Lithuanians and other nations that once formed part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania share many dishes and beverages. German traditions also influenced Lithuanian cuisine, introducing pork and potato dishes, such as potato pudding (''kugelis'' or kugel) and potato sausages (''vėdarai''), as well as the baroque tree cake known as ''Šakotis''. The most exotic of all the influences is Eastern (Karaite) cuisine – the ''kibinai'' are popular in Lithuania. Lithuanian noblemen usually hired French chefs, so French cuisine influence came to Lithuania in this way.