Do you want to explore not only Croatia’s beaches and picturesque towns but also immerse yourself in the country’s culture? Then you shouldn't miss the traditional dishes and local culinary specialties. We've compiled an overview of Croatia’s most famous dishes and wish you lots of fun trying these delicacies.
Croatia offers a wide variety of culinary specialties that are sure to delight. However, most of these dishes are meat-based, with fewer vegetarian options. Nevertheless, this article includes meals suitable for vegetarians that will enhance your trip.
This dish is a delicious risotto characterized by various ingredients. It often features squid, onions, and garlic served with creamy Carnaroli rice. The squid gives the dish its signature dark color. Fish broth is also used during cooking, adding a slightly salty taste. Finally, squid, mussels, and seafood are added, making this dish a dream for seafood lovers.
By the way: This dish will not only leave a flavorful impression but might also leave a bit of color on your mouth and teeth. Its dark color is what makes this risotto so well known.
Ćevapčići are a favorite in Croatia and have also made their way into German cuisine. They are considered a classic of Croatian cuisine and are served in nearly every restaurant. Although the original recipe used lamb, today they are often made with beef. They are typically served with flatbread, Djuvec rice, or Ajvar (a pepper paste).
At first glance, Pljeskavica may resemble traditional meat patties, but they are actually one of Croatia’s most popular specialties. These are savory minced meat medallions made from at least two types of meat (beef, lamb, or pork). Once the meat is selected, it's mixed with onions, formed into the typical flat shape, and grilled or pan-fried. They're often served with fried potatoes or Djuvec rice. If you try Pljeskavica, you'll notice: the more onions, the juicier the result.
Sarma is a beloved Croatian dish consisting of stuffed cabbage rolls. Large cabbage leaves are filled with a seasoned mix of minced meat, smoked bacon, sautéed onions, and rice, and heavily seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. They are slow-cooked for up to six hours in a sauce made from lard, flour, onions, and tomatoes.
Ražnjići are meat skewers that are very popular in Croatia. The name translates to "from the grill," indicating how the skewers are prepared. They can be made from chicken, veal, lamb, or pork, marinated in olive oil, white wine, thyme, marjoram, lemon juice, and other spices. They are grilled and typically served with Ajvar, fried potatoes, or Djuvec rice.
This dish is a typical Croatian savory pie often preferred as an alternative to pizza. Soparnik is served cold and filled with Swiss chard, olives, figs, and onions.
The savory pie can also be adapted for dessert lovers by replacing the filling with dried fruits, walnuts, or a caramel filling. Soparnik is wonderful for vegetarians in both its savory and sweet variations.
This vegetable stew is one of the best-known dishes from Istria (a region in northern Croatia). It includes a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, sweet corn, peas, carrots, and celery. The vegetables are cooked in a pot and seasoned with garlic, parsley, and other spices. Seasonal vegetables are used depending on the time of year. Maneštra is a perfect vegetarian dish and is often served with a slice of sourdough bread.
Gregada is another fish dish, specifically a fish stew. It is particularly popular in coastal regions. The stew includes various types of fish, potatoes, and garlic cloves, slow-cooked for hours, and enriched with olive oil and white wine.
This is a stew especially well known in eastern Croatia. Unlike Maneštra, it is not suitable for vegetarians, as its main ingredient is meat. It features various types of meat such as pork, beef, and lamb, cooked slowly with caramelized onion rings, bay leaves, mustard, wine, and Ajvar in a roux. It is typically served with various types of pasta.
No culinary experience would be complete without a delicious dessert. That’s why we've chosen the tasty Fritule, which are sure to delight dessert lovers.
Fritule are small dough balls made from flour, yeast, eggs, milk, and sugar. Once the dough is fluffy, it’s divided into smaller portions and deep-fried until golden. The final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar. By the way: In Croatia, you’ll find not only the classic version but also variations filled with raisins, apples, or even flavored with rum.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Croatia and are happy to assist with any questions you may have about the country or toll regulations. Feel free to contact us via email at: [email protected]
