Top 5 must-try Croatian foods
The pearl of the Mediterranean - Croatia - offers paradise beaches of the Adriatic and stone medieval cities, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will meet friendly and talented people here, and you will choose from a variety of craft products to take home as a souvenir.
However, all of these memorable moments will not be complete without one detail - delicious Croatian cuisine.
Today, we will recommend the top 5 must-try cult dishes for everyone who visits Croatia.
Photo: Rožat, Source: https://www.godubrovnik.com
Rožata in Dubrovnik
Rožata is a traditional medieval dessert originating from the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. It is made up of a large amount of eggs, sugar, and milk, as well as caramel sauce, which is poured over the dessert before serving, but the authentic recipe also includes a sweet liqueur called Rosulin, made from cognac and rose petals. The dessert was invented in the late 15th century and is considered to be a symbol of Dubrovnik.
Photo: Fuži with Truffles, Source: https://delikro.at
Fuži with Truffles on the Istrian Peninsula
Fuži is an Istrian quill-shaped homemade pasta made by cutting the dough into squares and then rolling it into small tubes with truffle. The dish is often served with žgvacet, a local variation of meat goulash. Truffle mushroom is considered a favorite delicacy of the peninsula. It is harvested nearby in the Motovun forest located just 30 kilometers from the coast and famous for its clean air and magical beauty.
Photo: Rapska torta, Source: https://www.croatiaweek.com
Rapska torta on the island of Rab
Rapska torta is a traditional Croatian cake with almonds and Markasino liqueur originating from the Adriatic island of Rab. Traditionally, the cake is shaped like a spiral, although there are many modern interpretations. According to legend, this cake was first served to Pope Alexander III in 1177, when the Pope took refuge on the island during a fierce storm. Subsequently, Rapska torta became a favorite dessert of wealthy families and aristocrats living on the island. Nowadays, the cake is usually cooked only on major holidays.
Photo: Pašticada, Source: https://www.worldfoodstory.co.uk
Pašticada from Dalmatia
Dalmatian Pašticada is a national Croatian specialty of stewed beef cooked in a special sauce. According to an old recipe, the dish takes several days to prepare and involves a number of steps. After being marinated in flavored vinegar the meat is fried and then soaked in a sauce with Prosecco wine, adding dried fruits and many spices. This dish is served during important occasions such as weddings.
Photo: Brunet, Source: https://www.camping-simuni.hr
Brudet from North Dalmatia
Brudet is one of the most common fish dishes in Croatian cuisine. This dish comes in many variations depending on the region, the mood of the cook or... the morning catch. As the Croatians say, "only the fish you can catch goes into Brodet." First, onions fried in olive oil are added to the dish, followed by pieces of large fish, vegetables, spices, herbs, wine, and even sea water. Some people also like more exotic variations of Brudet, adding crabs or shellfish.