The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Croatian Foods. If you manage to be in an Croatian restaurant or you are visiting Croatia, I recommend the following:
1. Pašticada
A revered Dalmatian dish with culinary links to the south of France, pašticada is a stew of marinated beef, prunes, figs and alcohol of some kind, wine or prosecco. A proper pašticada requires about 24 hours of preparation, including soaking the meat overnight in vinegar, garlic and, usually, bacon. Served with gnocchi, it is a dish served on certain saints’ days or at weddings.
2. Peka
Ispod peka, literally translated as under the bell, is a classic feature on many Dalmatian menus. It is not a dish, but a method of preparation that involves slow cooking under a dome-shaped lid, covered with hot ashes. For a proper peka meal, you should order at the restaurant that morning or even a day in advance. Typically, you can choose from octopus, lamb or veal, but other meats and fish are often offered. The distinctively succulent flavours are unique, complemented by a substantial portion of potatoes.
3. Octopus Salad
Perfect for the summer months thanks to its light and refreshing nature. What makes this meal so good is the availability of fresh octopus in Croatia. Fresh from the Adriatic, the octopus is boiled, chopped into small pieces and then mixed with a dressing (olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon) and combined with finely chopped tomatoes, onions and parsley.
4. Brodet
Brodet or brudet is a rich fish stew made in the Croatian regions of Dalmatia, Kvarner and Istria. It is made all year round and can come in various versions. It is usually served with polenta which absorbs the tasty fish stock.
5. Fuzi
Fuži is a traditional Istrian pasta whose unique shape is created by folding, pinching and glueing the ends of a diamond-shaped pasta sheet. This pasta is usually served with red meat sauce and chicken goulash, but any other kind of sauce or stew will work; from those made with mushrooms, prosciutto and a simple tomato sauce to expensive ones made with truffles.
6. Soparnik
Soparnik is a savoury pie with a filling of Swiss chard, or blitva as it is known in Croatia. It is the most famous speciality of the Dalmatian region of Poljica, which lies between Split and Omiš and was recently granted EU protected status. A great alternative to pizza and goes fantastically with red wine.
7. Grilled Fish
Grilled fish with beetroot and boiled potatoes is a simple meal that we always associate with the Croatian coast and islands. The fish is cooked on a grill over an open fire to give it a smoky flavour. In terms of character, snapper, sea bass, white fish such as dentex or bream and blue fish such as tuna are the best. When the fish is ready, add salt and pepper to taste and a mixture of olive oil, chopped garlic and parsley.
8. Bakalar
This is a tasty codfish from Croatia in the Balkans. This dish is one of the most important preparations for family celebrations such as Christmas or Easter. It is a paste made with cod and potatoes. It is flavoured with garlic and parsley. It can be served warm, hot or cold with a slice of toasted bread.
9. Grilled Sardines
Traditional dishes from the northern part of Croatia include fish as a main ingredient. One of them is Riba na grádele, a grilled fish prepared over a pine wood fire. The fish used is usually mackerel, sardine or a white fish, which is marinated in olive oil, salt and rosemary. It is served with a salad of chard and boiled potatoes dressed with garlic, olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. And, of course, always accompanied by a good wine.
10. Crni Rizot
Included on almost every Dalmatian menu, black risotto is much tastier than it looks. Squid ink provides the distinctive colouring and satisfying flavour, squid and other seafood the meaty ingredients.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional European Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.