What to taste when in Croatia
There is no real traveling done when not tasting the local cuisine. Croatia is a country with many variety and rich history, also reflected in the food. There are dozens of things to try, but here is our top picks you should eat before leaving.
Local wine and olives
Wine and products from olives, like olive oil have been produced for centuries in Croatia, and they are of the highest quality. Many are winners of international awards, and even more of those are family-owned businesses. You can visit them and get a wine or olive tasting.
If you are in a restaurant, ask for a local wine for sure.
Seafood
It goes without even saying, seafood is the thing you should try. As with all coastline locations, try out the fish and other things which come freshly from the sea. We asked the locals as well and they especially recommended the seafood and oysters.
To name a few dishes made out of seafood, would be Brodetto, also called fisherman stew. Traditionally, fishermen cooked it over an open fire using the catch of the day.
Then also try Buzara, a simple dish of mussels in a wine broth with garlic and breadcrumbs that is popular all along the Croatian coast.
Black risotto
This dish is made out of cuttlefish or squid, olive oil, garlic, red wine, and squid ink, which gives an intense seafood flavor and black color.
Locally known as “crni rižot“, note that it will turn your mouth and teeth black, but it’s worth it.
Fritule
Croatian fritters are miniature doughnuts that are traditional along the Dalmatian coast. They are a favorite Croatian Christmas treat, as well as being eaten during the Carnival season.
They usually contain citrus zest and raisins and often are flavored with rum or brandy, including the Croatian rakija brandy.
Truffles
With Croatia being home to the world’s largest truffle it would be a shame not to try it out.
And especially the Istrian truffles are worth it. Look out for restaurants with the tartufo vero sign, which means they’ve met Istria’s high standards for handling and serving the delicacy.
Ćevapi
This dish is more of a Balkan delicacy than strictly Croatian, but these fat little sausages of minced meat – ideally a beef/lamb mix – are either eaten as street food or in standard restaurants.
There are a lot of dishes made of minced meat, like the pljeskavica, which are worth trying.
Ham and cheese
And not just any random ham and cheese. With the ham, we are talking about the posedarski pršut which is a variety of Dalmatian prosciutto that has been traditionally prepared. This Croatian delicacy is typically made from the hind legs of a high-quality pig. The meat is entirely free from any additives or preservatives, and it is seasoned only with sea salt before it is pressed, dried, and allowed to mature for at least 12 months. Each region prepares it a little differently.
As for the cheese, look for pag cheese, the most famous of Croatia’s cheeses. It’s produced by sheep on the island of Pag in the Adriatic Sea, which has a unique combination of geographical factors that makes the cheese taste so good. It is said this island is the most indented island in Croatia, and it gives the right conditions for a cold wind called the Bora. This blows sea salt up onto the land, which infuses the plants that the sheep graze.
Enjoy the Croatian cuisine!
