The Best Croatian Food: 10 Traditional Dishes You Absolutely Must Try

When visiting Croatia, there’s a lot of delicious food to try, especially if you’re a seafood lover like me. Croatian cuisine takes inspiration from other Mediterranean countries, especially Italy to Greece. Given the country’s Roman and Venetian rule history, the Italian influence is especially noticeable in the cuisine. If you like Italian food or the simple Mediterranean diet, you will have a field day in Croatia trying the food.

With so many different dishes to eat, I thought I’d narrow down the essentials. What are the must-try Croatian foods you should go out of your way to eat before you leave Croatia? This post breaks down eight of the best Croatian dishes that will leave you wanting seconds. Let’s jump right in. 

Want to read more about Croatia? You’re in luck! This post is a part of the Croatia series. Here is the complete 15-part series:

Sailing – The Ultimate Guide To Sailing in Croatia: Everything You Need To Know

Food – The Best Croatian Food: 10 Traditional Dishes You Absolutely Must Try

Wine Tasting – A Guide To Wine Tasting in Croatia: How To Experience Lumbarda, Korcula Island

Croatian Islands – 5 Stunning Islands To Visit In Croatia: The Best Destinations on the Dalmatian Coast 

Beaches – Is Croatia’s famous Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat) Worth Visiting?

Day Trips – How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip from Dubrovnik To Lokrum Island

Itinerary – 10-Day Croatia Itinerary: The Best Things To Do for First-Time Visitors

Dubrovnik – A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik for First-Time Visitors (with Map!)

Split – 3 Days in Split, Croatia: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Hvar – 24 Hours in Hvar Itinerary: What To Do, See, and Eat in One Day

Makarska – 7 Reasons To Visit Makarska, Croatia (Even If You’ve Never Heard of It)

Krka National Park – The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Krka National Park, Croatia

Plitvice National Park – The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Plitvice National Park, Croatia

Plitvice vs Krka – Krka vs Plitvice National Park: Which One Should You Visit? 

Mljet National Park – The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Mljet National Park, Croatia

Black Risotto

Croatian black risotto, also known as crni rižot in Croatian, is a traditional seafood dish popular in the coastal regions of Croatia, particularly on the Dalmatian Coast. To make Black risotto, you have to use a special type of rice called arborio rice. Then slowly cook it in a broth made from fish or seafood stock, white wine, and squid ink.

The squid ink gives the risotto its distinctive black color and a slightly salty flavor. The dish typically includes ingredients like onions, garlic, olive oil, and a variety of seafood, such as squid, cuttlefish, and prawns. Sometimes you’ll find tomatoes or red peppers in your Black risotto, like the one I had in Hvar.

As the rice cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the broth and seafood flavors, producing a rich and flavorful, savory, and slightly sweet dish. The texture of the rice should be creamy and slightly al dente.

Croatians serve Black risotto as a main course and often pair it with a glass of white wine, such as the local Croatian white wine, Pošip. It is a popular dish in Croatia, particularly during the summer months when fresh seafood is abundant. It is also a must-try for visitors to Croatia!

Mali Ston Oysters  

I know that oysters are not everyone’s cup of tea, but Croatia is known for its oysters. They have a particular type called Mali Ston, which is flat and plump. These are harvested from the Adriatic Sea and served fresh! 

Mali Ston oysters are native to the Adriatic Sea, specifically the Mali Ston Bay in Croatia. They are known for their distinctive flavor and high-quality meat, which is rich and salty with a slightly sweet finish.

Croatian restaurants usually serve Mali Ston oysters on the half shell, with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to enhance their natural flavor. These oysters also pair well with a glass of local Croatian wine, such as the dry white wine known as Posip.

Another reason to eat Mali Ston oysters is for their health benefits. They are high in protein and low in fat and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, like zinc and iron.

Mali Ston oysters are popular in Croatia, particularly on the Dalmatian Coast. They are served in restaurants and cafes throughout the region and are a must-try for seafood lovers visiting the area.

Peka

Peka is a traditional Croatian dish typically prepared outdoors, using a method of slow-cooking meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid. It is a popular dish on the Dalmatian Coast and other Croatia and the Balkans regions.

The dish uses a metal or ceramic dish called a peka, a deep, circular dish with a domed lid. The lid is usually metal and is designed to fit snugly over the dish, creating a sealed cooking environment that traps heat and moisture.

To prepare peka, you have to place a bed of hot coals or wood on the ground, and the peka dish is placed on top of it. The meat and vegetables are then arranged in the dish, along with a mixture of herbs, spices, and olive oil. The lid is then placed on top of the dish, and more hot coals are added to the top of the lid.

The dish is left to cook slowly for several hours, with the meat and vegetables absorbing the flavors of the herbs and spices and becoming tender and juicy. The result is a rich, hearty dish with a smoky flavor and a delicious aroma.

Peka can be made using a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, chicken, or pork, as well as a range of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. It is typically served with a side of crusty bread and sometimes a glass of local wine.

Peka is a social dish, often enjoyed with friends and family during festive occasions, and is a popular dish for outdoor gatherings such as barbecues and picnics.

Čevapi

Čevapi (pronounced “chevapi”) is a popular grilled dish in Croatia and other countries in the Balkans, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. The dish is made of small, oblong-shaped sausages that are typically served with onions and a flatbread called lepinja.

The sausages are made using a mixture of ground beef and lamb seasoned with various spices, including paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic. The meat mixture is then formed into small, finger-sized sausages, grilled until cooked through and lightly charred on the outside.

The onions accompanying the Čevapi are typically sliced thinly and marinated in vinegar, giving them a tangy flavor that complements the rich, meaty taste of the sausages. The lepinja, similar to pita bread, is normally warmed on the grill and used to wrap the sausages and onions, along with a dollop of sour cream or ajvar, a spread made from roasted red peppers and eggplant.

Čevapi is a popular street food in Croatia that you’ll typically find at outdoor markets, festivals, and barbecues. It is also a common dish in restaurants, where it may be served with various side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, cabbage salad, or grilled vegetables.

In Croatia, Ćevapi is particularly popular on the Dalmatian Coast, where it is often served with a side of grilled squid or octopus. It is a must-try dish for visitors to Croatia and is quite filling! 

Ćevapćiči

Ćevapčići is another popular grilled dish in Croatia and the Balkans. Similar to the better-known Čevapi, cevapcici are small sausages made from a mixture of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with various herbs and spices.

Unlike Čevapi, which are typically shaped into finger-sized portions, cevapcici is usually smaller and thinner, resembling small, oblong meatballs. The meat mixture is rolled into small, sausage-like shapes and then grilled over hot coals until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Cevapcici are usually served with a side of raw onions and a flatbread, such as lepinja or somun, that is warmed on the grill. Sometimes, they are also served with various condiments, such as ajvar (red pepper and eggplant spread), kajmak (a type of clotted cream), or sour cream. They may also be served with fries.

Cevapcici is a popular street food in Croatia and are often sold at markets, food stalls, and restaurants. They are typically served in large portions, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.

On the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, Cevapcici is often served with a side of grilled vegetables or a tomato and onion salad. They are a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion, from a casual barbecue to a formal dinner party. While this dish originated in nearby Serbia, it’s popular along the Dalmatian Coast. 

Buzara Mussels 

Buzara mussels are a popular seafood dish originating in Croatia’s coastal regions, particularly in Istria and Dalmatia. The dish is made with fresh mussels that are cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, white wine, parsley, and other herbs and spices.

To prepare buzara mussels, the mussels are first cleaned and steamed until they open up. They are then removed from their shells and set aside. In a separate pan, garlic is sautéed in olive oil until fragrant, and then white wine is added and allowed to reduce slightly. Tomatoes and various herbs and spices, such as parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes are added to the pan. The mixture can simmer until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.

The cooked mussels are then added to the pan and tossed with the sauce until they are well coated. The dish is typically served hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping in a flavorful sauce.

Buzara mussels are a beloved dish in Croatia and are often served in seafood restaurants and cafes throughout the coastal regions. The dish is typically prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh mussels harvested from the nearby waters. These mussels are chewy, tasty, and cooked in olive oil and grated cheese.

Burek  

Burek is a savory pastry popular in many Balkan countries, including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is typically made with phyllo dough rolled into thin sheets, layered with a filling of meat, cheese, or vegetables, and baked until golden and crispy.

The most common filling for burek is ground beef or lamb, which is cooked with onions, garlic, and various spices, including paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Other fillings may include cheese, spinach, potatoes, or mushrooms depending on the regional variation.

Once the filling is prepared, the phyllo dough is rolled out and cut into sheets, which are then layered with the filling and brushed with melted butter or oil to create a flaky, buttery crust. The pastry is baked until it is crispy and golden brown and is typically served in large slices, either hot or at room temperature.

Burek is a popular street food in many Balkan countries, where it is often sold from food stalls and bakeries. It is also a common dish in restaurants, where it may be served as an appetizer or a main course. In Croatia, burek is particularly popular in the coastal regions of Dalmatia, where it is often served with a side of yogurt or sour cream. Popular among Mediterranean countries, Burek is a savory pastry made of a flaky dough that’s filled with meat, cheese, and spinach.

Oven-Baked Octopus

Croatian oven-baked octopus, or pečeni hobotnica in Croatian, is a popular seafood dish often served in coastal regions of Croatia, particularly in Dalmatia. The dish is made with a fresh octopus that is slowly cooked in a wood-fired oven until tender and flavorful.

The fresh octopus is first cleaned and seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil to prepare an oven-baked octopus. It is then placed in a baking dish with various herbs and spices, such as garlic, parsley, and rosemary. The dish is then covered with a lid or aluminum foil and placed in a wood-fired oven for several hours until the octopus is cooked through and tender.

Once the octopus is fully cooked, it is typically removed from the oven and allowed to cool for a few minutes before being sliced and served. The dish is often garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of chopped parsley and is typically served with a side of potatoes, vegetables, or a simple salad.

Oven-baked octopus is a beloved dish in Croatia and is often served in traditional seafood restaurants and cafes along the coast. The slow-cooking process makes the octopus tender and flavorful, while wood-fired ovens impart a unique smoky flavor to the dish. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking to experience the rich flavors of Croatian cuisine.

Brudet 

Brudet, or brodetto or brujet, is a traditional Croatian fish stew popular along the Dalmatian coast. The dish is typically made with various fish, such as red mullet, monkfish, sea bass, and other seafood like squid or mussels.

To prepare Brudet, the fish and seafood are first cleaned and cut into pieces. They are then sautéed in a large pot with garlic, onions, and olive oil until lightly browned. Tomatoes, wine, fish stock are added to the pot, and various herbs and spices, such as bay leaves, parsley, and black pepper.

The stew is then allowed to simmer for several hours until the flavors have melded together and the fish is cooked. Some recipes also call for adding potatoes or other vegetables to the stew to make it heartier and more filling.

Brudet is typically served hot with a side of polenta or crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful broth. The dish is a beloved part of Croatian cuisine and is often served in traditional seafood restaurants and cafes along the coast.

In addition to being delicious, Brudet is also healthy and nutritious. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking to experience the rich flavors of Croatian cuisine.

Fuzi

Istrian truffle pasta, locally known as fuzi, is a traditional pasta popular in Croatia’s Istria region. The pasta is similar in shape to Italian tagliatelle, but is typically wider and flatter. It is made from a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and salt, which is kneaded together and then rolled out into thin sheets.

Once the pasta sheets have been rolled out, they are cut into wide, flat strips and left to dry for several hours. The dried fuzi pasta can then be cooked in boiling salted water until al dente, typically taking around 5-7 minutes.

Fuzi pasta is often served with various sauces, including tomato sauce, meat ragu, or seafood sauce. It is also commonly served with truffle sauce, which is made from finely grated Istrian truffles mixed with cream or butter. Fuzi is a beloved part of Istrian cuisine and is often served in traditional restaurants and taverns throughout the region. 

There you have it – 10 dishes to try when you visit Croatia. Which of these dishes are you most excited to try? Comment below.

Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without 

CabinZero Backpack

The CabinZero 36L Backpack – this trusty backpack has been my go-to luggage for domestic and international trips since 2018. I’ve used dozens of backpacks over the years and keep returning to this one. I almost never check-in luggage, so I need a carry-on bag that is spacious, sturdy, and comfortable, with a laptop compartment. The Cabin Zero 36 L fits the bill. The size makes it small enough for a weekend getaway and big enough for a month of backpacking in Europe. The bag also comes with a tracker in case it gets lost. How convenient! Check out my complete review of the backpack.

Travel-wifi Portable Hotspot Device

Travel WiFI Pocket WIFI Device – With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. I’ve been using the Travel WiFi Portable Hotspot device for years and love the peace of mind it gives me. The device provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. Using my device, I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do many other things I couldn’t do before. A quick tip: turn off the device when you’re not using it so the battery can last longer.

Booking.com

Booking.com – Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations worldwide.  What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. It’s hard to beat the insanely low prices. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind.