Exploring Zagreb¨s Food Scene: A Gastronomic Adventure
Are you planning a trip to Zagreb soon, but you haven’t familiarized yourself with the gastronomic offer or culture? No problem, we will guide you through the important things that we think you should know about Zagreb, but also about Croatian traditional dishes.
Here in Zagreb, we are the crossroads of several culinary influences. For centuries this was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but you must be wondering what Zagreb is now in the culinary terms?
Traditional Croatian Dishes
A recognizable classic of Croatian gastronomy is turkey roast with sheets of baked pasta-like dough soaking up the delicious juices.
Second in order, my personal favorite dish is cabbage roll which is eaten during the winter because of the sauerkraut wrapped in minced meat. It can be served with mashed potatoes.
It’s worth a try, isn’t it?
Zagorski štrukli or štruklji is a popular traditional Croatian dish served in households across Hrvatsko Zagorje and Zagreb regions in the north of the country.
In 2007, Zagorski štrukli was added to the list of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage maintained by Croatia’s Ministry of Culture.
They are special because of the thin pastry in which they are wrapped a mixture of fresh cheese with eggs, sour cream and salt.
Zagreb steak is also a recognizable dish in Zagreb.
Delicious chicken wrapped in ham and cheese, simply divine.
Of course, we must not forget to mention the famous Pag cheese, the Lika “škripavac” cheese, and the Slavonian kulen and čvarke.
And in the end, I almost forgot about sweets 🙂
Walnut and poppy seed cake, that’s why it’s called Orehnjača and Makovnjača.
Local restaurants in Zagreb
Now that we’re familiar with the dishes, it’s time to try them.
If you are a meat lover, or a vegetarian or vegan don’t worry, there is something for everyone’s taste.
Konoba Didov san
This restaurant serving specialties from the Neretva River delta. You will be tempted by Mediterranean, European, Eastern European, Croatian, Central European flavors and aromas. We recommend Didova tava, a traditional veal and vegetables dish prepared in pan. In addition to delicious food, you can enjoy good wine or sweeten yourself with one of the desserts.
Ficlek
Breakfast, lunch or dinner? Come whenever
Ficlek is unique and authentic casual restaurant located in the Zagreb city center, a few feet away from the main square, famous Cathedral and Dolac market.
The menu is based on traditional Croatian dishes made with high-quality ingredients, and wine is provided by local winemakers.
Ježeva kućica
If you are after a place hat has good home-made cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere and a great surrounding, you will be thrilled with Ježeva kućica (Hedgehog¨s house) in Maksimir.
In the pleasant atmosphere of this restaurant, you can definitely enjoy the specialties at reasonable prices, and then also in the location.
Pivnica Mali medo
The ‘Little Bear’ is located in the centre of Zagreb’s old town and offers by far the best example of a pub.
Despite the fact that it sounds like a pub you will be surprised by their food.
Definitely visit if you happen to be in Zagreb during the summer.
Street Food
If you are the type of person who likes fast food and eating from your feet, no problem, we have interesting offers for you too.
We have singled out 9 restaurants that will give you the real taste of street food.
- Lari & Penati
- Soi Fusion Bar
- El Toro Street Food
- Burgeraj
- Khaos Thai,
- Heritage,
- Rocket Burger
- Fun Bobby
- Market
Wine and Craft beer
Winemaking in Croatia has a very long tradition that goes back at least 2,500 years. Today, it is a country with a developed wine culture that recognizes the true quality of wine and enjoys it in a relaxed manner. Lovers of good wine can find wine shops, learn about local wines and taste them.
Below we have singled out a couple
VIVAT FINA VINA – 20 minutes from the main square by tram
VINOTEKA VINTESA – 10 minutes walk from the main square
BORNSTEIN – 8 minutes walk from the main square
VINOTEKA ŠOŠKIĆ – 30 minutes from the main square by tram
Walking around Zagreb you will come across countless cafes and pubs, each with its own story and offer, so it will be difficult to choose where to sit and what to taste. If you want to combine food and drink in one, the right choice is Pivnica Mali Medo,( Tkalčićeva street 36) which we have already mentioned before. But we didn’t mention that they produce 55 types of beer and have the biggest terrace in Zagreb.
Good reasons to visit, right?
OTHER PUBS
Tolkien¨s House
Bacchus Jazz Bar
Bustan Bar
Craft Room
Desserts
And sugar comes last.
A dessert well known to the people of Zagreb, called kremšnita, comes from the town next to Zagreb, Samobor… It was invented during the early 1980s by Stjepan Vincek, the owner of Slastičarna Vincek. It is unique because of a thin layer of puff pastry that is topped with vanilla custard cream, a layer of whipped cream, and a top layer of chocolate glaze that separates this variety of cremeschnitte from the rest. You can try the fantastic Zagreb custard from Vincek patisserie at one of the 7 locations in Zagreb.
Or you can visit one of these pastry shops and discover something new:
Vincek
Slatka priča
Orijent
Cukeraj
La Turka
Conclusion
Croatia is a country where a lot of time and energy is spent on what to cook and eat, we love to eat well, and traditional cuisine is woven into our lives. With that in mind, restaurants also pay attention to their offer, especially those with local specialties.
In any case, when you find yourself in Zagreb or other Croatian destination, especially in Slavonia, try local dishes and accept every recommendation, you won’t regret it.
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