Taste the World: Top dishes to enjoy across Croatia

If you’re lucky enough to travel to Croatia in your life, you’ll want to make the most of the experience. Embarking on a culinary journey around the globe is a delightful way to immerse oneself in diverse cultures, and Croatia has lots of unique dishes you need to try. Balkan food is flavourful and nutritious and the following dishes are a must-try on your next trip to Croatia. With many regional dishes and historic recipes, the country is full of places to try for a foodie adventure, including 11 Michelin Star restaurants.

Here are the top dishes to enjoy across Croatia’s leading regions:

Komiža Flatbread

Often referred to as the “focaccia of Croatia,” this dish can be found on the charming island of Vis. This savoury dish is made of dough filled with onions, tomatoes, saltwater fish, pilchard and capers.

Soparnik

This historical recipe of the Republic of Poljica for Soparnik is included in the register of items with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Typically made with simple, staple ingredients, Soparnik illustrates the rustic beauty of Croatian culinary culture. You can often find people eating this dish as a fasting meal or on religious holidays, like Good Friday.

Štrukli

A traditional specialty of the Hrvatsko Zagorje region, Štrukliis is made from dough filled with cow cheese, and covered with cream. You can find the staple ingredients for this dish in most Croatian households so it’s an easy dessert full of tradition!

Sinjski Arambašići

This traditional dish from Sinj in Dalmatia is best paired with a glass of wine and stuffed with a mixture of finely chopped beef and pork. It’s even listed as protected intangible cultural heritage in Croatia so you’ll be soaking in history with every bite!

Must-See Culinary Events in 2023 across the Adriatic Coast:

What is food and wine without a festival? If you visit Croatia this year, here are some notable culinary events to add to your itinerary:

• July 1^st to August 3 @ Dubrovnik region: The Korčula island wine festival spotlights the culinary treasures of this island famous for its viticulture and viniculture. Sample delicious white wine from Pošip, and white wine from Lumbarda.
• September 1^st – 10^th @ Istra region: Tuna lovers, rejoice! The Tunalicious Street Food Festival, a weeklong event that spotlights extraordinary tuna-based menus restaurants in the coastal, winding city of Poreč. Don’t forget the gastronomic highlight on September 7 at the city’s famous Spinnaker restaurant. Join one of the best Croatian chefs, Stiven Vunić from Zijavica Tavern, for a multi-course dinner and wines from Ipsa winery.
• October 5^th – 7^th @ Kvarner region: Want a festival dedicated to the sweet Maruni chestnut? Croatia has that covered. The Lovran Chestnut Festival spotlights the distinctly sweet chestnuts brought to the island by Lovran seafarers.
• October 4^th – 8^th @ Split region: The 11^th international Taste the Mediterranean Festival is a must for serious foodies in Split and boasts Michelin-starred chefs from Europe.
• October 9^th – 22^nd @ Dubrovnik region: The Good Food Festival brings together regional food and wine specialties in Dubrovnik.