Must try dishes of Croatia

The large part of exploring every country is in exploring its gastronomy. Tasting the local food in restaurant, cafes, markets even with at some locals occasionally.

Croatian cuisine is like its history and culture, very rich and diverse. It might remind you many aspects of cuisines from neighboring countries such as Greece, Italy or Hungary. But even though some dishes are very similar there is always a Croatian twist to it. So, let’s dig in!

The official must try dish in Croatia is their famous BLACK RISOTTO. Or as the Croatians call it „Crni rižot“. This risotto black as coal might not look very appetizing at first. But it is true Croatian delicacy. It is a risotto with squid and usually other seafood such as mussels, clams, octopus and other shellfish.

The black color risotto gets from the squid itself as the squid has an ink sacs. According to recent research the squid ink has antibiotic effects that is effective against some bacteria, fungus and viruses, even might have anti-cancer effects. More reasons to try the risotto!

Another must try dish in Croatia is PASTICADA locally pronounced Pašticada. It is a traditional dish from Dalmatian part of Croatia. According to locals every family has its own secret recipe of Pašticada.

It is the most popular dish in Dalmatia and best to try directly from locals rather than in restaurant, if you have the option.

So what is the delicious, mouthwatering Pašticada? It is basically a slow cooked meat. First the meat is marinated for 24 hours in red wine, garlic and herbs. Then is slowly cooked while onion, carrot, dried plums, nutmeg and cloves are added. After hours it turns into tender meat with lots of tasty sauce. It is traditionally served with gnocchi.

Croatia has also its own pasta! It comes from Istria, the largest peninsula in Adriatic Sea. The name of the pasta is FUZI also knonw as Istarski Fuzi or PLJUKANCI also known as makaruni. Fuzi is a quill-shaped pasta and Pljukanci is spindle shaped. They are the most popular and common pastas in Istria.

It is a traditional handmade dish. The prepared pasta is served with various types of sauces such as mushroom sauce, beef or chicken stew or truffles because Istria is also known for its truffles.