We actually made this list a while back as a tick-list of foods to eat on our upcoming visit to Croatia. However, this visit ended at the border of Croatia due to Fanfan not having the correct visa. While Croatia is in Europe and the EU, it was not in the Schengen travel zone at the time, meaning we could enter Croatia… but could not travel back into Europe with just a single entry Schengen visa. Anyway, this year (2023) Croatia finally joined the Schengen zone and our top 10 Croatian food tick-list is back on the table. Proposed travels ahead include Zagreb to Split and Dubrovnik to Hvar.
Introduction
Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Central Europe, and the Balkans. The country’s long history of foreign rule and cultural exchange has also played a significant role in shaping its food. For example, dishes like cevapi and burek were introduced by the Ottoman Empire (aka Turkish Empire), while Italian influences can be seen in dishes like seafood risotto and pasta with truffles. Coastal areas also feature an abundance of fresh seafood while regions offer hearty meat dishes, such as roast lamb and roasted pork. Traditional Croatian cuisine is also characterized by the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with a focus on simplicity and seasonality. Here are ten of the most popular foods in Croatia:
1. Ćevapi
Ćevapi is a popular Croatian street food made of grilled minced meat, usually beef or lamb, served in a somun, a type of bread. It is typically seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, and served with ajvar, a red pepper spread. Some of the best places to find Ćevapi in Croatia are in Zagreb’s Dolac Market, Sarajevo’s Bascarsija district, and the coastal city of Split.
2. Peka
Peka is a traditional Croatian dish made by slow-cooking meat and vegetables in a large covered bell-shaped dish called a peka. The dish usually consists of lamb or veal, potatoes, onions, carrots, and garlic, and is seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Some of the best places to find Peka in Croatia are in the Dalmatian region, especially in the city of Split and the island of Hvar.
3. Burek
Burek is a pastry made of phyllo dough and typically filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. In Croatia, it is usually served as a breakfast or snack food. Some of the best places to find burek in Croatia are in Zagreb’s Dolac Market, as well as bakeries throughout the country.
4. Pašticada
Pašticada is a traditional Croatian stew made with beef marinated in red wine and vinegar, and slow-cooked with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The dish is typically served with gnocchi or homemade pasta. Some of the best places to find Pašticada in Croatia are in the coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split.
5. Sarma
Sarma is a popular Croatian dish made of ground meat (usually beef or pork) and rice, wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with mashed potatoes or bread. Some of the best places to find Sarma in Croatia are in local taverns and traditional restaurants throughout the country.
6. Black risotto
Also known as crni rižot, black risotto is a traditional Croatian seafood dish made with squid or cuttlefish, rice, garlic, onion, olive oil, and squid ink. The ink gives the risotto its distinct black colour and rich flavour. Some of the best places to find black risotto in Croatia are along the Dalmatian coast, especially in the cities of Dubrovnik and Split.
7. Octopus salad
Also known as hobotnica salata, Octopus salad is a popular Croatian seafood dish made with tenderized octopus, potatoes, red onions, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. The dish is typically served cold and makes for a refreshing summer meal. Some of the best places to find octopus salad in Croatia are along the Dalmatian coast, particularly in the city of Split.
8. Fritule
A traditional Croatian dessert made from a dough of flour, eggs, milk, sugar, raisins, and sometimes brandy, which is then deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar. It is often served during festive occasions like Christmas and the carnival season. Some of the best places to find Fritules in Croatia are at local bakeries, pastry shops, and traditional markets.
9. Buzara
Buzara is a classic Croatian seafood dish made with a tomato and white wine-based sauce, garlic, parsley, and often shellfish like mussels, clams, or shrimp. The dish is typically served with bread or pasta. Some of the best places to find Buzara in Croatia are in coastal towns and fishing villages, particularly in Istria and Dalmatia.
10. Kulen
Kulen is a spicy sausage originating from Slavonia region in Croatia, made with pork, paprika, garlic, salt, and black pepper. The sausage is air-dried for several weeks, giving it a smoky flavour and a chewy texture. Some of the best places to find Kulen in Croatia are at local markets, speciality food shops, and traditional taverns in Slavonia and the surrounding areas.