup or coleslaw as an option. A limited number of kibins will be ready at noon Thursday morning. If there’s an increased demand for them, she kindly asks for patience from her customers so that she can bake another batch, since they are freshly prepared each day.

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She also hopes to serve three types of traditional dumplings, which Lithuanians call virtiniai or koldūnai, containing meat, potatoes and mint cheese.

For customers with a sweet tooth, Noreika will sell homemade fresh desserts to enjoy with coffee or tea.

The grand opening of Baltic Bay fulfills a dream she’s had since she arrived in Canada over 20 years ago.

“Since the first day I landed on Canadian soil in 2003, I have thought of introducing some simple rustic dishes cherished in my native Lithuania to fellow Canadians,” she wrote in a touching Facebook post earlier this month. “My dream has been coming to reality and it is time to let you, my dear neighbours, former colleagues, my local friends, and the beautiful community of Chilliwack downtown, know that Baltic Bay European Rustic Kitchen will open for lunches later this month at 9371 Mill Street, Chilliwack. At Baltic Bay, I will offer dishes preserved by multiple generations in my native country and passed on to me by my family women, my Granny and Mom, both unbeatably talented in cooking.”

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The exterior of Baltic Bay at 9371 Mill Street in downtown Chilliwack.

The premise behind Baltic Bay’s menu is rooted in simplicity.

“The Baltic Bay menu is short and simple,” Noreika said. “It presents handmade, from scratch dishes for grab-and-go situations or to enjoy at the bar stand of my mini bistro.”

The store’s temporary hours are noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, though that’s subject to change as the business grows.