The Cultural
Culinary Croatia - a destination to be savored
A melting pot of gastronomy that evolves from region to region, Croatia’s culinary landscape is a hotbed of vibrant flavours and innovative cooking that keeps food lovers, tastemakers and connoisseurs coming back for more. From hearty meat dishes, savoury stews and freshly prepared seafood, don’t be surprised if certain dishes feel familiar. Turkish, Italian, Hungarian and Austrian cooking traditions have each had a subtle influence over the years on what is today a mouth-watering, multicultural Croatian cuisine.
Loosen your belts, prepare your palette and set sail - Croatia on a plate awaits!
The culinary richness of Croatia is attracting more and more gourmet-lovers to the country. Food tourism is on the rise in Croatia and for a good reason. From hearty meat dishes to freshly caught fish and savoury stews – Croatia has something on offer for all tastes.
Croatia’s culinary landscape is shaped by the country’s geographical location and rich history with its neighbours. It’s not unusual to find a Hungarian goulash or an Austrian apple pie on the menu. Croatian cuisine varies greatly from region to region, so it’s no wonder that it’s affectionately called the “cuisine of the regions”.
Step away from the ordinary sightseeing and instead, step into the local kitchens, olive groves, wineries, and vineyards, experiencing the flavors of Croatia with all your senses.
TYPICALLY CROATIAN?
Croatian cuisine is anything but one-dimensional. But is anything “typically” Croatian? Although each region offers its own culinary highlights, there are two main ingredients that unite them: fish and meat – a fact on which all holidaymakers can all agree. One dish without which a holiday in Croatia is not complete is the well-loved cevapcici. These grilled tubes of minced meat are considered the national dish par excellence in Croatia.
Vegetarians and vegans won’t be left with empty stomachs either. From savoury vegetable stews to spinach or potato-stuffed dumplings, Croatian cuisine is a real treat for everyone, and very healthy, too. Steamed vegetables, seafood and lots of olive oil not only help you keep a slim figure but also sooth your mind and soul. There’s no need to feel guilty. In Croatia, most restaurants also get their ingredients from the numerous weekly markets in the area –100% organic!
Culinary Croatia - a destination to be savored
A melting pot of gastronomy that evolves from region to region, Croatia’s culinary landscape is a hotbed of vibrant flavours and innovative cooking that keeps food lovers, tastemakers and connoisseurs coming back for more. From hearty meat dishes, savoury stews and freshly prepared seafood, don’t be surprised if certain dishes feel familiar. Turkish, Italian, Hungarian and Austrian cooking traditions have each had a subtle influence over the years on what is today a mouth-watering, multicultural Croatian cuisine. Loosen your belts, prepare your palette and set sail - Croatia on a plate awaits!
A feast of freshness
Spoiled for fresh ingredients and local produce, the Mediterranean climate breathes life into local markets where seasonal fruits and vegetables spill out from the stalls. Ripe vegetables, regional meats and sausages, cherries, garlic, artisan olive oils and honey are produced with pride by small farmers before weaving their way into the kitchens of local restaurants or into the hands of a new generation of young chefs making their mark on traditional Croatian gastronomy.
Seafood and sunsets
Carefully plucked from the ocean, Croatia’s seafood is a treasure to the tastebuds. Culinary hotspots known for their flame-grilled fish and crustaceans include Kvarner and Ston, where scampi, shrimp or mussels “na buzara” can be spotted in steaming skillets on quayside tables from Rijeka to Vis. True seafood aficionados can convince the skipper to dock at the less-known coves and marinas where local taverns and “konobas" dish out red snappers, tuna, fresh oysters, lobsters and bottles of sparkling wine accompanied by a sinking sunset.
A wine scene making waves
Viticulture has long been a tradition in Croatia with regional wines available around every corner. Dock your yacht and head inland to explore the local wineries and raise a toast to some of the region’s unique varieties. Discover the regional Dingač, a Croatian ruby red as complex as a Pinot Noir, which pairs perfectly with some pršut ham and cheese fresh from the island farms. Further South, discover the Dalmatian vineyards situated across steep, sun-soaked slopes and islands. Wine degustations can also be arranged at Hvar, Vis, Peljesac and Korcula.
The taste of tradition
Mouth-watering dishes prepared with local love are everywhere you turn on the Croatian coast. Top off a busy day chilling on pebbled beaches with a classic “Peka”, which should be ordered in advance due to popular demand. Coming from the word peći, which means to roast or bake in Croatian, Peka is the epitome of tradition in a dish. Seafood, meat, or vegetables combined with delectable spices and herbs are slow-cooked in a unique bell-shaped tray over the embers of an outdoor fire. The result? A succulent, juice-filled plate of goodness that packs a punch of flavor and will leave you in a gourmet paradise.
