Wine and FoodGastronomy Regions
From north to south and from east to west, from the shores of the Adriatic in Dalmatia to the valleys of Slavonia, each region of Croatia has its own special culinary personality that will surprise you. From proto-Slavic essences mixed with Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish influences in the meats, desserts and vegetable dishes of the continental regions, to the Greek, Roman and Illyrian Mediterranean flavors of the fish delicacies and wines of the coastal region… Let your taste travel across centuries of tradition and relish every moment.
Central CroatiaA region known for the traditional Podravina cow’s milk cheese, the salami, Kremšnita (custard cake) and bermet liqueur from Samobor and the Graševina and Pinot Blanc wines. Amaze yourself with the intense flavours of traditional dishes from Zagorje like the buckwheat mash Hajdina kaša, the Kukurzna zlevka corn cake or typical turkey with mlinci pasta.
City of ZagrebThe Austro-Hungarian heritage is felt in every bite of the food in Zagreb, such as Grenadir Marša tasty pasta with onions and cheese, Kajzeršmarn, an original dessert with caramelized pancakes, pasta with cabbage (krpice sa zeljem) or turkey with pasta slivers. You should not miss the cheese puff pastries, the fresh cream and cheese, the doughnuts and honey and pepper biscuits… Simply delightful! And, of course, while in Zagreb you can always try the very best of the famous Croatian wines.
Dalmatia – DubrovnikSavour the oysters and mussels of Ston, the finest shellfish in the Adriatic, the eel and frog stew from the Neretva valley with some of the best wines from the south, such as Dingač and Postup from Pelješac and Pošip and Grk from Korčula, not to mention Dubrovnik’s malvasia from Konavle. And if you are looking for something sweet, simply indulge yourself with pastries like Rožata, Kotonjata or Mantala cakes.
Dalmatia – SplitSplit is home to the famous Dalmatinska Pašticada or Dalmatian stew, but also to a delicious river crab stew, savoury cakes such as the aromatic Viška, Forska and Komiška pogača and the famous luganige sausages as well as the Arambašići from Sinj, small cabbage rolls filled with beef and pork. On the island of Hvar you will find renowned wines like Vugava and Plančić and also Smutice, red wine mixed either with sheep’s or goat’s milk.
Dalmatia – ŠibenikCheese ripened in a lamb skin sack and the Drniš prosciutto, washed down with a glass of Babić red wine from Primošten are just the beginning of a festival of flavours in Šibenik. Sardines, fresh tuna, the kumbasice sausages from Skradin, the famous Soparnik, a delicious pastry filled with a mixture of olives, figs and olive oil, or the desserts made with dry figs, jujube and almonds will delight your senses.
Dalmatia – ZadarIt is impossible to talk about gastronomy and enology in Zadar without mentioning the world famous Maraschino cherry liqueur. However, this is not the only flavour of the region that will win you over: just try the cheese from Pag, the most highly-prized cheese in Croatia, soaked with flavours of Mediterranean plants. You should also try the brodet, fish and crab stew, the grilled fish salted with the famous Pag and Nin salt or the Ninski šokol, dried pork neck soaked in the red wine of Benkovac.
IstriaContinental and Mediterranean cuisine come together in Istria: fish, crabs, seafood, maneštra od bobići (the famous minestrone with sweet corn), pasta with fabulous local truffles, game sauce, goulash, pork loin and sausages, wild asparagus omelette, cheese… Start with an aperitif of mistletoe, rue or honey schnapps, enjoy your meal and make room for a sweet dessert ending with kroštule, krafi or fritule fried dough pastries.
KvarnerYou will not find such large and tasty shrimps in the whole Adriatic Sea as those from Kvarner. That being said, the tender lamb with sheep cheese is the most famous product from the region. The renowned Vrbnička Žlahtina white wine from Vrbnik,Trojšćina wine from the island of Susak, the chestnuts from Lovran and the exquisite Rab cake are waiting for you. When are you coming?
Lika – KarlovacIn addition to the well-known Lika potatoes, which have a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), you’ll enjoy traditional lamb cooked under the embers in an iron bell, the slices of dried game, the Škripavac cheese or the distinctive Velebit honey. The plum and pear schnapps and berry liqueur are also highly appreciated locally, so are the fruits of the forest of blueberry and raspberries.
SlavoniaSlavonia tastes like tradition, like the shepherd’s bean stew Grah Čobanac, fish stew soup with hot red pepper Fiš Paprikaš, ham, Kulen sausage and Kulenova Seka sausage, salenjaci made in a traditional way from pork fat, savijača pastries filled with apples and walnuts or tasty Poderane Gaće, literally meaning “ripped underpants”, a funny name for a dish that will definitely put you in a good mood. Tasty flavours that combine perfectly with its quality wines such as Iločki Traminac, Kutjevački Riesling and Graševina.
Croatian Specialties
Explore the diversity of Croatian cuisine and discover its wonderful specialties. Aperitifs such as the world famous Maraschino of Zadar, starters such as cheese from Pag, ham and kulenova seka of Slavonia, oysters and mussels from Ston, delicious grilled fish, salted anchovies, delicacies such as eels and frogs from the Neretva Valley, turkey with mlinci, pašticada from Split, and desserts like puddings, Kotonjata, kroštule or fritule are among the many dishes in an unforgettable menu that will conquer your senses.
Wine Roads
Throughout the year, but especially during the autumn harvest time, the wine roads in Croatia are filled with people looking to enjoy and celebrate local festivals, such as San Martin. Take part in the christening of must (new wine), or simply explore the beautiful vineyards like the ones in Motovun in Istria, Kutjevo in Slavonia or Međimurje in Central Croatia and enjoy a unique experience.
Olive Oil
One of the icons of the Mediterranean culture, olive oil has been a fundamental ingredient of Croatian cuisine for centuries and one of the most important products of our country. Discover its great gastronomic value and healing properties by visiting the regions where it is produced: Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia.Tasting
Enjoy Croatian cuisine at the many food festivals and tastings held throughout the year. Follow the wine routes through the beautiful vineyards of Slavonia, Dalmatia and Central Croatia. Savor delicious white truffles from Istria. Try the famous sheep’s milk cheese from the island of Pag and sweeten your days with honey from the island of Hvar.
When we talk about tasting in Croatia, there are certain dishes that you should not miss:
ProsciuttoPašticana, Dalmatian stew from Split areaMaraschinoKulen – a spicy, flavoured sausageŠtrukli – fresh cottage cheese dishBlack risottoMarinated anchoviesGrilled fishFish paprikash – fish stew with hot red pepperFritule – a deep-fried pastry
