15 Typical Croatian Foods You Must Try & Everything About Them!
Croatia is more than just beautiful coastlines and striking mountain sceneries - it is a gourmet paradise.
But did you know that each region in Croatia has its own foods to try?
From Zagreb and Dubrovnik to Split and Korčula, every part of the country has its own Croatian food recipes. Your vacation won’t be complete without sampling at least a few of the following dishes in Croatian cuisine.
Here are twenty-one culinary specialties to try on your trip to the mesmerizing country of Croatia.
And wait, how can we miss out on discussing local dining etiquette and common Croatian phrases?
Keep reading to unravel what all we have in our pockets for your learning and understanding.
15. Black Risotto (Crni rižot): A Splurge Food
This iconic Croatian food gets its color from the Squid or Cuttlefish ink. It boasts a strong delectable umami essence. The dish is complemented by tender squid or other succulent seafood, leaving with a satisfying feast for all your senses.
This dish will turn your mouth and teeth black, so refrain from eating it on your first date. However, it is one dish that will arrive much quicker than something that requires a long grilling tip.
| Best Available: | Dalmatian |
| Major Ingredient: | Squid and Other Seafood |
| Best Companion: | Malvazija Istarska (a crisp and aromatic white wine from Istria.) |
| Local Tip: | Add some parmesan cheese on top of Crni rižot for authentic Croatian culture flavor. |
14. Fritule (Dessert Fritters): A Crotian Festive Dessert
How can we forget about adding something sweet for all those with a sweet tooth in our list of traditional Croatian food.
Fritule stands as an iconic emblem of Croatian culinary tradition. It is more like delightful fried pastries that encapsulated the true essence of famous Croatian recipes.
These doughnut-like pastries vary in flavor from region to region, each boasting its unique twist on the classic recipe. Some of these variations include plump raisins, a splash of rum or plum brandy, vanilla extract, nutmeg, salt, and lemon zest.
Traditionally, served during the Christmas season, these fritters are popular and really addictive, so you can for sure find them throughout the year.
| Best Available: | Dalmatian |
| Most Famous: | During Christmas |
| Local Tip: | Better eat within 30 minutes, otherwise fritters will start to get stale and the sugar coating will absorb moisture. |
13. Gregada (Croatian Fish & Potato Stew): A Croatian Gourmet
Cooked with one of the oldest ways, Gregada is a traditional fish stew dish, mostly found in the island of Hvar, even Dalmatia.
This Croatian dish is often made with fresh scorpion fish chopped into large chunks, generously sliced potatoes, onions, lashings of olive oil, a mix of some water and white wine. Finally some parsley, garlic, and salted anchovies for a bit of modern twist. Everything is cooked in a pot on slow heat with regular stirring, keeping the chunks whole.
A staple among local fishermen, Gregada is prepared throughout the region, but it is mostly associated with central Dalmatian islands.
| Best Available: | Island of Hvar |
| Major Ingredient: | Scorpion Fish or Grouper |
| Best Companion: | Vibrant Pošip wines |
| Local Tip: | Slow cooking is what brings out the best flavors of the ingredients in the stew. |
12. Kulen Sausage (Kulin): Most Expensive Sausage
Slavonian kulen is a premium dry sausage crafted by hand from carefully selected pork. It involves a total of nine months of curing process - cold smoking and drying. This traditional process helps the pork to develop a rich, spicy flavor.
Kulen is more than just food; it's a cultural icon. This Croatian delicacy is celebrated annually at kulen festivals, where the previous year's batch reaches its peak flavor.
It's a product of the land, made with time-honored methods that have been passed down through generations. Each slice tells a story of dedication and skill, making Slavonian kulen a true treasure of Croatian cuisine.
| Best Available: | Vinkovci |
| Major Ingredient: | Top Quality Pork Sourced From Mature Pigs |
| Best Companion: | Bread and a glass of good Slavonian red wine. |
| Local Tip: | Richly-red paprika smoked pork sausage |
11. Štrukle (Štrukli): Similar To White Lasagna
A traditional Croatian cheese dish made with dough and a variety of fillings. It is readily available in Zagreb restaurants even throughout Croatia, either cooked or baked.
Štrukli is Croatia's most celebrated quintessential comfort food that offers warmth and satisfaction on even the chilliest days. These dough envelopes offer a decadent filling of cottage cheese, eggs, and other delectable ingredients.
These pillows of dough are best served as dessert or enjoyed as a mid-morning treat.
| Best Available: | Northern Region Of Zagorje |
| Major Ingredient: | Dough And Various Types Of Filling |
| Best Companion: | Bread and a glass of good Slavonian red wine. |
| Local Tip: | Le Štruk, in the centre of Zagreb, is a place that just sells Štrukle. |
10. Ćevapčići (Ćevapi): Spicy Skinless Meatball
Small, skinless grilled sausages, Ćevapi are often served stuffed in a flatbread with chopped onions, red pepper, and even kajmak (cream cheese) sometimes. The pepper or ajvar adds a bit of a spicy kick to this popular Croatian dish.
Wait, the sausages are not the only primary ingredient in this dish, there is a combination of beef and pork, along with seasoning behind the delicious flavors of Ćevapi.
| Best Available: | Balkans |
| Major Ingredient: | Combination of Beef and Pork |
| Best Companion: | Flatbread |
| Local Tip: | The best place to try Cevapi in Croatia is Chevap by Duje Pisac in Split and Stari kotac 2 in Zagreb. |
9. Börek (Burek): A Delicious Versatile Dish
A traditional Croatian breakfast dish, Börek, wins the top spot for dishes to start your day with in Croatia.
It is a simple savory treat, basically a stretch dough pie with a filling of minced meat or potato. Although it is not on the healthy side, people are still big fans of it due to its crispy, juicy texture and mouthwatering taste.
Börek is served with a side of some yogurt.
You can entirely change the filling based on your preference, such as cheese (dish is known as sirnica), apples, vegetables, spinach greens, or potatoes. All these ingredients bring out unique textured tastes.
| Best Available: | Balkans |
| Major Ingredient: | Ground meat and potato filling |
| Best Companion: | Plain yogurt drink |
| Local Tip: | It can be served both hot or cold. |
8. Pašticada: Holy Grail Of Dalmatian Cooking
A treasured Dalmatian delicacy, Pašticada is a tender embrace of beef. It is slow-cooked to perfection with ingredients like sweet prunes, figs, and some wine.
Taking up to twenty-four hours for tenderizing, marinating, and simmering this typical Croatian food creates a symphony of taste, exploding your palate. This traditional food in Croatia is served with fluffy gnocchi, making it more than a meal.
Although it is mainly reserved for Saints’ Day and weddings, you can enjoy this Dalmatian flavor heritage any time of the year.
| Best Available: | Dalmatia |
| Major Ingredient: | Beef and Red Wine |
| Best Companion: | Gnocchi and a slice of lemon |
| Local Tip: | It is known for its very long preparation time. |
7: Istrian Yota (Istarska Jota): National Dish Of Croatia
While Croatia boasts a diverse culinary landscape, one dish stands out as a strong contender for the national title: Istarska Jota. With its roots in humble beginnings, this hearty stew has captured the hearts and stomachs of locals and visitors alike.
It is a comforting blend of beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, bacon, and spare ribs, slow-cooked to perfection, leaving a symphony of brilliant flavors.
Historically considered a poor man's meal, Istarska Jota has evolved into a beloved classic. Its strong taste and satisfying textures make it a perfect dish for warming up on chilly days.
| Best Available: | Istria and northwestern Croatia |
| Major Ingredient: | Sauerkraut |
| Best Companion: | Rustic, Country-style bread Dry and light-bodied Malvazija. |
| Local Tip: | Historically viewed as poor man’s food |
6. Grah Varivo: A Thick Bean Soup
A hearty Croatian bean stew that's more than just a soup. It's a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal perfect for chilly days. Made with dried beans, smoked meat, and a blend of aromatic spices, this thick, flavorful dish is a culinary delight.
With its rich, thick consistency and pungent flavors, Grah Varivo is a complete meal in itself. his traditional Croatian dish offers a glimpse into the country's culinary heritage.
The long cooking process develops a deep, complex flavor that's hard to resist. You can enjoy this amazing delicacy as a soup, a main course, or even as a side dish.
| Best Available: | Baranja |
| Major Ingredient: | Beans and pickled turnip |
| Best Companion: | Slices of crusty homemade bread |
| Local Tip: | Keep a thick and rich consistency |
5. Pečeni Puh (Grilled Dormouse): Traditional Croatian Delicacy
With yacky name but a yummy taste - Grilled Dormouse is a bizarre Croatian dish you can find locally in the country.
A Croatian meat delicacy that is prepared thoroughly either by burning their fur (thereby leaving the skin intact) or skinning. Then, they are cooked in a traditional oven until the rodent is nice and crispy yet quite tender.
Including it in the menu is not unusual. Cooking and consuming rodents dates back to the times of the Roman emperors. The meat is fatty, crispy, tender, and rather bony, while its flavor is reminiscent of sweet pork shoulder.
If you are planning to cook on your own you may have to take a trip to an off-the-beaten path. It may be quite a task, but it is well worth the effort!
| Best Available: | Islands of Hvar and Brač |
| Major Ingredient: | Dormouse |
| Best Companion: | Slices of crusty homemade bread |
| Local Tip: | Grilled over an open flame |
4. Kremšnita (Bled Cream Cake): Queen Of Croatian Desserts
A heavenly concoction of flaky puff pastry, creamy custard, and whipped cream, Kremšnita is an iconic dessert. This beloved treat has a symphony of delicate layers and rich flavors, making it simply irresistible.
| Did you know that, over a period of 70 years, almost 16 million Original Bled cream cakes have been served? |
While its exact origin is debated, one thing is certain: Kremšnita is a masterpiece of Croatian pastry-making. Every bite is a delightful experience. The crispy pastry perfectly contrasts the smooth custard and light whipped cream, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
| Best Available: | Samobor |
| Major Ingredient: | Eggs, cream, and milk |
| Best Companion: | Tea or Coffee |
| Local Tip: | Drizzled with whipped cream |
3. Skampi Na Buzara (Shrimp Stew): Croatian Shrimp Recipe
A traditional Croatian sea food prepared with scampi (shrimp) as the primary ingredient. The dish is uniquely prepared by cleaning and keeping the shells of the creature as it is.
Stir fried and then cooked in wine-based broth with olive oil, garlic, and breadcrumbs. The seasoning used here is not complex, it’s just salt, pepper and parsley.
The dish is best served as an appetizer with bread, cooked potatoes (polenta), and becomes a tasty main dish when served with pasta.
| Best Available: | Peninsula of Istria |
| Major Ingredient: | Shrimp |
| Best Companion: | Malvazija (local White Wine) |
| Local Tip: | Quick & easy strong aromatic seafood |
2. Soparnik (Savory Pie): Alternative To Pizza
Although it seems like the Croatian version of pizza, Soparnik is actually more like a pie with dough on the top and bottom. It is traditionally filled with Swiss chard and onion.
This simple and most delectable Croatian dish is even prepared with kale (zelje) filling, making it popular by the name of kale pie.
A unique baking technique, the use of a hot hearth, is used to prepare this dish, giving it a magical aroma. It comes out all dusty with beautiful dark brown specks. It is the baking technique that makes it the popular dish it is today.
| Did You Know? Soparnik is protected as Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage, it’s almost impossible to enjoy it in Croatian restaurants. |
| Best Available: | Dalmatian region Poljica |
| Major Ingredient: | Kale or Swiss Chard |
| Best Companion: | Red Wine |
| Local Tip: | Based on an open hearth “komin” |
1. Novigradske Kapešante (Traditional Scallops): Famous Istrian Sea Delicacy
Kapešante is the Istrian word for a famous Saint-Jacques Shell or scallops.
Considered as one of the tastiest shellfish in the world, traditional scallops originating from Novigrad are the primary ingredients of this delicacy. The sole reason of their unique taste is that they are grown in the local marine area where the salty seawater comes into contact with fresh river water.
Usually grilled and sprinkled with black pepper and chopped parsley, it is recommended to try these scallops with Istrian extra-virgin olive oil.
| Best Available: | Novigrad |
| Major Ingredient: | Shells or Scallops |
| Best Companion: | Homemade bread |
| Local Tip: | Local gourmet festival called Kapešante of Novigrad is held in the city to honor this unique scallop (every summer) |
Croatian Ingredients: Any Dalmatian Dish Is Incomplete Without
Dalmatian cuisine brings together a multitude of cultural influences, and yet it remains distinctly unique.
1. Olive Oil: Liquid Gold Of The Adriatic
A cornerstone of Dalmatian culinary artistry. This aromatic elixir has distinct earthy undertones and a subtle hint of peppery spice. The local olive oil enhances the taste while transforming the aroma of even the most basic ingredients into a gastronomic delight.
2. Bread: Simplicity Lies In Its Appeal
Having a traditional bread is more than a side accompaniment, and it is more of a subtle hero of the Dalmatian table. It soaks up the flavors, balancing out the richness of any Croatian traditional dish.
3. Figs: Natural Sweetener
Croatians opt for figs over anything when it comes to adding a sweet flavor to desserts. These ripe, sun-kissed fruits provide a perfect end to a meal. Plucking a fig straight from the tree is like Dalmatia's tradition.
4. Pag Cheese: Unique Culinary Treasure
Found in the land of Pag, sheep’s cheese is infused with the essence of the island’s salty air, Bura wind, and distinctive vegetation. The local sheep yield milk imbued with flavors found nowhere else, hence the unique Pag Cheese.
Croatian Common Dining Terms: Words To Know On Menu
| Word | Meaning |
| Glavno jelo | Main dish |
| Prilog | Side dish |
| Riba | Fish |
| Specijalitetima od morski plodova | Seafood specialities |
| Meso | Meat |
| Kruh | Bread |
| Salata | Salad |
| Voda | Water |
| Pivo | Beer |
| Juha | Soup |
| Crno vino | Red wine |
| Bijelo vino | White wine |
Croatian Phrases To Know When Dining Out
Here are some of the commonly used Croatian phrases that you must have a hang of before visiting Tortola:
| Stol za dvoje (troje, četvero) | Table for two (three, four) |
| Molim vas jelovnik? | Can I have the menu, please? |
| Što biste preporučili? | What do you recommend? |
| Uzet ću… | I will take |
| Hvala | Thank you |
| Uživajte! | Bon appetit! |
| Račun, molim. | The check, please. |
Basic Dining Etiquettes: Table Manners
As noticed, dining in Croatia is a formal affair. You need to follow certain rules and tips while having a meal in the public eye. Let’s have a look:
- Napkin goes in your lap
- Knife has to be in your right hand
- Fork is always on the left
- Keep the hands above the table
- Leaving food on your plate is a protocol to signal when you’re finished eating.
- Common to have a glass of wine with the meal
- Rise the glass to toast and say ‘živjeli’
- 5%-10% on your bill is typical for tipping your server in a restaurant.
#Keep the dress code - dressy casual.
Besides these basic etiquette, you must know a few things to keep in mind when visiting someone’s house in Croatia.
- Present your host with a small token of appreciation, such as chocolates, flowers, and wine.
- Never use the host’s first name unless you’re invited to do so.