Overview
- What foods are found in Croatia?
- Top 6 must-try Croatian Dishes
- Travelling to Croatia to explore authentic local cuisine
What foods are found in Croatia?
Croatian cuisine is a reflection of its varied geography, cultural heritage and centuries-old recipes passed down through generations. From the coastal regions to the inland areas, the cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Central European influences, offering dishes that cater to every palate.
Croatian cuisine in coastal regions
The coastal regions, particularly Dalmatia and Istria, boast a Mediterranean diet rich in seafood, fresh vegetables, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. The clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea provide an abundance of fresh fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies, which are often prepared in simple yet flavourful ways to highlight their natural taste.
Croatia’s cuisine inland
Inland, the cuisine shifts towards heartier, meat-based dishes with influences from neighbouring Hungary, Austria, and Turkey. Here, you’ll find robust stews, roasted meats, and an array of delicious pastries and breads.
Focus on fresh, locally sourced Croatian ingredients
One of the standout features of Croatian cuisine is the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Croatian dishes celebrate the best of what the land and sea have to offer. Traditional recipes are cherished and preserved, often being a central part of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Quality wine pairs perfectly with local cuisines
Croatian culinary culture also includes a love for wine and olive oil, both of which are produced in abundance and hold a significant place in the country's gastronomy. The wine regions of Istria and Dalmatia are particularly renowned for their high-quality wines, which pair perfectly with the local cuisine.
Top 6 must-try Croatian dishes
Jordanian cuisine is an unmissable attraction of Jordan. With many influences and similarities to food found in the region such as Syrian and Palestinian, Jordanian food is considered Levantine or Eastern Mediterranean.
Krofne
Deep fried dough with a delicious filling of sweet cream, chocolate or jam, Croatians enjoy krofne year-round. They are especially popular during the poklade carnival, and hence are also called ‘pokladnice’.
The dough consists of flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, a little rum, vanilla sugar and lemon peel. You’ll find these delicious doughnuts in most Croatian bakeries and are tastiest when freshly made with a warm filling such as apricot jam and sprinkled with icing sugar!
Image credit: Bonč
Zagorski štrukli, or štruklji, is a traditional speciality from the Hrvatsko Zagorje region. Made from simple, locally accessible ingredients, this versatile dish can be served as an appetiser, main meal, snack, or dessert. The dough is typically filled with cheese and can be either boiled or baked.
With the wish that Zagorski štrukli is protected as an indigenous Croatian dish, the skill of making štrukli is listed in the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
Every year, the village of Kumrovec hosts Štruklijada, an event celebrating and preserving this traditional dish. The popularity of Zagorski štrukli has spread beyond the local region, showcasing Croatian gastronomy to the world.
The preparation involves mixing flour, salt, an egg, lukewarm water, a little vinegar, and oil to make the dough. After resting, the dough is rolled out and filled with a mixture of cow’s milk cheese, salt, eggs, and sour cream. For sweet versions, sugar is added. The filled dough is rolled up using a tablecloth, then cut into small pillows, ready to be cooked or baked. Whether sprinkled with breadcrumbs, served in soup, or baked with cream, štrukli is a delightful treat for all generations.
Image credit: @safran7 on Pixabay
Translating to ‘pasta with cabbage’, krpice sa zeljem is a traditional dish consisting of thick pasta and sweet fried cabbage. Served in homes across continental Croatia, its low-cost ingredients make it popular amongst large families.
The essential ingredient is pig fat which is caramelised in sugar. Meat such as bacon or sausages are also sometimes added. It’s simple, yet incredibly delicious!
Image credit: JasonParis
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a seafood restaurant that doesn’t offer this popular dish. Translating to black risotto, crni rizot is basically a seafood risotto with squid ink, giving it its black colour. Just make sure you smile with your lips closed afterwards, as you will be sure to have black teeth temporarily!
Credit: Julia Underwood
Dating back to the 16th century, paprenjaci are traditional Croatian cookies uniquely flavoured with black pepper (or "papar" in Croatian).
Despite the inclusion of black pepper, these biscuits are sweet and contain ingredients including honey, hazelnuts, walnuts, butter, and various spices. Their distinct flavour makes them a must-try when in Croatia. Here are a few more interesting facts from Croatia.
Image credit: Hrana & Pice
One of the simplest (and most delicious) methods of cooking seafood in coastal Croatia is known as buzara. In skampi na buzaru, scampi along with shrimps, clams and/or mussels are cooked quickly in garlic, white wine, parsley and breadcrumbs. This dish is best enjoyed by rolling up your sleeves and diving in with your hands!
Travelling to Croatia to explore a world of authenic local cuisine
These dishes represent just a small sample of the culinary delights awaiting you in Croatia. Ready to discover more? Bunnik Tours travel to Croatia in small groups to soak up the most the region has to offer. Brush up on a few Croatian phrases while you await your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most eaten food in Croatia?
Fish is a common ingredient in Croatian cuisine and makes up a large part of the population’s diet. You'll find grilled fish on most menus throughout the country, particularly in coastal towns and throughout the islands.
What is Croatia's national drink?
Rakija, a type of fruit brandy, is regarded as Croatia's national drink. In the Istrian and Dalmatian regions, it is often homemade from grapes and is locally known as trapa or grappa.
What time do people eat dinner in Croatia?
Dinner time is commonly 8pm in Croatia. Many people gather in restaurants and taverns for a light dinner with a glass of wine. Lunch is often a bigger meal in Croatia and is usually multi-course.
