What to try in Croatia: traditional cuisine and food. Croatian cuisine for children and adults What Italian dish is loved in Croatia
Croatia is a friendly country. Every year it receives thousands of guests who come back here again. The indigenous people are hospitable and pleasant people, and this cordiality extends to absolutely everything, this is their lifestyle. Therefore, if the Croats treat you with food, never refuse, but know that if you have already agreed, you will not leave the table alive.
Croats love variety and abundance. Their cuisine is always a bright and rich bouquet of various dishes and drinks. One weekend and even a vacation is definitely not enough to try all the national culinary masterpieces of this people.
Features of national cuisine
All Croatian cuisine is a kind of cocktail from the cuisines of neighboring countries, but with a large percentage of its own individuality. So, thanks to the climatic zones and their features, the national cuisine in this country is tacitly divided into two main types:
- Cuisine of the Adriatic coast (includes, Dalmatia and).
The whole palette of seafood will demonstrate its diversity on the Adriatic coast. Oysters, various types of fried, boiled and other processed fish, crabs, shrimps, seaweed and other representatives of the water world will undoubtedly delight tourists. - Cuisine of the central region (capital, Slavonia).
In the central part of the country, everything is much more traditional. It is for meat eaters. The local establishments mainly serve beef, poultry, lamb and very little fish. Arabic, Turkish and European cuisines dominate the area.
Food prices in Croatia
Food prices in Croatia are quite democratic, and what is more valuable, they are fixed. Buying a kilogram of vegetables, for example, will cost you about € 1, fruits here are a little more expensive, their price will be about € 1.5.
Cost of other food items:
- 1 dozen eggs - € 1.5;
- 1 kg. buckwheat - € 1.5;
- 1 kg. oils - € 1.3;
- 1 kg. smoked sausage - € 5.5, boiled - € 3.5;
- 1 kg. pasta - € 1.5;
- 1 kg. cheese - € 6;
- 1 l. milk - € 0.7;
- 1 l. water - €1.
All food products are of very high quality, thanks to which gastronomic tourism is very developed in Croatia. Here you can not only tasty, but also relatively inexpensive to prepare excellent dishes.
Food in restaurants and cafes
As in any other country, food in Croatian restaurants is characterized by sophistication and painstaking preparation. If only the best chefs work in restaurants, there may not be such a privileged person in the position of head chef in a cafe.
It all depends on the visitor. Of course, eminent personalities love a “beautiful presentation” in everything, so they are unlikely to visit a cafe. Ordinary tourists, on the contrary, prefer such places to expensive restaurants. After all, you can eat well there, and it will cost 3-5 times cheaper than going to a restaurant overlooking the sea, and the number of calories acquired per meal will not vary much.
Cafes and restaurants of the Adriatic specialize in seafood, the only difference is that in cafes you will be served ciabatta with fried tuna, and in restaurants you will enjoy oysters. In the central part of the country, elite “public catering” establishments will prepare beef for you according to an old Arabic recipe, and in simpler places they will serve mashed potatoes with the same beef cutlet. As always, the choice is yours!
street food
Street food includes various establishments - fast foods, of which there are quite a lot in Croatia. All kinds of grill bars, barbecues, pubs, eateries and bistros representing American, Mexican, European, Chinese and many other cuisines will feed you "to satiety".
The most popular snack here is french fries and burger/ciabatta/hot dog or other types of street food. Of course, Croatia is a European country and its distinctive feature, of course, has become the quality of food prepared even in small eateries. Everything here is amazingly delicious: every dish, every sauce or drink is selected in a special way, creating a delicious combination of flavors.
Food in the markets
Croatian markets are another reason for national pride. All food products are carefully packaged, and both sellers and a special inspection monitor the expiration date of the goods.
In every city there are large markets where they sell literally everything you can imagine: honey, dried fruits, nuts, tea, coffee, wines, vegetables, fruits, fish, meat and other products.
Porridge and pasta can be purchased here, but it is better - in supermarkets, with special promotions. Everything else related to fresh food should be safely purchased at local markets, because it’s very difficult to walk past without being tempted to buy local fruits.
Croatia is an amazing country where everyone can relax to the best of their ability. Whether you are a millionaire or a simple worker who can only afford to eat in a bistro, the quality of food in this country will not differ depending on where this food is purchased, i.e. dinner at an expensive restaurant or a local cafe, diner, will differ only in cost and the availability of servants.
Successful travels!
When I was going to Croatia for the first time, many assured that local dishes were copying Serbian ones. But this is so only at first glance. After wandering through local cafes and restaurants, visiting hospitable Croats at home and reading many books about local culinary masters, we managed to find out a lot of interesting things. And if you choose between the cuisine of Croatia and Serbia, you should start your gastro trip from Croatia.
What are the main differences between food in Croatia
- Manifold. This is explained by history, because it was part of different countries, its ethnic composition changed, and new residents brought new recipes. Trade routes passed through the region, wealthy merchants and travelers lived here. For example, the famous Marco Polo comes from the Croatian Korcula, from a family that was actively involved in trade. It is also important that the Croats themselves have always been open to the unknown, so the dishes and recipes of other peoples and cultures took root, gradually transformed, adapted.
- Attention to detail. People adopted foreign culinary traditions, used new techniques to improve their own, experimented with spices, oils and herbs. Do you know where the most popular all-purpose seasoning mix “Vegeta” was invented? Just half a century ago in Croatia, through long trials and selections of flavor combinations. The seasoning was liked not only by the Croats and the inhabitants of all Yugoslavia, but glorified the Podravka company, which invented it, all over the world. And in Croatia, as well as in neighboring countries, soups are still cooked on the basis of this seasoning, salads are invented, meat is fried in it, and used for any stew.
- Specialties tied to a geographical location. For example, for branded sage honey, I go to the island of Pag. The value of honey is that sage grows in conditions of especially favorable ecology and climate, where even drops of the sea breeze falling on the leaves and flowers of the plant give additional healing properties to future honey.
Different regions - different food and drinks
Most tourists, once in Croatia, make one mistake. Passing through different cities and regions, they eat the same dishes everywhere: someone decides to try something local, most prefer something familiar from the menu. I do it differently: first I make a trip itinerary, then, using it, I make a list of signature dishes or drinks that interest me, for which this or that place is famous. The point is not only in the original recipes, but also in the products that are used for cooking and grow only nearby. I add several places of worship in the area to the same list.
Dalmatia and islands, Dubrovnik
Here they prefer quick recipes, something Italian and Greek is felt, herbs, figs, almonds are actively used in cooking, they themselves make excellent olive oil.
What to try for a sophisticated tourist?
- Fresh fish and seafood, who cook divinely here : sea bream, sea bass, sea bass, mackerel, octopus, cuttlefish, lobster, mussels and oysters.
- Prosciutto, the pride of the locals.
- Frogs, eels and crayfish(look in places where there are fresh water).
- Alcohol: wines “Grk”, “Prch”, “Dingach”, “Vugava”, “Plancic” and “Postup”, as well as the famous cherry liqueur “Maraschino” and herbal “Vlachov” (someone says that it is similar to “Rizhsky balm").
Many islands have their own special dishes that are included in the list of national treasures and are definitely worth a try.
- Pasticada- a rump, which is first marinated in vinegar or wine for a day, and then cooked over low heat for several hours and served in a fragrant sauce with a side dish of pasta or gnocchi. This dish is available in all restaurants in Dalmatia, but if you have the opportunity, go to the Pasticada festival in the village of Veliko Brdo in the last days of September, when St. Jerome's Day is celebrated here.
- Vitalac- a rare specialty of the island of Brac. It is prepared from the liver, heart and lungs of a milk lamb, slowly roasted on a spit. The presentation looks odd. In theory, this is an appetizer that is served to guests while the lamb itself is fried. There are special tours to the island of Brac, which include not only a hearty lunch, but also a master class in cooking vitalac.
- Visovachka Runner- marinated lamb with homemade aromatic herbs, vegetables and hard sheep's cheese, which is best prepared on the island of Vis.
- Tripe Dalmatian with cheese, vegetables and spices.
- Arambashichi- similar to cabbage rolls, but in the leaves of sour cabbage from different types of minced meat with spices.
- Black risotto with cuttlefish.
Istria and Kvarner
Rich lands, gorgeous coastline. A lot of fish and seafood along the coast, excellent meat, juicy vegetables, truffles, if you go deeper.
Here they proudly offer tourists dishes that absolutely cannot be confused with anything else.
- Shrimp buzara in tomato wine sauce.
- Soup "iota" from vegetables and smoked meats, pasta with asparagus and shrimps.
- Fuji and puffins in a creamy sauce with truffles.
- Black and white truffles grow throughout the year. They are searched for by specially trained dogs and pigs. Some agencies offer tourists tours where you can collect a whole basket of truffles yourself. The delicacy is sold in the markets (do not expect that they are cheaper here than in France) and served in restaurants (black truffles with paste are especially good).
- Pasha cheese- the famous sheep's cheese, which is made on the island of Pag. Its feature is salinity. It is transmitted to him from the sea breeze falling on the grass that the local sheep eat. It has a juicy honey look that raw foodists are so attracted to. I advise you not to be stingy and buy a whole circle, and upon arrival, cut it into pieces and give it to your most beloved friends. Such a gift will definitely be to your taste.
- Istrian prosciutto- dried-smoked pork ham. Its preparation is like an old ritual: it all starts with a special diet for pigs so that the meat acquires a certain texture and color. Recipes for spice mixtures that give prosciutto a special flavor are passed down from generation to generation in every family. And they don't repeat. Prshut is the most popular gastronomic souvenir that is brought from Croatia as a keepsake.
- Guilt:“Cabernet” from Poreč, “Malvasia” from Buja, “Sauvignon”, “Merlot” and “Teran” from Buzet, “Zhlahtina” from Vrbnik, sparkling wine “Bakarska Vodica”.
Slavonia
The culinary heritage of Austria-Hungary is most noticeable in the east of Croatia. Fish dishes, sausages and wieners are not spicy, they have a lot of paprika and garlic.
To try real Slavonian cuisine, you should not shell out for expensive restaurants. Choose those that position themselves as good old-fashioned eateries with homemade dishes. What is definitely worth a try?
- Chobanac- These are different types of meat stewed with vegetables and spices. A simple dish that 99% of people are crazy about. It fills with warmth and love for life.
- Kulen- spicy minced pork sausage with spices and paprika. Spicy lovers love kulen, and they also take it with them in a suitcase, like prosciutto.
- Schwargl- an appetizer similar to pork jelly with paprika. For an amateur.
- Sujuk- flattened spicy beef sausage with spices. It's hard to describe, but if you like kulen, you'll like sujuk too. Yes, it looks like Turkish sujuk (from there it got here).
- Alcohol: fruit brandies are very good here - brandy, there are plenty to choose from. Try plum, pear and quince brandy. I advise you to try local wines, for example, "Kutyevachka Grashevina" and "Rainski Riesling".
Gorsky Kotar and Lika
A land of pastures and mountains surrounded by forests, where summers are short and winters are long. Perhaps this explains the modesty and simplicity of the dishes (compared to the sophistication of recipes on the coast).
Locals love food made from cornmeal, potatoes, cabbage, green beans, mushrooms, as well as homemade sheep's cheese and milk, smoked lamb, pork and venison. All that you can quickly and thoroughly get enough. What is a must try?
- Cheese “Skripavac”- homemade soft cow's milk cheese that squeaks when sliced. Pairs well with both dry and semi-sweet wines.
- Alcohol: brandy on plums, quince, forest berries or honey. By the way, do not be surprised if you are invited to try it, drink "one at a time." Croatians are very hospitable. But remember, when clinking glasses, be sure to look into the eyes of the one with whom you are clinking glasses. Russians habitually look at the rakia itself so as not to spill or smash, while the Croats consider this disrespectful. It is not necessary to drink to the bottom. Rakia is sipped so that it spreads warmth throughout the body, awakens the spirit and gives joy.
Northwestern part of Croatia
The cuisine of these places is distinguished by easy-to-prepare, but refined and healthy dishes. Barley and corn bread, meat-based soups and broths, mixtures of vegetables and herbs, fish paprikash, buckwheat porridge with black pudding, various strudels, pumpkin pie with poppy seeds, ducks and geese.
What to pay attention to?
- Cheese "Turosh"- traditional smoked or cured conical curd cheese with spices. Red-red specks on it are paprika. A very unusual thing, each piece is made by the hostess by hand. Also a nice gift for those who understand cheeses. Many tourists learn about it after a trip to Croatia, although in my personal opinion it is more authentic, tastier than Skripavac and Pasha cheese. A sort of Croatian cheese truffle.
- “Meso with a table” - pork meat, which is first fried or smoked, and then rubbed with salt and garlic to marinate in a wooden bowl. This is an appetizer served with alcohol. You can order from many restaurants or try visiting someone who lives in the countryside (barrels of meat are usually stored in cold cellars next to other preparations).
- Zagorsk struukli with homemade cheese - appetizing, hearty pastries.
- « Krapets on propep» in Moslavin and Poslavin is a carp that is slowly smoked on wooden sticks. The result is very tender meat and a thin crispy crust.
- Alcohol: local wines are good, but honey wine stands out among curious drinks " gvirtz(not to be confused with Russian mead). Taste before buying. Most "gvirts" are sweet, but there are also those where spices are added to give them bitterness and sharpness.
Sweets in Croatia
If you look into the old cookbooks of Croatian grandmothers, you can find many amazing desserts made from the simplest ingredients that are always at hand. But what makes them special is the combination of flavors and cooking methods. For example, instead of a biscuit base, here the cheesecake may have a base of butter mixed with biscuit crumbs. High in calories, but softer. Some of these recipes are still offered to invited guests, serving them with modern and sophisticated delicacies.
- « Bayadere"- a signature dessert of Croatia. Hazelnut praline with nougat and chocolate. The best bayadere in the form of sweets (which are conveniently placed in hand luggage) is made by the Crash company. The same cake can be ordered in any cafe, and at family holidays you can stumble upon the cake of the same name, which is based on the same bayadere recipe. Sweets differ in taste and texture from cakes. By the way, the Crash company has a large assortment of sweets and dozens of branded stores throughout the country, where you can buy sets of Croatian sweets, chocolates, cookies and other confectionery.
- "Daddy"-- a cookie that has recently regained its former popularity. It is made according to the oldest recipe based on honey, nuts and pepper. Not bitter in the mouth, soft, sweet.
- "Chupavtsy", as it turned out, turned out to be a copy of the famous Australian Lamington cake. And while some are puzzling over how the Croatian "chupavtsy" got to another continent, others cannot understand where cocoa and coconut come from in Croatia itself, because the recipe is considered relatively old. There is a version that one of the royal chefs somehow dropped a piece of biscuit cake with chocolate icing into a bag of coconut. But he liked the result so much that he prepared a portion of cakes and invited the gentlemen to evaluate the idea. Now "chupavtsy" is one of the most popular desserts in Croatia.
- "Rozhata" served in many cafes. Delicate pudding dessert with caramel sauce and whipped butter cream. The best "rozhat" are found on the island and in Dubrovnik.
- « Schnenocle» looks like pieces of clouds with sauce. In fact, it is prepared like this: first, the proteins are whipped, boiled over low heat in milk, turning into tender clots, and a light cream is made from the yolks, flour and milk, which is then poured over the proteins. Dessert is difficult to find in a cafe, but if you are invited to visit, you can ask the hostess for a small favor in advance (it is very difficult to cook it yourself without experience).
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Food in restaurants
I want to tell you about a couple of interesting things related to restaurant life in Croatia. As elsewhere, going out to a restaurant involves enjoying food and drink in good company. But there are a few features:
- Portions in Croatia are large, and this should be taken into account when ordering. Snacks take at the rate of one snack for two people.
- If you are in a cafe overlooking the river or the sea, then you can sit at a table in the "first line" (tables that are closest to the reservoir) only if you are going to have lunch, i.e. do not plan to just have a glass of wine or a cup of coffee while looking at the landscape. Therefore, when meeting guests at the entrance, the waiters specify whether you are going to dine or not. In fact, there is a simple calculation behind this - lunch involves a larger bill than a regular coffee break, and the waiters give the best seats to those who spend the most money. But if, in addition to coffee, you order something from alcohol and a dessert (or salad), then the place will be yours.
- When they eat soup, here they tilt the plate towards themselves, and while clinking glasses, they look into each other's eyes. When they say a toast or clink glasses, do not drain the glass to the bottom. They only take a sip.
- If the dish seemed tasty, you can not try to finish it to a clean plate. The cook will not be offended by this. It is enough to leave a good tip.
- Pay by card, but carry change with you for tips. So you will better control costs, and you will definitely not be shortchanged by cunning waiters. Check your accounts!
- Be careful when ordering seafood dishes to avoid digestive problems. Order only bottled water (otherwise you may be served tap water, which many here consider drinkable).
Life hack: I advise you to make a list of dishes that you would be interested in trying before the trip. Already on the spot in each institution to order something from the list. I also like this approach: in the city where you want to stay, choose the top 10 establishments near you. Read reviews about specialty dishes and drinks, and based on them make a plan for visiting establishments. So you will clearly know what you eat, and spend every evening with benefit and pleasure.
Street food and coffee tables on the streets
Any culinary inventions of local street chefs should be tried only at large city festivals, where the quality of food is responsible. Or if you at least see what and how they cook for you. Exceptions are, perhaps, only bakeries, where there are a lot of delicious pastries. In autumn, you can catch roasted chestnut vendors on the streets. I do not advise you to try splash and cevape on the street, as well as fish. I recommend buying Cedevita sparkling water with vitamins in any stall (children love it). This is another product that many people bring with them from Croatia (it is sold in the form of a regular powder, which can then be diluted with water).
What other drinks are worth trying?
- Beer "Karlovachko" - one of the oldest in Croatia. A pale lager that has been brewed in the city since 1854. It is exported in huge quantities to Europe, and even Australia.
- Beer "Ožujsko" - also a light lager, brewed since 1893 in Zagreb. One of the most popular in Croatia itself and a sponsor of the Croatian T-shirt team. Under the same brand, you can find "Ožujsko" with coriander and lemon (summer version).
- Beer "Tomislav"- dark beer with caramel flavor. Also among the most popular in the country and the strongest. It was first brewed in 1925 in Zagreb to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the very first king of Croatia named Tomislav. That's why the label proudly says "Croatian Royal Beer".
- Pelinkovac liqueur - bitter liquor infused with wormwood. Someone compares it to taste with "Riga Balsam", but most note the similarity with "Jägermeister". It is drunk chilled or added to cocktails.
- Liqueur "Orahovac" - a spiced liquor invented by the monks. Made from unripe, green walnuts. Many in Croatia use it as a medicine - the liquor improves appetite, heals a sore throat and stomach, helps to cope with blues and nervous tension. The hostesses make the tincture themselves, sometimes adding spices, orange zest and even coffee, but the stores sell excellent Orahovets from the Maraska company.
- Coffee is the favorite drink of any inhabitant of the Balkans. In Croatia, they drink it a lot, sitting at a table in the fresh air. Hot, freshly brewed coffee. Here are their rituals for brewing this drink. When you want to meet someone, you invite the person to have coffee with you. Any conversation, any meeting and acquaintance begins with it. Strong hearts can drink brandy with coffee. Coffee can be served with Turkish delight, biscuit or Bayadere branded candy, but always with a glass of water. And during one gathering in a cafe, you can skip 2-3 cups of coffee. Please note that there are many cafes in Croatia where they simply brew coffee. There are no other drinks in them, except maybe soda, no snacks, desserts and dishes. Just coffee. As a coffee lover, I usually bring a pack of coffee with me from Croatia to brew in a Turk at home (I advise "Franch" ground, but it's best in beans if you have your own coffee grinder).
LifehaTo: after strong good coffee, there is a lot of thick, on which local women know how to “guess”. You do not need to believe in miracles, but divination itself as a ritual looks impressive.
50 best cafes and restaurants in Croatia by city
There is probably nothing more valuable than the recommendations of experienced travelers and tourists. Below is a list of establishments, cafes and restaurants by city in alphabetical order, which I recommend you visit. The list has been carefully compiled by me, based on my experiences and feedback from my friends, including those who live in Croatia, Bosnia and neighboring Serbia. And all so that you can relax there as well as we do.
- : Badi, Buscin.
- : Laganini, Gariful, Giaxa.
- Chakovets: Mali niza.
- : Pelegrini, Zlatna ribica.
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P.S. Of course, it is impossible to describe everything in the article. And if you have any questions, if you have your favorite dishes, recipes and places, write in the comments. Let's share knowledge and discuss.
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Croatia is the pearl of the Mediterranean in the heart of Europe, filled with sunlight, the scent of pines and cypresses. For many years it has attracted travelers from all over the world with its azure blue of the Adriatic Sea and fantastic mountain landscapes.
If you decide to go on a trip to this beautiful country, you will probably want to know about food prices in Croatia, what you should try in local restaurants and cafes, and also how to arrange feeding for your little traveler. In this article, Kidpassage will help you better understand exactly these issues.
Food in Croatia: what to try
We note right away that they are Mediterranean, with elements of the gastronomic traditions of neighboring countries: Italy, Hungary and Turkey. In general, the food in Croatia is simple, healthy and wholesome, it can be enjoyed without fear of gaining weight.
Conventionally, according to the type of cooking, the country can be divided into two regions: coastal and continental. Sea delicacies are very popular in coastal areas. And in the continental part preference is given to meat dishes. A common feature that unites the two regions is that a large amount of herbs are added to the food, which, in turn, makes the food fragrant and uniquely tasty.
The cost of food in Croatia, like in any other country, depends on your desires, preferences and opportunities. Of course, the most budget option is to rent an apartment and cook by yourself, buying groceries in supermarkets and markets. But to rest in another country and not get acquainted with the local cuisine is a crime.
So what is worth trying from traditional dishes?
. Kulen from Slavonia- a kind of very appetizing chopped sausage. Traditionally prepared from pork with the addition of various spices and paprika. Sausage is so popular that the natives even have a festival dedicated to this meat delicacy.
. Prosciutto. There are several original recipes for its preparation, but, as a rule, it is pork ham, which is dried in the sun or smoked on coals.
Soups and main courses:
. wanders- This is a fish dish, something between a stew and a very thick soup. It includes several varieties of fish and seafood, and instead of bread, it is served with polenta, a side dish made from cornmeal.
. Gregada- fish soup. It is also prepared from several varieties of fish with the addition of white wine and olive oil.
. black risotto is a risotto with a large amount of sea octopus added to it. The rice is black because of cuttlefish ink. Unusual for our compatriots, but very tasty.
. Skradinskoe risotto- veal risotto, which is traditionally prepared only by men.
White and black truffle dishes are common in this region. The most famous of them is pasta with truffles.
And now we move on to sweet dishes. As already mentioned, in the culinary traditions of the country there is a desire to cook healthy food. Regarding sweets, this rule is also observed: cakes and pastries are made from cottage cheese, fresh fruits, berries and nuts. For this reason, almost all sweets are low-calorie.
Desserts to try:
. Midzhmurska gibanitsa- puff cake with an unusual filling of cottage cheese, apples, poppy seeds and nuts, sprinkled with powdered sugar on top.
. slave cake- an old delicacy, according to legend, was first prepared by nuns on the island of Rab. Its recipe is kept secret, but any visitor can taste a piece of this cake in a coffee shop or pastry shop.
Croatia produces a large number of wines. Almost every dish is accompanied by a glass of wine, which is usually diluted with water:
. Gemisht- dry white wine with mineral water.
. Syringe- wine diluted with soda.
. Malvasia and proshek- the most popular dessert wines.
Cafes and restaurants
In the resort towns of Croatia, tourists are served by many establishments where any guest can have a delicious meal and enjoy the national flavor. Here you will find restaurants with international cuisine, konoba - traditional restaurants serving mainly national cuisine, as well as cafes, pastry shops and pubs. In addition, fast foods are popular in Croatia.
The cost of lunch in a cafe or restaurant depends on the prestige and location of the institution. Away from tourist trails and attractions, prices are one and a half to two times lower than on the coast.
But lunch in an authentic establishment overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea in a large resort town suggests prices of a completely different order. So you need to focus on your capabilities.
Cafe prices in 2019
So how much will lunch or a light snack in cafes and eateries cost this year? The cost of a standard set (french fries, hamburger and cola in the usual fast foods like McDonald's) is about 4-5 euros.
Walking the streets of resort towns, you can find stalls selling buns or puffs for 0.5 euros, sandwiches, pancakes with filling up to 2 euros, ice cream (ball) from 1 euro.
If you wish, you can also refresh yourself in coffee shops and pastry shops that sell pies, pies, cakes, pastries, drinks and desserts:
. “bela cava” - coffee with a lot of milk - about 2 euros;
. a piece of cake - up to 3 euros;
. pancakes - 4 euros;
. croissant with jam - 1.5 euros;
. cocktails - from 5 euros;
. tea - up to 3 euros;
. coffee - from 1 euro.
Lunch in a cafe for one person will cost about 20 euros:
Pizza - from 6 euros;
. pasta - from 6.6 euros;
. fish plateau - 25 euros;
. a plate with prosciutto and cheese - 10 euros;
. small fried fish - from 8 euros;
. sauces - about 0.5 euros;
. beer - 2.5-3 euros.
Prices in restaurants in Croatia in 2018
Restaurants are distinguished by a higher quality level of service and, of course, a higher cost of dishes. If you do not order alcoholic drinks, then you can dine together in a restaurant for 34-40 euros. Approximate prices in an average restaurant:
Cream soup of shrimp or mushrooms - from 2.5 euros;
. soups - 2.5-6 euros;
. grilled meat - from 7 euros;
. grilled fish - 16 euros;
. risotto with seafood - 10 euros;
. grilled lamb with vegetables - 13 euros;
. salads - from 5 euros;
. chicken with vegetables - 11 euros;
. spaghetti - 9 euros;
. fish plateau - from 30 euros.
Supermarkets and shops
In this country, such large chain supermarkets as LIDL, Konzum, Mercator, Bio&bio, DM, INTERSPAR, TOMMY are represented. Almost all shops are open from 8.00 to 22.00.
Konzum and Mercator are the country's largest supermarkets selling groceries, baby products, home appliances and interior items. And TOMMY stores belong to a chain of grocery stores and are very popular among the indigenous population because of affordable prices. Local residents claim that the cost of products in international networks is slightly lower than in national ones.
Food prices in Croatia in 2019
Prices in city stores can be safely called average European: products are slightly cheaper than in Austria, but more expensive than in Poland and Bulgaria. The peak of the tourist season falls on July-August, but in September and June, when the influx of tourists is not yet so numerous, the cost of food in Croatia is lower.
The following are the average prices for food in shops and supermarkets:
Milk (1 l) - from 0.7 euros;
. sour cream (200 g) - from 1.2 euros;
. hard cheeses (Gouda, Emmental, Trapist) - from 6-7 euros;
. bread - from 0.5 euros;
. sugar (1 kg) - about 1 euro;
. pork (1 kg) - from 5 euros;
. lamb (1 kg) - 10-13 euros;
. beef (1 kg) - 5-8 euros;
. turkey (1 kg) - 5.5-8 euros;
. chicken carcass, minced meat (1 kg) - from 4 euros;
. prosciutto - from 17 euros;
. boiled sausage (1 kg) - from 2 euros;
. boiled smoked sausages (1 kg) - from 11 euros;
. raw smoked sausages (1 kg) - from 15 euros;
. salmon fillet (1 kg) - from 11.5 euros;
. cod fillet (1 kg) - 10.1 euros;
. dorado (1 kg) - from 7 euros;
. trout (1 kg) - from 3.9 euros;
. apples, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits (1 kg) - from 1 euro;
. see paragraph above grapes (1 kg) - from 3 euros;
. pears (1 kg) - 2.7 euros;
. bananas (1 kg) - from 0.5 euros;
. pineapple (up to 2 kg) - 2.8 euros per piece;
. potatoes (1 kg) - from 1 euro;
. tomatoes (1 kg) - from 1.75 euros;
. cucumbers, eggplants (1 kg) - from 2 euros;
. onion (1 kg) - from 0.7 euros;
. leaf lettuce (1 kg) - from 0.6 euros;
. cauliflower (1 kg) - 1.15 euros;
. white cabbage (1 kg) - from 1 euro;
. potatoes (1 kg) - from 0.35 euros;
. eggs (1 dozen) - from 1.5 euros;
. olive oil - from 4.55 euros;
. local red wine - from 3.5 euros;
. beer - from 0.7 euros.
The freshest and most varied seafood in Croatia is sold in fishmongers. We recommend arriving there early, around 7:00 in the morning, so that there is more choice.
. Sardines, sprats, mussels - 2-2.5 euros;
. sea bass, dorado - about 16 euros;
. squid - 10-20 euros;
. cuttlefish - 10-11 euros;
. shrimp - 10-20 euros, depending on the size.
Baby food in Croatia
When traveling with small children, absolutely all parents are interested in the question of how to organize feeding. If you settle in a hotel, then there is nothing to worry about: the food in the hotels is of high quality; as a rule, a good selection of simple dishes is offered; everything is made from fresh ingredients. You are sure to choose what your baby will like.
However, it should be borne in mind that the all-inclusive system is not very common in this country. The most popular meal concepts in local hotels are "breakfast" or "half board" (breakfast - dinner).
The quality of food in hotels is quite high, but there is not such a variety as, say, on or. Not far from the hotels there are numerous canteens, snack bars and restaurants where you can have a hearty meal and feed your child.
When planning a trip, be sure to check with the tour operator how children's meals are organized at the selected hotel, and study the reviews of tourists. If you decide to feed yourself, you can buy baby formula and purees in stores and supermarkets. All dairy products and baby food in Croatia meet the highest European requirements and standards.
In stores, pharmacies and supermarkets, canned purees from such well-known manufacturers as Hipp, Nestle, Bebivita, Frutek, Nan milk formulas, juices and dry cereals Hipp and Humana are widely represented.
Of the national producers, good and tasty cereals from the Lino company can be noted. Our young gourmets will definitely like the Dukat dairy products of the Dukatino series - these are children's yoghurts and curds. The only thing parents should pay attention to is that in Croatia it is quite difficult to find monocomponent purees and dairy-free cereals.
Finding monocomponent purees in Croatian supermarkets is a rarity. Almost all canned purees are presented in the form of stews, which include several types of vegetables or meat with vegetables. If you prefer to give your baby single-component purees, then it's easier to take a blender with you on the road. It won’t take up much space, but it will save you some worries: with the help of a blender, you can easily cook your usual food on your own. The second option is to stock up on a batch of mashed potatoes before you leave.
If the child is very small, then it is better to choose apartments and hotels in larger resort towns where there are shops, pharmacies and hospitals. It is advisable to immediately find out their location upon arrival.
When ordering seafood dishes in cafes and restaurants, it should be borne in mind that they can provoke severe allergies in children. Therefore, giving children to try seafood should be done with great care.
In restaurants and cafes, do not be afraid to ask the waiter to make the dish less peppery or cook it without spices. The administration and staff always meet the needs of their customers and will be happy to prepare a “lighter” version of the dish for your baby.
We will be glad if our article was useful for you when planning a budget. And if you have not yet decided which one to go to, our author's collection will help you make the right choice.
The main barometer of restaurant prices is the capital of Zagreb: in other cities, prices are about the same. For obvious reasons, the cost increases only in seaside restaurants.
An example of prices in the menu of restaurants for tourists - please note that the rate of 1 Croatian kuna is equal to 10 rubles (as of September 2017). Prices are given in kunas.
- Mushroom soup - 10.
- Chicken or turkey with vegetables - 30-40.
- Grilled steak - 40-45.
- Pork chops - 35.
- Seafood - 28-32.
- Juice - 10-15.
- Dessert (medium-sized cake and coffee) - 15-18.
In cafes and various fast food establishments, prices are lower, although the assortment is simpler:
- baking - 2-2.5;
- boiled or baked corn - 10 per cob;
- roasted or baked chestnuts - 10 per bag.
Prices for food and alcohol
There are a lot of chain supermarkets in Croatia, the main ones being LIDL and Konzum. The network "Natura Croatica" is very curious - a small one, but selling exclusively environmentally friendly products of local production.
The cost of food
The cost of a standard traveler's food package in Croatia is as follows (in kunas):
- sausage - 50-55;
- chicken (fillet) - 20;
- minced beef - 25, tenderloin - 50;
- pork loin - 25;
- Croatian salami - 70;
- there is a lot of fish and it is diverse, the leaders are salmon steaks - 120;
- shrimp and other seafood - 65-85;
- apples - 6-8;
- grapes - 15;
- pears - 8-10;
- cheese - 60;
- olive oil - 40-45 per bottle of 0.5 liters.
Wine, spirits
Winemaking is developed in Croatia - so much so that even Italian tourists show interest in local products, highly quoting local red dry.
- White wine - from 20 kunas per liter.
- Red wine - from 18 kunas per liter. It is possible to buy wine in plastic kegs of 3 liters for only 40 kunas.
- Beer - from 6 to 13 kunas.
- Local vodka (rakia) - from 35 kunas.
- Rum - from 40 kunas.
Prices in shops and shopping centers
There are many interesting shopping centers in Croatia, but the main ones are located in the capital - Zagreb. We recommend visiting at least the following.
- WESTGATE Shopping City. This giant is located to the west of the capital, and it has literally everything in its assortment - from cheap souvenirs to clothes of European brands worth several thousand dollars.
- City Center One Zagreb East is a shopping complex to the east of Zagreb.
- Importane Gallery II: Molls - in the capital itself, on Vlaska Street.
In Croatia, they make not only authentic handmade ceramics, but also quite modern dishes - very functional and comfortable. There are factories of the French brand Luminarc here, so there are a lot of products for every taste, color and budget - from 12-15 kunas.
Souvenir dishes will cost more: a set with paintings in the national style costs about 30 kunas.
Croatia has a lot of high-quality antiques, mostly Western European and Italian. Many items with history from Hungary: wonderful silver items from the first third of the 20th century are especially highly valued.
Jewelry
The country does not offer jewelery connoisseurs any mind-blowing discounts on gold. The checks here are Central European: the cost consists of imports of German and Italian metals. The average cost of a gram is 200-220 kunas.
The original Croatian jewelry brand is "Morčić", depicting the head of a Moor in a white turban. It is made from both base metals and gold with precious stones. A memorable gift - the cost of the smallest models is 100-130 kunas.
Shoes and clothes
Classic shopping in Croatia is concentrated in large cities - Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Basically, these are democratic brands of the middle segment - Sisley and Benetton: as you understand, this country does not claim to be the luxurious capital of Europe. But decent and comfortable things are in abundance here and at pleasant prices, which are on average comparable to those in Moscow (for convenience, we will quote them in euros):
- sneakers - 50-60 euros;
- sweatshirts - 10-20 euros;
- branded jeans - 110-130 euros;
- dresses - 40 euros;
- hats - 15-20 euros;
- leather shoes - 40-50 euros.
Souvenirs and gifts
When eyes widen at the sight of souvenirs, this is about Croatia. Choose: there is both delicious gastronomy and symbolic souvenirs. Prices are often given in euros as most tourists are from Europe.
- Truffles and truffle paste. Obscure to Russians, but a tasty product - from 9 euros per 100 g.
- Postcards - 3 kunas, commemorative coins - 20, dolls in national clothes - 55-60.
- Leather products - belts, wallets, purses: from 80 kunas.
- Olive oil - from 70 kunas, the famous Pag cheese - about 200 per kilogram.
- Ties made of the finest Croata silk. Between Croatia and Hungary there is still a rivalry in the invention of this toilet detail. But in any case, here they are excellent and cost from 50 to 150 kunas.
- “Licitar heart” is the name of a delicious cake with honey, which is one of the national symbols. That's it, neither more nor less. Price - from 100 kunas.
- Penkal handles. Something, but fountain pens were definitely invented here - a scientifically established fact. Therefore, you simply have to buy a souvenir writing instrument. The cost is from 45-50 euros.
Croatia is a paradise for gourmets. Homemade pasta, the freshest seafood, flavorful wines… All this is waiting for you here.
Coastal region of Croatia, Dalmatia, is famous for its incredibly delicious food. Here's what every self-respecting tourist who ends up here needs to try:
1 Octopus
This photo might make you feel a little uncomfortable. But you should still try this dish. You can also order an octopus salad, which includes octopus, olives, capers and olive oil.
2. Oysters
Dalmatia is famous for its seafood. Oysters come from two small villages located on the Peljesac peninsula, an hour's drive north of Dubrovnik. Just look how big they are. They can even be ordered baked, which means that they will be covered with a delicious cheese crust.
3. Carpaccio
Carpaccio, or thinly sliced raw meat and fish, is a popular dish along the coasts of Croatia. In addition to the usual varieties, such as tuna and beef, some restaurants also serve a vegetarian version of this dish, such as zucchini carpaccio.
4. Seafood risotto
It is impossible to go wrong when ordering seafood in one of the Croatian restaurants. They are always fresh here.
5. Risotto with cuttlefish ink
Black risotto is a Dalmatian specialty. It is not only incredibly tasty, but also unique - after it your tongue turns black.
6. Bread with olive oil
Most likely, you have never associated Croatia with olive oil, but here it is produced in large quantities. In most konobas (in Croatian, a restaurant with traditional cuisine), bread with olive oil is served as an appetizer.
7. Cheese
Most of the cheeses here are homemade, so they are always fresh and tasty.
8. Local wine
Unfortunately, Croatian wines are not exported to other countries of the world, so you are unlikely to have heard of them. Wineries in the center of the country make white wine, and in Dalmatia - red.9. Homemade Pasta
Croatia is known for its pasta. And all thanks to the neighborhood with Italy. The locals just love spaghetti, pasta and gnocchi.
10. Burek
Burek is an exhaust dough with meat, vegetables or cheese. The roots of this dish go back to the times of the Ottoman Empire. Usually Croatians cook it in a large frying pan and then cut it into small squares. Burek can be bought at any bakery.
11. Chevapi
It seems to be just sausages with spices, which are served with bread and various side dishes, but they are cooked in such a way that this unpretentious dish turns into an exquisite delicacy. Locals prefer to eat them with ketchup. Cevapi can be bought at any fast food, which are located on every corner in Croatia.
12. Alcoholic drinks
Croatia is famous for its fruit liqueurs, which are made from wine or fermented juice, and rakija. They are used as an aperitif or digestif.
13. White fish with blitz
White fish with blive is one of the traditional Croatian dishes. The locals eat it several times a week, so you should definitely try it. The fish is prepared quite simply, in olive oil with spices, and the blive is chard with potatoes.
14. Almond Cake
Traditional Croatian cake made from almonds and cottage cheese.