Croatia Food Guide: 6 Must Try Traditional Croatian Dishes!

You may know Croatia for its mezmorising turquoise waters or the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik where The Game of Thrones was filmed. What you may not know is just how tantalizing Croatian food is for your tastebuds. From simple grilled seafood, to tempting pastries, all the way to an ominous black dish that will make you double take, Croatia will have you unbuttoning your trousers to allow for some extra room to try just one more plate….or two.

Eat your way across Croatia with these 6 traditional dishes

Pick up your knife, fork and spoon and let’s take the foodie tour of Croatia.

1) Kremšnite

Travelling to the northern parts of Croatia are a must for those with a sweet tooth. Head to the patisserie for the wiggly-wobbly dish of kremšnite. It will jiggle on your plate like a bobble head dog on a dashboard – but not for long. One bite into your kremšnite and  you’ll be scooping the sweetened creamy custard filled centre, along with the crispy pastry, into your mouth in record time.

This vanilla and egg custard cream cake has several variations depending on which area of Croatia you are in. They all include a base made of a crispy puff pastry and very rich cooked custard cream, to which whipped egg whites are added for fluffiness. If you are lucky, silky white whipped cream will also be added as a second layer to the cake. If you are super lucky, the puff pastry lid will be topped off with lashings of chocolate icing.

• The Perfect Layers: The magic of Kremšnite lies in its perfect combination of textures. The crispiness of the puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the softness of the custard, creating a harmony that is both satisfying and indulgent. The custard filling is light and airy, yet rich in flavor, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess. The layers are carefully assembled to ensure that each bite delivers a delightful mix of crunch and cream.
• Regional Variations: While Kremšnite can be found throughout Croatia, the most famous version hails from the town of Samobor, near Zagreb. Samobor’s Kremšnite is renowned for its particularly light and fluffy custard, and the town’s cafes are often filled with locals and visitors alike, savoring this sweet specialty. Another popular variation comes from the region of Zagorje, where the custard is slightly denser, providing a heartier version of this classic dessert. Each region adds its own twist, but the core elements remain the same—a testament to the enduring appeal of Kremšnite.

2) Štrukle

Another  specialty served mostly in northwestern Croatia is Štrukle, made from very thinly rolled out pastry, over which a mixture of tangy cottage cheese, eggs, and sour cream is spread before the pastry is rolled and cut into 10cm-long pillows. Štrukle are then boiled or baked covered with sour cream sand salt. At first glance you may think Štrukle is a sweet pastry, but as you take a bite and the gooey cream and cheese centre runs down your chin, you’ll discover it’s actually a savoury treat. Good luck stopping at just one.

The famous vacation cities of Split and Dubrovnik are located on the coastal part of Croatia known as Dalmatia. It’s along the Dalmatian coast where fisherman haul in tonnes of the finest Mediterranean fish, scampi, mussels, and squid, and pass it along to Dalmatian chefs who will serve your lunch using just two or three ingredients – and always have you drooling.

• Savory or Sweet: One of the things that make Štrukle so special is its versatility. The classic savory version is filled with fresh cow’s cheese, sometimes with the addition of herbs or even spinach, and is usually served with a dollop of sour cream on top. However, there’s also a sweet version, where the filling is enriched with sugar, vanilla, or sometimes even fruit. This dual nature of Štrukle means it can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or a delightful dessert.
• Baked or Boiled: The preparation method also adds to the variety. Baked Štrukle is typically made in a casserole dish and covered with a layer of sour cream or melted butter before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a warm, comforting dish with a slightly crispy top and a creamy, rich filling. Boiled Štrukle, on the other hand, is cooked in boiling water or broth, resulting in a softer texture and a more delicate flavor. Both versions have their own unique appeal, and trying both is highly recommended to fully appreciate this Croatian delicacy.

3) Pašticada

One exception to the less-is-more ingredient rule in Dalmatia is Pašticada, which is a hearty beef dish, traditionally made in Dalmatia. This dish takes over 24 hours to prepare. So, is often reserved for special occasions or eaten out. Numerous variants of the dish exist and no chef will ever really give away all of their winning pašticada secrets. In all recipes, the meat is pierced and stuffed with aromatic garlic, onions and bacon, and left overnight in mixture of red wine and water. The oh-so-tender  beef is then fried on all sides in olive oil and cooked in a sauce for at least 3 hours. Unusually for Dalmatian cooking, this dish is made up of different spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and dried fruit, producing a rich velvety sauce that you can mop up with fluffy homemade bread.

• The Preparation: The process of making Pašticada is a labor of love that starts long before the cooking even begins. The beef, traditionally a cut of the round, is marinated for hours—sometimes overnight—in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and spices. This marination not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a depth of flavor that’s crucial to the dish. After marinating, the beef is browned and then slow-cooked in a rich sauce made from onions, carrots, prunes, wine, and a variety of herbs and spices. The result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s bursting with complex, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
• The Sauce: The sauce is the heart of Pašticada, carefully balanced with sweet and tangy notes that complement the richness of the beef. Ingredients like dried fruit, wine, and vinegar are simmered together, creating a sauce that’s thick, velvety, and deeply flavorful. As the beef cooks slowly in this sauce, it absorbs all the flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and elegant.
• Serving Tradition: Pašticada is traditionally served with homemade gnocchi, which perfectly soak up the rich sauce. The pillowy gnocchi and the succulent beef make for a combination that’s both comforting and sophisticated. In some regions, it’s also served with pasta or potatoes, but gnocchi remains the classic accompaniment.

4) Crni Rižoto

Don’t even think about picking up your backpack and leaving Dalmatia without trying the most unique risotto you’ll ever find. Thanks to the Italian food influences in Croatia, a good risotto can be found on every menu. Look out for Crni rižoto, which is made with diced cuttlefish. This risotto is the unusual colour of pitch black, dyed by the ink within the cuttlefish pouch, which gives the dish an intense fish flavour.  Just be sure not to drop any  on your favourite outfit, that stain  may never wash out! If you can look past the colour, you’ll no doubt delight in this truly unique-tasting dish.

• Ingredients and Preparation: The base of Crni Rižoto is typically made with Arborio or Carnaroli rice, known for their creamy texture when cooked. The dish starts with sautéed onions and garlic, to which diced cuttlefish or squid is added. The seafood is cooked until tender, then simmered with white wine, fish stock, and the all-important ink, which gives the risotto its signature black hue. The ink not only provides color but also infuses the dish with a deep, briny flavor that perfectly complements the seafood. A touch of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice are often added at the end, enhancing the dish’s creamy texture and adding a bright note of acidity.
• A Feast for the Senses: Crni Rižoto is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The rich black color is striking and unusual, immediately catching your attention and setting the stage for a bold and flavorful dining experience. The taste is equally distinctive, with the savory umami of the seafood and the subtle earthiness of the ink coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that’s as complex as it is satisfying, with each bite offering layers of flavor that reflect the freshness of the Adriatic Sea.

5) Slavonski Kulin

One of the least known parts of Croatia for tourists is Slavonia. However, it is known to all Croatians as it is specially revered for the Slavonski kulin. Often shortened to kulen, this is a type of heavily spiced large sausage made from ground pork from enormous black pigs. Along with garlic, heaps of paprika is added to give it both the taste and the distinct red colour. The meat is piped into bags made from pork intestine, giving it a very recognisable shape. Once it is smoked and dried for at least several months, it is then ready to be devoured with cheese and red wine.

• Artisanal Preparation: What makes Slavonski Kulin truly special is the traditional, artisanal method of preparation. The process begins with selecting the best cuts of pork, typically from free-range pigs raised in the Slavonian countryside. The meat is carefully minced and mixed with a blend of spices, with paprika being the star ingredient. This mixture is then stuffed into natural casings, which are tied off and left to dry-cure in a smokehouse. The curing process can take several months, during which the sausage develops its rich, smoky flavor and firm texture.
• Distinctive Flavor Profile: The flavor of Slavonski Kulin is robust and full-bodied, with a delightful balance of smokiness, spiciness, and savory richness. The paprika gives it a deep red color and a slightly spicy kick, while the garlic and other spices add layers of complexity. The long curing process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sausage that’s both intense and nuanced. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with the smokiness lingering on the palate long after you’ve finished.

6) Čobanac Goulash

Plan your trip to Slavonia for the Čobanac festival. This annual event  is centred around a competition to cook a soupy stew in oversized bronze pots on an open fire. The Čobanac goulash from which the festival name derives is made from three types of meat; usually pork, beef, and a type of game or horse-meat, which is seasoned with handfuls  of hot paprika to give it a real kick.

With the extremely fertile land in Slavonia, Croatia’s proximity to the sea in Dalmatia, as well as the result of thousands of years of foreign occupation, there are many influences which make up Croatian cuisine. No matter where you are, Croatians are extremely proud of their gastronomic traditions and they will each tell you that their family recipe is the best. In a way, they’re all right.

• Hearty Ingredients: Čobanac is typically made with a mix of different meats, such as beef, pork, and sometimes even game like venison. The meat is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a generous amount of paprika, which gives the stew its deep red color and warm, spicy flavor. Other ingredients might include tomatoes, peppers, and bay leaves, all simmered together until the meat is incredibly tender and the flavors are well combined. The result is a rich, robust stew that’s packed with savory goodness.
• Slow-Cooked Tradition: The key to Čobanac lies in its slow cooking process. Traditionally, it’s cooked over an open fire in a large pot, often taking several hours to prepare. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply satisfying dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. The long simmering time also ensures that the meat is tender and infused with the smoky, spicy notes of the paprika and other spices.

BIO

SJ Begonja: SJ is an Australian expat who lives in a small Croatian village & writes about Croatian food, travel & her experiences as making Croatia home with her family.

Chasing the Donkey – A local’s guide to Croatia. The best of food, travel and culture.

Google+ (http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/a-locals-guide-to-travel-croatia/)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chasingthedonkey)

Twitter (https://x.com/chaseTHEdonkey)

Instagram (http://instagram.com/chasingthedonkeycroatia)