Croatian cuisine is something not to be missed while on vacation and I'm here to share all you need to know about it. With seafood plucked fresh from the Adriatic daily and year round markets full of fresh produce, meats, dairy and baked goods, your tastebuds are certain to be tantalized. Croatian food is and has always been organic. They do not need labels or stickers separating conventional vs. organic and they do not call it "organic," they just call the food item by it's actual name, like apple. I will never forget the first time Igor went to a grocery store with me in the states and he looked at what was labeled "Tomatoes" and "Organic Tomatoes" and he was beyond confused. He said, "If this is a real tomato, then what is that?" Croatia has strict government laws protecting the quality of their food and it is 2-3 times cheaper than food in the United States.
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Croatian food changes depending on what part of the country you are in. Along the coast, seafood is the star, but inland you will find more hearty meals, such as meat and potatoes. Soup is popular everywhere as a starter and is usually light or clear, not creamy, with chicken, beef, fish or vegetables. Most Croatians, men and women, are really good cooks and when I say good cooks I mean, they can make things from scratch without needing to follow a recipe or take a short cut with something already pre-made in a box or that needs microwaved. I hate to admit it, but Igor is a better cook than me. He showed me how to make noodles from scratch. It's so simple! How have I been buying noodles from a box my whole life?! Croatians take pride in their cooking and it is an important part of their culture. Mealtime is still conversation time for family. Special events and holidays are celebrated with a whole lot of cooking from home. Igor's dad made his own wine, his mom makes her own vinegars, pickled vegetables, yogurt and liquors and his brother makes his own olives, prosciutto and cheese. If you have a house, you have a garden and are growing fruits, vegetables and herbs to use in your cooking. Some of my favorite dishes Igor's mom makes for us when we visit are:
Sarma- mix of beef, pork, rice and spices wrapped in soured cabbage leaves and baked.
Octopus salad- boiled octopus that has been cooled with onion, garlic, olive oil, spices and wine vinegar.
Goulash- chopped pieces of beef simmered with onion, garlic, tomato and spices eaten on top of polenta, pasta, rice or potatoes.
Fažoli- pork simmered with onion, garlic, beans and spices into a thick stew.
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Croatians do not go out to eat like Americans do because food is two times more pricey in a restaurant, even this is still less expensive than going out to eat in the United States. On occasion, like birthdays, weddings, christenings, or if there is just no possible time that day to cook at home, Croatians will spend the extra money to eat out at a restaurant. Depending on your preference or budget, you can dine anywhere from casual, home-cooked type places to elegant, five star, Michelin awarded establishments. Restoran is Croatian for restaurant but it is common to also see the words konoba, which means tavern, osteria, which means tavern in Italian or others like trattoria, bistro or grill.
Are you a wino? Croatia has award winning wine! READ: WINE in Croatia.
When you go out to eat in Croatia, I highly recommend you try some of the following dishes:
Pljeskavica (Croatian version of a hamburger) sa sirom (with cheese).
Čevapčiči- small sausages made of beef, pork and lamb.
Typically these dishes are served with french fries, raw white onion, ajvar (what I like to call Croatia's ketchup), a blend of red pepper, tomato and eggplant in a salsa like consistency, can be mild or spicy and kajmak, a kind of salty yet creamy cheese dip.
Lignje na žaru (grilled calamari), sardines or really any other riba (fish) on the menu is a great choice.
Crni rižoto (black risotto) - it's black because it's made with squid ink, rice, cheese and spices.
Peka - this is a combination of meat or seafood and vegetables cooked under a clay or cast iron bell next to open flames with hot coals put over and around the bell.
And at some point while visiting Croatia, you also have to try:
Masline (olives) & maslinovo ulje (olive oil) - olive groves are easy to find throughout the country, many farms offer olive oil tastings and several have won high accolades.
Pršut (prosciutto) - many think of Italy or Spain when they think of prosciutto, but Croatia makes award winning ones as well. The regions of Istria and Dalmatia will argue they have the best.
Sir (cheese) - there are several types of amazing cheese made in Croatia, the most infamous being on the island of Pag.
Tartufi (truffles) - the Istrian region of the country is full of these black and white hidden gems in the forest. Truffle hunting is a very popular activity here and chefs are not skimpy when adding it to their dishes.
Janjetina (lamb) - lamb is very popular in Croatia, usually served hot with raw green onion. Some of the best lamb is found on the islands because the lambs graze on herbs and are naturally seasoned with the salty Adriatic sea air.
READ: OLIVE OIL in Croatia
Looking for things to do in Croatia? READ: Best Outdoor Activities in Croatia.
There are only a few fast food places to choose from but they are not very popular with locals. They are more for tourists' comfort and are usually high-priced, unlike American fast food being the cheap spot to go. Normally, restaurants in Croatia are for either lunch or dinner. If you are looking for breakfast, I suggest going to one of the country's many bakeries, called pekara in Croatian. These carry everything from fresh bread to pastries and cakes to even pizza. My favorite pastry is their cheese or apple strudel. We know Italy is their neighbor but Croatia knows how to make some excellent pizza and gelato as well.
Whether you get the opportunity to eat in a Croatian's home or out at one of the country's phenomenal restaurants, you will surely be in favor of the flavors of food in Croatia.
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Enjoy your meal! Dobar tek!
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