The flavors of the world can be found in Split much easier than you think…
One of the many good things about Split is that there is a fairly large and tight-knit expat community that ranges from all walks of life, from all over the world. The common denominator that unites the group is of course the fact that everyone has chosen Split to be their home (but really, who wouldn’t and how lucky are we?).
A topic of conversation the group focuses on often is the question of finding the kitchen staples from our past lives (or rather, from the lives we lived in the countries outside of Croatia). I myself being an expatriate know how hard it is at times to lack the convenience of something as simple as vanilla extract for baking, or my favorite hot sauces from Mexico and Asia. But sure enough, once you’ve lived here long enough you become resourceful, and with that you’ll find much of what you’re looking for by digging a little deeper…
Here are some of the international food sanctuaries you can find in Split when you’re in need of something a bit more exotic.
Interspar: There are two large Interspar stores located in Split at the shopping malls City Center One and Mall of Split. While the store itself seems to have pretty much everything, here you can definitely find some quick fixes for international fare like Indian favorites tikka masala, butter chicken, and korma sauces, Mexican fajita and taco mixes, Asian noodles from egg to rice and vermicelli, instant ramen soups, and Asian stir fry mixes, and much more.
Tommy: While the selection at Tommy is smaller than that of Interspar, you’ll be sure to find Hellman’s real mayonnaise, soy sauce, Tabasco sauces (yes, with different flavors), sushi rice, egg noodles, Mexican salsas and queso dip here.
Billa: A similar offer as Tommy, at Billa you can find soy sauce, Tabasco, stir fry sauces, egg noodles and other Asian noodles, fajita and taco kits, and instant ramen soups.
Mueller: Missing Salt and Vinegar crisps? Or Lay’s brand Sour Cream & Onion? I know when I have a potato chip craving Mueller is the first place I go. In addition to a wide variety of everyone’s favorite crunchy snacks, Mueller also has a chocolate and dessert section that will definitely satisfy your sweet teeth – Oreo’s or Pepperidge Farm cookies, anyone?
Pekinska Patka: A little secret I shared with the expat group was my discovery to the holy grail: Pekinska Patka. An international foods store located in Zagreb, the owner is originally from Split and delivers to Split for only 30 kuna (with no delivery minimum). When I say that this market is the holy grail for international foods, I mean it. You can find everything from curry paste to tamarind, palm sugar, Mexican hot sauces (yes, Tapatio, Cholula, and Valentina), both the popular Thai and American Sriracha sauces, oils, spices, all sorts of noodles, Indian fare and all the Asian, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, and African goodness you can imagine.
What are some of your favorite places to shop when in need of something a bit more…international?
