You find yourself in Croatia, where food seems to encircle you everywhere; the smells follow you, the bakeries fill every corner, the markets are bustling, and the grills are burning. One small problem: you’ve spent all your money on your last month’s travels and you are worried you’ll be starving in a city full of temptations and sensations.
Lucky for you, eating in Croatia can be found inexpensively and equally as fulfilling, satisfying both your belly and your wallet.
Here is your guide to eating your way through Croatia, on a budget.
Breakfast: go to the bakeries and grab a burek. This greasy, chewy, cheese stuffed phyllo dough pastry is the perfect treat to fill your belly, or nurse your hangover. You can usually get a large piece at a bakery for no more than 10kn, and oftentimes you’ll find meat filled ones as well! Other options for breakfast are to raid our open air markets for fresh fruits, honeys, and nuts. You’ll be surprised at how cheap you can actually get produce, and we mean a lot of produce.
Photo courtesy of Dubravica
Lunch: Fast food places are always a good option, unless you’re really trying to eat sans fried foods or bread. Our fast food stands offer up anything from burgers to hot sandwiches, pizzas and kebabs, and sometimes even you will find a salad or two on the menu! Many on the coast also offer seafood options like fried calamari or fried small fishes. Nothing should ever be more than 50kn on the menu, at the most. You can also get the ever so filling ćevapčići in a lepinja for under 30kn.
Bakeries are also a good stop for lunch as many do offer tortilla wraps filled with chicken, tuna, ham & cheese, or veggie. You’ll also find slices of pizzas here and calzones, even bruschetta – almost always under 20kn.
Photo courtesy of Washingtonian
Dinner: This is where most people get nervous about spending too much but don’t worry! So long as you’re not ordering a first class fish or fine cute meat our Croatian prices are fairly reasonable. Basic pastas should never cost you more than 80kn. Ćevapčići plates are usually always around 50kn, and they’ll come with a side of pomfrit. Pizzas are always cheap, and should never set you back more than 70kn tops, side salads will never be more than 15kn.
Photo courtesy of pinterest.com
Dessert: Go to palačinke stands, get scoops of ice cream, pick up some fritula – desserts can usually always be found inexpensively.
Photo courtesy of gastro.24sata.hr
Some other pro tips: buy necessities at the supermarkets when you can. Items such as waters, alcoholic beverages, juices, and coffee will always be cheaper that way. If you’re staying in an apartment or hostel, utilize the kitchen. Cooking yourself one meal a day could really make the difference in your bank account. Use our open air markets, and fill up on the good stuff.
There are plenty of ways to save money while traveling through Croatia – utilize them!
