Winds of the Adriatic Coastline
There are many things Croatians are passionate about. Food is at the very top of that list. From top-quality lamb to first-grade seafood, Croatia doesn’t disappoint.
You’ll find influences of Italian, Turkish, Hungarian, Austrian and Slavic, but one thing always remains the same. There is a huge emphasis on local, fresh and in-season ingredients.
One more thing.
Slow-paced dining is a must — especially in Dalmatia.
Here are some traditional Croatian dishes that we think you shouldn’t leave Croatia without trying. Your tastebuds will forever be grateful.
Lobster
When the ingredients are fresh, and the meat is tender, you don’t have to do much to make it a mouthwatering culinary experience. Often prepared with garlic, parsley and olive oil, the delectable flavour of the Croatian lobster comes through all on its own.
Octopus or Meat Peka
Want a taste of some of the succulent meat or octopus in the area? It’s usually found in a peka. The meat is placed in a cast-iron bell shaped pot together with potatoes, vegetables and garlic. The peka is then covered with embers and left to cook for hours. If you’re looking to order a peka in a local restaurant, make sure to call in advance, because of the prolonged cooking time.
Fish
There is no shortage of delicious fish to feast upon while chartering a yacht in Croatia. Try:
Brudet
Once upon a time, brudet (aka brodet, brodetto or brujet) was a dish that fishermen threw together to use up leftover fish. It includes at least three types of firm-fleshed fish, typically red mullet, scorpion fish, rockfish or eel, sometimes accompanied by shellfish for more flavour. The fish is cooked in wine, garlic, onions, tomatoes and herbs, served with polenta.
Viška Pogača
Bite down on this savoury pastry dish filled with tomatoes, onion and anchovies. A perfect addition to a day by the beach.
Soparnik
Baked on a hot plate, soparnik is filled with Swiss chard, silverbeet and garlic. The pastry, pie-like dish is a fan favourite of both locals and tourists alike.
Pršut
That notorious bura wind that we mentioned earlier? It’s responsible for some of the tastiest prosciutto-like air-dried ham that is often served with cheese prior to your main meal.
Iconic Vineyards and Wines
Another subject that Croatians meet with strong opinions is wine. Here, you’ll find more than 300 wine regions and as many as 130 different frappe varieties. Istria is known for its teran and malvazija while the island of Krk is famous for žlahtina. Dalmatia boasts plavac mali, grk, dingač, pošip, babić and korlat.
With local acapella groups, or as the locals refer to them, klapa singers, often gracing restaurants with their presence, your culinary experience won’t just be about the food. It will be an authentic Croatian cultural experience.
