Delicious Croatia, Authentic Croatian cuisine and wine guide
Croatian cuisine can be divided into a few regional cuisines such as Istrian cuisine, Dalmatian, Slavonian, Zagorje's cuisine... each influenced by the neighbouring countries or historically, conquering super powers. Croatia's mainland cuisine is characterised by the earlier Slavic and more recent contacts with Hungarian, Austrian and Turkish culture - a lot of meat, lard and spices (especially paprika) while the coastal region bears the influences of the Mediterranean cuisine - Greek, Italian (especially Venetian) and French - a lot of olive oil and fresh herbs. Although, variations of most of the dishes are found across the whole country.
Traditional Croatian cuisine and the most popular Croatian wines
The most famous meat dish (although it also has a mollusc variation) is the "Peka / Ispod peke" or in rough translation “under the bell”. Mostly lamb or veil (or an octopus) are being cooked under a domed clay or metal bell covered with hot coals so that the meal is cooked slowly in its own juices. It is usually accompanied with a lot of potato (prepared in the same method) and a seasonal salad or/and soup.
Soups are an integral part of a meal in Croatia and there isn't a Sunday or special occasion without it. The soups are usually broth based with added pasta or dumplings and vegetables. The meat from the soup (baby beef) is usually served aside and tastes delicious with a bit of mustard!
Stews are very popular in Slavonia and Central Croatia (with a little meat and some vegetables you could make a meal for the whole family in times of poverty). Some of the most popular stews are fish stew (fiš paprikaš - Slavonia), beef stew Pašticada (Dalmatia).
When it comes to pasta, thanks to the Italian influence, it is very popular especially in on the coast. Istria has many meals with home made pasta such as Fuzi.
Looking for traditional Croatian food ideas for your dinner? Look no further!
Croatian cuisine is influenced by neighbouring countries like Italy, Turkey, and Hungary, resulting in a diverse range of dishes. If you're interested in learning how to cook authentic Croatian food, we've got you covered with our collection of Croatian recipes.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
Read more: Croatian Cuisine: Easy-to-Make Croatian Recipes in English
Croatia produces an unusually wide range of wines for a relatively small country, from crisp Malvazija Istarska in Istria and versatile Graševina in Slavonia to powerful Plavac Mali and aromatic Pošip along the Dalmatian coast.
The easiest way to understand Croatian wine is by region. Coastal vineyards are shaped by Mediterranean sun, rocky slopes and the Adriatic, while inland wine country has a cooler continental climate and is particularly strong in whites, sparkling wines and late-harvest styles.
Croatia also has a remarkable number of indigenous grape varieties. Wine Croatia currently identifies around 60 indigenous varieties, alongside international grapes grown throughout the country.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
Read more: A Guide to Croatian Wines: Everything You Need to Know
The Welschriesling grape variety, known as Graševina in Croatian, also answers to the names of Laško Riesling, Riesling Italico or Italian Riesling, Olasz Riesling or Grašica. It's a global grape type cultivated in Croatia and various Central and Eastern European nations.
Interested in other Croatian wine varieties? Read our Guide to Croatian Wines.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
Read more: Graševina, the predominant white grape variety in Croatia
Plavac Mali is Croatia's leading indigenous red wine grape and one of the signature varieties of Dalmatia. Grown mainly on the sun-baked slopes and islands of the Adriatic coast, it can produce everything from fresh, fruit-driven reds to powerful, age-worthy wines with dark fruit, firm tannins and distinctly Mediterranean character.
Plavac Mali is also closely connected to Zinfandel: it is not the same grape, but DNA research has shown that Zinfandel's Croatian ancestor, Crljenak Kaštelanski, is one of its parents. If you want a broader introduction to the country's grapes and wine regions, see our guide to Croatian wines.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
Read more: Plavac Mali, most widespread red grape variety indigenous to Croatia
Pošip is one of Croatia's most important indigenous white wine grapes and the signature white variety of the island of Korčula. Its historic heartland lies around the villages of Čara and Smokvica, where Pošip produces dry, characterful wines ranging from fresh and citrus-driven to richer, fuller styles with stone fruit, Mediterranean herbs and a distinctly Adriatic personality.
Modern DNA research has confirmed that Pošip is a natural offspring of two old Korčula varieties, Zlatarica blatska and Bratkovina bijela. If you want a broader introduction to the country's grapes and regions, see our guide to Croatian wines.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić
Read more: Pošip Wine - white grape variety from the island of Korčula