Culinary odyssey in Croatia: 10 must-try dishes that define the essence of Croatian cuisine

FOODIE

​With its ten regions, Croatia has a diversity of nature, culture, but especially gastronomy. Each region has its own culinary specialty that you should not miss during your next trip to Croatia.​

BY HANAN, 6 minutes read

Credits Bridgesward from Pixabay.

You can enjoy delicious desserts such as Orehnjača in Zagreb or the crème brûlée-inspired dessert rožata in Dubrovnik. But Croatia is also the right place for main courses, for example the Slavonian Čobanac, a delicious spicy stew. Below we recommend ten traditional dishes for each region that you should try during your visit.

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Dubrovnik's gastronomic multiculturalism

​Culinary multiculturalism has been present in Dubrovnik for decades. In the contemporary hospitality of the region, this unique tradition is maintained to this day and you can taste the culinary heritage from the most diverse regions. In Dubrovnik you can enjoy rožata, a dessert that is very similar to the delicious crème brûlée from France and the crema Catalana from Spain. This summer dessert is served cold and is the ideal cooling option during the sultry Croatian heat. Moreover, this dessert can be on the table in no time, because the basic ingredients are milk, eggs and sugar. As a special touch, Rozulin is often added, a liqueur based on roses from Dubrovnik.

Rožata. Credits Maja Danica Pecanic.

Old town Dubrovnik. Credits Julien Duval.

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Split and its gastronomic legacy

​Not only is Split a great base from which to explore Croatia's beautiful islands, this city also offers the chance to sample some of the country's most flavourful dishes. For an authentic taste of Dalmatian cuisine, you can try the beef stew "pašticada". To prepare this beef stew you will need to allow several days, because traditionally the meat has to go through several steps. The exact origins of pašticada are unclear, but the oldest known recipe dates from the fifteenth century. Either way, this flavourful dish represents the region's rich gastronomic heritage and should not be missed when visiting Split.

Pašticada. Credits Maja Danica Pecanic.

Split. Credits Ivan Sardi.

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Zadar, home of the most famous Croatian cheese

​Say cheese! Paški sir, better known as Pag cheese, is one of the most famous, if not the most famous, Croatian delicacy in the world. This gourmet delicacy enchants food lovers wherever it's served. In addition, the cheese is made in an award-winning cheese factory, which has won awards at various exhibitions in recent years. The cheese can be eaten in various ways, such as with homemade pasta, as a filling for pancakes or combined with Pag honey as a delicious dessert. It's not without reason that this is known as the tastiest sheep's cheese in the world!

Pag cheese. Credits Damir Fabijanic.

Church of Saint Donat in Zadar. Credits Zoran Jelaca.

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The gastronomic monuments of Šibenik

​The landscape of the Šibenik region is called a unique natural monument, where you can admire numerous beautiful cultural monuments that are at the top of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The gastronomy of this region is equally special. The pršut ham is Dalmatia's most famous and appreciated cured meat product, traditionally eaten as a starter with home-made bread and cheese. To satisfy your thirst after dinner, you can drink two types of wine from the region, namely wine made from the Plavac mali grape or the Debit grape. In Šibenik you have come to the right place for both food and drinks.

Pršut ham. Credits Maja Danica Pecanic.

Šibenik. Credits Ivan Sardi.

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Unparalleled world cuisine from Central Croatia

​Central Croatia is the region bordered by Hungary to the north, Slovenia to the west and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east. The geographical coordinates reflect the tangle of culinary influences that have come from those countries to Croatia. For example, there is the gibanica from Međimurje, this pastry was created in Serbia in 1818 but has since spread throughout the Balkans. Gibanica is a pastry with no fewer than four fillings: walnuts, apples, poppy seeds and cheese. This cake used to be baked in clay pots and the ingredients are traditionally stored by Croatian housewives in the pantry, especially kept for the holidays and family celebrations.

Gibanica from Međimurje. Credits Maja danica Pecanic.

Vineyard in Međimurje. Credits Bojan Haron Markicevic.

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Zagreb, the centre of Croatia's gastronomic map

​Zagreb is the crossroads of all Croatian regional cuisines and you can taste many delicacies there. Here you can find not one, but two traditional Croatian desserts, namely orehnjača and makovnjača. Orehnjača is made with walnuts, while the main ingredient of makovnjača is poppy seeds. Besides those two ingredients, the recipe for the pastry remains the same: sugar, cinnamon and milk. These treats are traditionally made for the holidays, to treat guests to a delicious dessert full of flavours. These pastries are so easy to prepare that even a complete beginner can't go wrong with them. An absolute must to try for yourself!

Orehnjača and makovnjača. Credits Maja danica Pecanic.

Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. Credits Zoran Jelaca.

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Worldwide culinary phenomena in Istria

Istria is today a world-class phenomenon. On top of a hill in the interior of Istria lies the picturesque village of Motovun, known worldwide for its large quantity of truffles. It's therefore an absolute must to eat during your holiday on the Fuži peninsula, a traditional pasta finished with truffles. The pasta is often eaten as a starter with žgvacet, a delicious Istrian goulash. Even if you aren't a fan of the taste of truffles, you can still appreciate these delicacies, so you can go on a truffle hunt to find the white and black gold yourself.

Pasta Pljukanci with truffles. Credits Maja Danica Pecanic.

Motovun. Credits Zoran Jelaca.

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The sweet delicacies of Kvarner

​If you like something sweet, you should definitely try Rapska torta during your visit to the island of Rab in the Kvarner region. This dessert was first made in 1117 for Pope Alexander III, especially for the inauguration of the Rab Cathedral. The two main ingredients are almonds and Maraschino liqueur, and the cake is traditionally baked in a spiral shape. The original recipe is only known to a few Rab women, making it a top secret even today. Rapska torta or Rab cake is only served on special festive occasions and is therefore definitely a dessert to try if you get the chance!

Rapsa torta. Credits Maja Danica Pecanic.

Montys Dog Beach in Crikvenica. Credits Aleksandar Gospic.

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The protected indigenous gastronomy of Lika

​Croatia has a number of food products that are protected at both national and European level and the Lika potatoes (Lički krumpir) are one of them. Lika's cuisine is shaped by its irregular and mountainous terrain and cold winters. Few grain crops or vegetables can grow here, which is why potato cultivation is so intensive in the region. The Lika potatoes are hollowed out potato halves filled with cubes of bacon. They are tastiest when baked in a bread oven or under a traditional peka. The Lika potatoes go particularly well with sour sheep's milk or semi-hard cheese locally known as škripavac. You've never eaten potatoes this way before!

Škripavac cheese. Credits Roberta F. from Wikimedia Commons.

Lika. Credits Ivo Biocina.

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Slavonia, a region full of tradition and hospitality

​Slavonia tastes of tradition, such as the shepherd's stew čobanac. This dish is slowly cooked in a large pot and was previously prepared by the čobani shepherds. The meal consists of different types of meat and a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes and carrots that provide the beautiful red colour of the dish. The spiciness of the dish is also an important characteristic, which is achieved by the red pepper on the one hand and dried chili peppers on the other. The stews are usually  for a group of at least ten people and are tastiest when eaten in good company. Slavonians are happy and hospitable people, which also applies to their food.

Čobanac. Credits Maja Danica Pecanic.

The Ruzica Grad in Orahovica. Credits Sasa Pjanic.

​As the sun sets over the picturesque Adriatic coast and the enchanting aroma of Croatian cuisine fills the air, you can't help but be drawn into a culinary journey like no other. From the rustic taverns of Istria to the bustling markets of Zagreb, Croatia's culinary delights are a testament to its rich history and vibrant culture. The warmth of the people, the stunning landscapes and the sheer diversity of flavours will leave you craving for more. So, pack your bags, embark on this delectable adventure and let the flavours of Croatia weave an unforgettable tale on your taste buds. Croatia's culinary treasures await, promising a symphony of tastes that will linger in your heart long after your journey ends.

Hanan Scheers
I travel the world to find unexpected stories.

CREDITS
Text: Hanan Scheers
​Photo: various
Press release: Thx.agency

7 November 2023

FOODIE

CROATIA