Dalmatian and Mediterranean specialties in Croatia

Croatia is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful coast and Dalmatian-Mediterranean way of life, which is mostly characterized by Dalmatian-Mediterranean cuisine. Dalmatian and Mediterranean specialties, with their abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish and seafood, delight visitors to Croatia from all over the world.

One of the most famous and favorite specialties in Croatia is certainly fish stew. This delicious stew is made from fresh fish such as sea bass, sea bream or shrimp, together with colorful vegetables, onions, garlic and spices such as parsley and bay leaves. The fish is gently stewed in a rich tomato sauce, and the result is a dish full of flavor and aroma.

Another well-known specialty of Mediterranean cuisine in Croatia is the patty. Although it is often associated with Balkan cuisine, the burger is a favorite meal all over the coast. It is a type of burger made of ground meat (usually beef or mixed meat), seasoned with onion, garlic, pepper and other spices. The patty is grilled and served in a soft bun, usually with a side dish such as potatoes or a seasonal salad.

One of the iconic ingredients of Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine that is often used in Croatia is olive oil. Croatia has a long tradition of growing olives, and olive oil is used as a basis for the preparation of numerous dishes. Along with fresh salads, marinades, sauces and pasta, olive oil gives a special taste and enriches the flavors of other ingredients.

Croatia also offers plenty of other Mediterranean and Dalmatian specialties that will satisfy even the most demanding palates. For example, there are “pašticada” and “peka“. Pašticada is a traditional dish with a long preparation, consisting of pieces of beef marinated in red wine and seasoned with onions, garlic, carrots and spices. The meat is then cooked for hours until it becomes tender and juicy. Peka, on the other hand, is a dish that is prepared in a special cast iron pot. Pieces of meat (usually lamb or veal), vegetables and spices are placed in the pot, then the pot is closed and placed in the oven or under the grill while the dish slowly cooks and acquires an incredible aroma.

One of the most famous specialties of the island of Brač in Croatia is “vitalac“. These are dishes made of lamb intestines, which are filled with a mixture of ground lamb meat, spices and hot peppers. After filling, the vitalac is grilled until it becomes crispy and aromatic.

When it comes to desserts, Dalmatia is known for its unique dessert – “rosata“. It is a creamy cake similar to French custard, but with a special addition of rose water that gives it a characteristic taste. Rosata is often served cold and garnished with caramelized sugar.

In addition to all these specialties, Mediterranean cuisine in Croatia is also enriched with various fresh fruits and vegetables. Watermelons, figs, olives, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are just some of the fruits you can find in markets and in dishes across the country. These features of Mediterranean cuisine combined with beautiful landscapes and the friendliness of the hosts make Croatia an extraordinary destination for food lovers.

Beach Restaurant Drašnice, Makarska

A visit to Croatia offers the opportunity to enjoy an incredible variety of Mediterranean and Dalmatian specialties and discover the rich gastronomic heritage of this beautiful pearl.

Of course, here are a few more Mediterranean-Dalmatian specialties that you can try in Croatia:

1. Black risotto: This specialty from Dalmatia is a dish of rice cooked in cuttlefish broth, with the addition of onions, garlic, olive oil and spices. Black risotto has a rich seafood flavor and a characteristic dark color.
2. Shrimp on the buzara: Shrimp are popular seafood on the Croatian coast, and they are prepared on the buzara – in a sauce made of olive oil, white wine, garlic, parsley and spices. This dish is a real delight for seafood lovers.
3. Octopus under the oven: Octopus under the oven is a dish that is prepared so that fresh octopus, together with vegetables, spices and olive oil, is baked under the oven, i.e. in a special earthen pot with a lid. The result is soft and juicy octopus with a rich taste.
4. Cheese and prosciutto: Croatia is also known for its delicious cheese and prosciutto. Cheese is often served with olive oil, basil and tomato, while prosciutto, a dried meat, is offered as a tasty appetizer or an ingredient in traditional dishes.
5. Fritule: Fritule are sweet cookies that are traditionally prepared in Dalmatia during the Christmas and Carnival periods. These crumbly cookies are made from dough with the addition of brandy, raisins, lemon zest and baking powder, and are served sprinkled with powdered sugar.

The listed specialties are just some of the examples of Mediterranean-Dalmatian cuisine that you can enjoy in Croatia. With a rich cultural heritage and a coast that is abundant with fresh ingredients, Croatia will surely satisfy you with its culinary offer. Good apetite!

Preparation: by S.O.S. English