Top Food & Drinks in Croatia You Must Try in 2024

Croatia is a country that offers diverse, delicious and flavorful cuisine influenced by its rich history, culture and geography. Whether you are looking for fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes or mouthwatering pastries you will find something to delight every delight in this Mediterranean gem. In this blog, I will share with you some of the top food and drinks in Croatia that you must try in 2024. As well as have also included some tips on where to find them and how to enjoy them. Let’s start with predjela or appetizers that will pique your interest and leave you wanting for more. Book Croatia Tourist Visa From UK

Best Croatian Drinks & Cuisine You Must Try

Here are some of the top Croatia drink and food that you must try how to enjoy and where to find them.

Black risotto (crni rizot)

A risotto made with squid ink which gives it its black colour. Shellfish, mussels, and clams are among the numerous seafoods found in it. This is a hearty and savory coastal dish. It is available at most of the restaurants that specialize in seafood or traditional dishes such as Konoba Dalmatino.

Crljenak Kastelanski (Zinfandel wine)

This is a red wine made from indigenous grape variety of the same name which is also the ancestor of Californian Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. This is a fruity and full-bodied wine with notes of spices, cherries and plums. You can taste this one of the best drinks in Croatia at Bedalov Winery in Kastel Kambelovac or Bibich Winery in Skradin.

Pag lamb (paska janjetina)

This is a specialty from the island of Pag, where lambs graze on aromatic herbs and salt from sea breeze. The meat is often roasted or grilled and is tender and amazingly delicious. You can enjoy it with potatoes, vegetables and local cheese. You can try it at Konoba Bukaleta. 

Boza (Fermented)

This is a fermented drink prepared with sugar, water, wheat, corn flour, millet or maize. It has sweet and sour taste, thick consistency, and low alcohol content (only around 1%). It is usually consumed as a refreshing Croatian soft drinks or as a light snack, especially in the winter. You can find it in some bakeries, supermarkets or ethnic shops.

Peka

This is an old-fashioned method of cooking meat and vegetables over hot coals with a metal or clay cover. With a subtle smoky flavor the dish is flavorful and juicy at the end. You can choose from lamb, veal, chicken, octopus or fish and enjoy it with bread or potatoes. You can find it in many konobas (traditional taverns) and agrotourism farms such as Konoba Batelina. 

Medica

This honey-flavored brandy is made by mixing honey with a base liquor such as rakija or loza. It has a golden color alcoholic drinks in Croatia with smooth texture and sweet & aromatic taste. You can try it at Medica Bar in Zagreb or Mediteran Bar in Split.

Pasticada

This is a slow-cooked beef stew marinated in vinegar, wine and spices and then served with homemade gnocchi. It is a rich and hearty Dalmatian. If you want you can try it at Konoba Fetivi in Split or Konoba Skojera in Trpanj.

Orahovac

Green walnuts are macerated in a base spirit like rakija or loza to create this walnut liqueur which is then finished with sugar and spices. It has a dark brown color, thick texture, bitter and nutty taste & It is usually served at room temperature or slightly chilled as an after-dinner drink. It is also sometimes used as an ingredient in desserts or cocktails. 

Croatian Drink Slivovitz

Slivovitz is a type of fruit brandy made from fermented plums. This traditional alcoholic beverage has its origins in Eastern and Central Europe and particularly popular in nations like Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Slivovitz has a clear color, a strong aroma, and a potent taste. 

Istrian Fuzi With Truffles

This is a homemade pasta in the shape of little tubes, tossed with creamy sauce made with truffles, butter and cheese. In Istria, truffles are grown in the forests and are highly valued as a delicacy. You can enjoy this dish at Zigante in Livade or Konoba Mondo in Motovun. 

Variety of drinks in Croatia as wells its food reflect the diverse and rich culture and history of the country.  Its flavors and notes also represent its natural resources and climate. Whether you prefer a refreshing sip or a warming shot you will find something to suit your taste in Croatia. 

Conclusion

Drinks in Croatia is a way of enjoying the diverse and delicious beverages that the country has to offer. From beer and wine to spirits and liqueurs, there is a lot available here. Whether you prefer a refreshing sip of coffee in a cozy cafe, a glass of crisp white wine on a sunny terrace or a shot of fiery rakija with a friendly toast, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Croatia. Cheers, or as the Croatians say, zivjeli!

FAQ’s