Croatian cuisine
What springs to mind when you think of typical Croatian cuisine? Certainly plenty of delicious dishes that you simply must try on your next holiday in Croatia.
30 June 2025
Diverse and regional
As is often the case, Croatian cuisine is strongly influenced by the ingredients that have traditionally been available in the region: plenty of fresh fish finds its way into pots and pans, along with tender meat, plenty of olive oil and Mediterranean vegetables. Hungarian, Slavic and even Austrian influences can also be found in the country’s dishes. Spices such as garlic, onions, paprika and various herbs provide the characteristic flavour. And homemade pasta and various types of bread provide the crispy base.
A world-famous classic: Ćevapčići with ajvar
These sausages, shaped from minced meat and grilled, are known almost all over the world – or at least throughout Europe. Classic Ćevapčići are made from beef or lamb, mixed with paprika, savory, salt, pepper, allspice and garlic. They are then cooked over an open fire. The sausages are often served with chips, flatbread or vegetable rice, but always with the traditional ajvar. This is a paste made from peppers.
Fish paprikaš: Popular throughout the country
Riblji paprikaš is an integral part of Croatian cuisine. It is a fish soup that takes a little time to prepare. Fish such as pike, carp and catfish are placed in a large pot together with peppers and onions. The fish soup then simmers gently over the heat. Important: Do not stir during cooking , so as not to break up the fish. Instead, give the pot a shake every now and then. Depending on the region, potatoes may also be added, in which case filling side dishes such as pasta are omitted.
Instead of a burger: Pljeskavica
Beef or pork form the basis of this popular snack. It is seasoned with paprika, salt, pepper, allspice and onions, shaped into balls and then flattened very thinly. These patties are then grilled over an open fire. Once cooked through, they are served in warmed flatbread alongside ajvar and raw onions, and sometimes even with cheese and kajmak, a type of traditional cream cheese.
Traditional foods from Dalmatia
The island of Brač, home to our beautiful Hotel Lemongarden, is part of Dalmatia. Like all regions of Croatia, it has a number of specialities to offer. For one thing, fresh herbs such as bay leaves, sage and rosemary are particularly popular. Dalmatian prosciutto (pršut) is another speciality, as it is cured with the help of the Dalmatian Bora wind. Fresh oysters are, of course, also very popular, served straight from the sea and seasoned with lemon juice. Cheese from the island of Pag, made exclusively from Pag goat’s milk, is also considered a Dalmatian speciality that enriches Croatian cuisine.
Delicacies from Dalmatian cuisine
One dish you simply must try during your holiday in Croatia is pašticada. This consists of beef that has been left to marinate overnight in a mixture of red wine vinegar. It is then fried with onions, carrots, tomato purée, celery and sugar. Finally, the meat is simmered over a low heat for several hours with bay leaves, tomatoes, plums and olives. Rožata is the perfect way to round off the feast. This dessert is similar to crème brûlée and is made from milk, eggs and sugar. Rose liqueur gives the dessert its name and its distinctive flavour – naturally, every family has its own traditional recipe.
Naturally, guests in our restaurant can sample numerous dishes that are not only made with regional ingredients but are also inspired by Croatian cuisine. How about, for example, fresh oysters, monkfish carpaccio, lemon soup with fish tartare, pašticada, homemade pasta, risotto or Sutivan squid? Round off these delicacies with a homemade sorbet or the best lemon tart in the world – you won’t regret it!
Tip
Right on the harbour promenade, Gelateria Rosa awaits you, where you can enjoy ice cream made from ripe fruit and delicious homemade pastries. You can also look forward to the wonderful atmosphere in our beach club or whilst dining right by the water – even at breakfast!
