Croatia is a small country full of diversity- in geography, climate, culture and history. Such is Croatian cuisine, as well.

Every culture and nation that had left trail in Croatia, and there were many- from Romans, Italians, French, Austrians, Hungarians and Germans to Byzantine and Ottomans, have influenced Croatian gastronomy.

Each Croatian region has a unique cuisine and each is an important factor in their original identity. This is why it is impossible to single out one typical Croatian dish. And yet, there are some common customs that have spread through the country.

Croatians, almost religiously, still celebrate traditional festivities and those are always directly linked with food.

Whether a special event in someone’s life, a religious occasion or local saint’s day, the period of special festivities, somehow the focus is always on preparing, enjoying great food and traditional recipes among the family and friends. Getting extended families together and dining together, this is a common factor of all Croatian regions.

Wherever you find yourself in Croatia for Christmas Eve, you will be served with cod, octopus or maybe some freshwater fish. But it is the fish you can expect.

Roasted turkey is served on Christmas day accompanied with walnut roll for the dessert.

Ham, hard boiled eggs and special kind of sweet bread loaf called pinca are a part of traditional Easter breakfast.

Pork is always served for New Year’s Eve while on the January 1st, in every household no matter the region, you will notice the savor of «sarma» (stuffed cabbage with ground meat, usually pork or beef).

When celebrating special occasions such as birth, baptism, weddings, there is always plenty of food. It can’t be imagined without roasted meat, grilled fish or without barbecue and with some hard cheese, kulin or prosciutto as a starter.

Croatians are fond of carnival festivities. Donuts (krafne) or a similar dessert called fritule are a regular treat in those days.

So, there are traditions and customs that Croatians share but if you get deeper into each region’s cuisine you will be overwhelmed with the differences, with unique tastes and numerous recipes.

We will be sharing them with you and inspiring you to visit and taste Croatia!