My Vilnius is a series of interviews that introduce you to people who call Vilnius their home. It’s all about the ordinary lives of extraordinary people and vice versa. As a fellow coffee-holic, time and time again, I’d come across this Instagram account, showcasing the hottest spots in town coffee-wise: Pakavinėkim. If you’re as curious as I was about who’s behind it, I’d like you to meet Kamile, who shares all about her heart-filled hobby, sharing the best caffeine-infused haunts and all things coffee in Vilnius and beyond.
VP: Could you introduce us to your story?
Kamile: I was born and raised by the sea, and more precisely in Klaipėda. Like many, I moved to the capital to study, where I chose the publishing and advertising program at Vilnius University. I fell in love with Vilnius quickly and couldn’t imagine my life in any other city; my love for this city continues to this day. After my studies, I immediately started working in the marketing and advertising sector. Now, I am a digital marketing strategist, where I believe both the creative and logical paths converge, and I continually self-actualize myself in this area.
I didn’t look for the world of coffee; it found me. My passion for visiting different cafés and sharing them only with friends probably reached a point where I had to decide whether to develop it. If it weren’t for the encouragement and faith of my friends, there probably wouldn’t be Pakavinėkim now.
It seemed to me that to start, I should have everything perfect – a fantastic logo, a great name, and the best first review of the café. But then I realized that in search of that perfection, I would probably never create anything, or someone would create it faster.
One day, I simply made an account with a name and added a photo of a coffee cup as my profile picture, and everything else naturally evolved ever since. Now I aim to act first in life, and only then reconsider and polish, because otherwise, everything will remain only in my head, and nothing will come of it.
VP: What has inspired you to launch the @pakavinekim account?
Kamile: Since I enjoyed visiting different cafés in Vilnius, which weren’t as numerous in Klaipėda, I started sharing them with my friends on social networks. They encouraged me to launch a separate profile about it and start writing more extensively because they believed that it was interesting not only to them. I think they believed in me more than I believed in myself at first, but look how it all turned out. Thank you to my friends for the support!
VP: Which was the most memorable café, its cup of coffee, and why?
Kamile: I think when the number of cafés you visit exceeds a hundred, it becomes increasingly challenging to choose THAT ONE café, and even more difficult, a cup of coffee. It’s like naming one favourite song or movie.
Nevertheless, the cafés I liked the most probably met or exceeded several of my most important points, such as excellent quality coffee, a pleasant atmosphere, a well-chosen music playlist, and a pleasant barista.
When it comes to coffee, the current diversity of fermentation and processing methods is increasingly surprising, which sometimes resembles swear words more than the actual process. Of course, the most important thing is not the notes, but the taste, texture, and aroma of the coffee — the overall experience, which sometimes does not even have to be surprising, but be good, everyday coffee, and simply enjoyable.
VP: What are your top 5 cafés and coffee shops in Vilnius?
Kamile: Currently, you would usually see me at the following:
Espressinė – a small café in Žvėrynas, where you will be welcomed like an old acquaintance, no matter if you come for the first time or the hundredth. You will find their own roasted coffee. And there will usually be some vinyl playing in the background.
Italala – a wonderful café with an Italian flavour and one of the best baristas in Vilnius. Every time I am happy with both the coffee, the interior, and the choice of music. If there are still free seats on the swings, it is the best observation point.
Rocket Bean – a café in the station area that starts working very early, so it’s sometimes fun to stop by before work. It’s definitely one of those places where I know the coffee will be prepared perfectly.
Demoloftas – my beloved spot since it opened – I absolutely admire their work culture and how they approach coffee and food. The MICHELIN star definitely didn’t fall from the sky, considering the time and attention they put into details – it was a clear assessment of that. The atmosphere, interior, coffee, and everything else are all worth a visit.
Strange Love – a café of unknown love near Bernardinai Gardens. A café with probably the best view and one of the best locations. Every time I enjoy their drinks, breakfast, and the atmosphere itself. I also always aim for the second-floor balcony.
VP: How would you describe the coffee culture in Lithuania?
Kamile: Improving and increasingly satisfying. Although in the Vilnius “bubble” we have more than a few specialty coffee cafés (in the old town-center area), and a new one opens almost every month. Looking at smaller cities, the specialty coffee culture has not yet spread, and you can usually find one or two of these types of cafés at best. However, I truly believe that people will care more about the type of coffee they choose to drink, and the specialty coffee culture will continue to spread.
VP: Other than coffee, what else occupies your mind and time?
Kamile: There is certainly no shortage of hobbies and interests. The most important part is to find time for them. I attend taekwondo training, and I look forward to autumn, when it starts again after the summer holidays. I love culture – I almost always have at least a few concert or theater tickets in my pocket, with some already reserved for 2026.
Unsurprisingly, I also love basketball, so I watch both the regular season and the current championship. Sometimes I attend Lindy Hop socials so I don’t lose my steps. And of course, meeting with friends.
VP: Where can we find you in the digital sphere?
Kamile: Use this handle @pakavinekim to find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
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