Everyone’s favorite US based “social news and entertainment company” BuzzFeed has caught on to our famous Croatian (specifically Dalmatian) delicacies. BuzzFeed staffer Annie Daly has narrowed it down to 15 things you must eat and drink in Croatia. Here goes!
1. Octopus: Daly explains that although the look of it might make you squeamish, you have to f&*$ing try it. Further explaining how you can eat it with a knife and pretend it’s a sausage, Daly uses our famous octopus salad as an example, prepared with olives, capers, and olive oil.
2. Oysters: As Dalmatia is known for these, Daly explains that most oysters come from Ston and Mali Ston. After talking about the size of our oysters here (yes, they are big), Daly suggests you can even order them baked…with cheese.
3. Carpaccio: Popular in Croatia and on most menus, Daly talks about carpaccio being so famous in Croatia because we are right across the sea from Italy, where it originated. We offer our carpaccio in tuna, beef, or even vegetable!
4. Seafood Risotto: Suggesting that you can’t go wrong with anything coastal in Croatia, Daly talks about how our Adriatic sea is super fresh with no big industries, making our sea and fish even fresher too.
5. Cuttlefish Black Risotto: A well known Dalmatian specialty and a given to leave your tongue black (as Daly thinks is the best souvenir), this is delicious and our staple.
6. All of the bread and olive oil: Although some may not think of Croatia as an olive oil country (who?), we have some of the best olive oils here. Daly adds that nearly every konoba will serve you tableside bread and olive oil with your meal, hoping you have enough willpower to not eat all of it.
7. And the cheeeeeeese: Local. Fresh. Daly tells you to get it from Mljet, we say you can get it anywhere.
8. Local wine: 300 defined wine regions throughout Croatia with a hugely undeveloped export market – which is why many around the world have yet to try it. Daly speaks about how inland Croatia produces more of the whites, Dalmatia more of the reds, and most importantly you have a glass with every meal.
9. Handmade pasta: Known for our pasta, much like our Italian neighbors, Daly says that local favorites are macaroni, spaghetti, and gnocchi.
10. Burek: A given. Daly explains what it is, how it’s been around since the Ottoman Empire, and is the perfect drunk munchie (we agree). Although many like it homemade, our pekaras make them just as well.
11. Čevapi: Another given. Suggesting that you can get it with a bunch of toppings like onions and tomatoes, Daly says that the locals prefer to eat it with ketchup. What about just red onions and ajvar?
12. All of the spirits: Well known for our fruity liquors and rakijas, we drink these before a meal to warm up our palate, and after a meal to help us digest (true). Warning from Daly: even though they may not taste alcoholic, they are.
13. White fish and blitva: One of the most traditional Dalmatian dishes, Daly says most locals will make this at home for dinner a couple times a week, making it a “must try”. A local once told her we’re known as “the chard people” around the country because of how much swiss chard (blitva) we eat…we’ll take it.
14. Almond cake: A traditional almond cake made with almonds and cheese, perfect for birthdays, specials occasions, and growing up.
15. Rožata: Found heavily in Dubrovnik, rozata is our floral and sweet perfect custard treat.
Thank you, Annie Daly. We like our food, wine, and alcohol too. You can read the full article here.
