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For us, going on vacation goes hand in hand with discovering and tasting local specialties and dishes. Nothing is more fun than getting to know the local gastronomy, for example through a workshop or tasting. Croatia is located on the Adriatic Sea and the local cuisine therefore has many Mediterranean influences. But if you travel more inland, where the country borders Slovenia and Bosnia, you will find that many other influences can be found in the local cuisine. So what are typical Croatian dishes and ingredients? Find out in this article about good food in Croatia!
Typical Croatian food and drink
When you think of Mediterranean cuisine you quickly think of Italian or Spanish cuisine, but why not actually think of Croatian cuisine? After all, this cuisine is surprisingly delicious and also very extensive. Perhaps you have already become acquainted with the sophisticated cuisine during your vacation to Croatia, for example on a city trip to Split, Dubrovnik or Zagreb.
In terms of local gastronomy, Croatia has its own culture. For example, people eat elaborately at lunch, the most important meal of the day. Although Croatian cuisine has more Mediterranean influences, it also has traditional ways of cooking and preparation (more Ottoman). For example, Peka is a traditional cooking technique that involves placing a stone pot with meat, vegetables and herbs on hot coals. The ingredients contained in the sealed pot are thus cooked in a slow manner and it often results in very tender meat!
For a destination with a coastline of no less than 5,800 kilometers, it is not surprising that fresh seafood and seafood are common in local cuisine. Therefore, you know that at a restaurant you will always be right in choosing the fresh fish of the day. And this naturally goes well with a local wine, for example with a nice glass of Prč from Hvar!
Ingredients from Croatia that are used worldwide are truffles and olives, both products that can't be left out of many dishes. But did you know that Croatia is also known for its sheep's cheese, dried fruits and the huge supply of figs?
Traditional food in Croatia: these are the most famous dishes
If you want to eat traditional food in Croatia, you need to sit down at a Konoba. This is a tavern, an old and traditional place where you can eat local food. Look for one of the following dishes on the menu and you will be guaranteed blissful as well as traditional food!
1. Štrukli
Štrukli is a dish that is especially popular in the Zagorje region, including in the capital city Zagreb. The dish consists of thinly rolled out dough filled with cheese. There are two varieties of Štrukli: a baked or cooked Štrukli.
Štrukli can be savory and sweet, and can therefore be ordered as a starter, main dish, side dish or dessert. Our personal favorite is the sweet version where the dough is also filled with apple and raisins. We made this one ourselves during a Štrukli workshop in the northern Zagorje region!
2. Pašticada
Pašticada is a traditional Dalmatian stew made from beef. The beef simmers for hours in a sauce of red wine, plums and various spices before being served, often with gnocchi. It is an incredibly flavorful dish typical of Croatian cuisine.
3. Black risotto (Crni Rizot).
A very famous Croatian dish is Crni Rizot, or black risotto. The dish is slightly different from Italian risotto, this is because in Croatia they cook the rice in black ink. This turns the rice black but also gives it a salty taste. The black ink comes from squid, so the Crni Rizot is usually served with seafood.
4. Skampi na Buzaru
A dish eaten mainly on the coast is Skampi na Buzaru, and is especially well known in the Kvarner region. You can translate the dish as "prawns in tomato sauce. They are actually langoustines, a type of lobster, in a pan. You get a baguette with this so you can dip it in nicely. This is thoroughly enjoyable and the sauce is full of flavor!
Where should you be for a culinary travel experience in Croatia?
As we wrote earlier, Croatia lies on the Adriatic Sea and the local cuisine has many Mediterranean influences. Therefore, a culinary trip through Croatia is not complete without visiting the Croatian islands and the port cities of Split and Dubrovnik. But to properly determine the difference between local dishes on the coast and local inland influences, a stop in the capital Zagreb is an absolute must.
If you want to learn more about traditional dishes by region in Croatia you can always take a look at the website of the official tourist office of Croatia.
1. Zagreb
Croatia's capital is a charming old city with a mix of modern and historic buildings. There is a very different atmosphere than in the medieval seaside villages, which is precisely what makes Zagreb very attractive. You will find many bars and restaurants, especially in the old part (Gornji Grad) of the city.
In the piece on traditional food, we already wrote about Štrukli, one of the most famous dishes from this region of Croatia. Like Štrukli, the dishes here are more rural and have influences from countries such as Austria and Hungary.
2. Split
One of our favorite cities in Croatia is Split, a beautiful port city where there is a lot of historical heritage to discover. But at the same time, there is also much to discover in terms of gastronomy. Influences of the sea go hand in hand with influences of the interior here.
Discovering the best spots in Split? These are all our tips and highlights for a city break to Split!
3. Dubrovnik
One of Croatia's better-known destinations is the city of Dubrovnik. Especially in the summer months it can be incredibly busy here, so it is advisable to travel to this destination in the spring or fall. The city wall surrounds the historic heart which, with its narrow alleys and streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic Sea and the perfect base for exploring the surrounding islands. Culinary delights are guaranteed here with freshly caught fish on your plate!
How about a culinary tour of Croatia?
After reading this article, did you immediately feel like traveling to Croatia? We totally understand. When we think about a culinary tour of Croatia, we immediately get raving about it too!
Via Experience Croatia you can have a crazy culinary tour of Croatia book with tour operator Talisman. This is an 8-day round trip where you'll discover highlights like Zagreb and Rovinj, but also visit the beautiful Croatian islands. Your airfare, rental car, accommodation and a number of tasty activities (such as a wine tasting) are included.
During your culinary tour of Croatia, do you also want to contribute to the sustainability of the destination? Paying attention to local traditions and crafts keeps them intact, as does recognizing cultural heritage sites. By visiting small wineries and farms you support the locals and get a unique insight into daily life. These are the experiences you will look back on later. Are you interested in visiting these kinds of hidden gems? Via this link you will find many special places in Croatia.
Directly by plane to Croatia
From the Netherlands, you can fly KLM direct from Amsterdam to the Croatian cities of Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb. The flight takes about between 2.5 and 3 hours. So you'll be in Croatian spheres in no time. And you know what's even better? Since 2023 Croatia is part of the Schengen zone, which means no more waiting at passport control. And you can pay with the Euro. Ideal!
View the complete range of flight tickets to Croatia from KLM to compare round-trip prices by period and destination.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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