Cooking like a local in Croatia

I don't eat the local tradition dishes as many Croatians as well because meat plays big role in traditional dishes and vegetarians are growing worldwide and in Croatia. Vegetables and fruits are good quality here. Figs, olive oil are plentiful as well. So Mediterranean diet can be enjoyed here without reliance on meat products.

Croatian gastronomy is full of influences from people who have lived here in the past and neighboring countries. In general, the national dishes are seasonal and change according to the temperatures outside. Some of the most famous traditional dishes here are the soups; beans; cooked and roasted meats, usually pork or lamb and mayonnaise salad.

Then you have the beloved sarma (ground beef and cooked rice; rolled inside a cabbage leaf and served with lots of sauce); mashed potatoes. Actually, potato in all different ways! Strukli (a kind of pasta stuffed with eggs and cheese, traditional from the Zagorije region). Mainly lots of meat, sausages; and cevapi (rolls of ground meat that can come accompanied by bread (lepinja) and also lots of onion). And of course, we must not forget the delicious pršut, also known in Italy prosciutto and in Spain as jámon. The pršut is the cured and dry ham usually cut into thin slices. A national delicacy loved by all!

On the coast the seafood is mandatory. So don't miss the chance to try Black risotto, made with squid and squid ink. Buzara, prawns, and shellfish cooked in a delicious sauce of wine, tomato, and herbs; and served with thick slices of bread. Calamari and Squid – fried, cooked, grilled… Papaline – very small fishes floured and then fried. Fresh oysters, especially in the region of Ston, Split, and Dubrovnik. Pastrva – freshwater trout.

Desserts? Yes, please! Croats do not live without fritules (fried sweet dough) and krafne. They also love strudel – and yes, we must admit this is from our neighbors, but they are also very loved around here. Strudel is more or less like a pie, the most common here are apple and cherry. Pancakes (palacinke); ice creams; rolada, and madarice (a layered cake with cream and chocolate).
Anyway, we can guarantee you won't be hungry in Croatia because the food is really tasty and the portions are always well served. It is worth remembering that, unfortunately, Croatia is still a very complicated country for vegetarians; but it is possible to find good options.

And to close, just a small note about Croatian drinks
The most typical drinks in Croatia are the Gemist – a mixture of white wine and sparkling water. And the Bambus – Coca-Cola blend with red wine. Croatians are used to dilute and mix alcoholic beverages but make no mistake, that does not mean they drink little. Besides these two traditional drinks, the beers are also very popular.

The spirits are also a trademark of the country. The Rakija – with very high alcohol level; made from plum; and Pelinkovac; a national liqueur made from herbs.