Southeast Europe
Food of Croatia
The 6 most iconic national dishes of Croatia — real photos, key ingredients and tasty facts behind every plate.
Europe
Pašticada
A classic Dalmatian beef dish in which the meat is marinated, larded and braised slowly in a rich sweet-sour sauce. It is deeply savory, slightly fruity and traditionally served with gnocchi.
Did you know?
Pašticada is especially associated with Split and festive Sunday or wedding meals in Dalmatia.
Ćevapi
These small grilled minced-meat sausages are a beloved everyday favorite across Croatia. They are smoky, juicy and commonly served with flatbread, chopped onions and ajvar.
Did you know?
Ćevapi are shared across the Balkans, but they became a staple of Croatian grill culture and casual dining.
Sarma
Sarma consists of cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of minced meat and rice, then simmered until tender. The flavor is hearty, tangy and especially popular in colder months.
Did you know?
In Croatia, sarma is particularly tied to winter family meals and holiday tables.
Crni rižot
A striking Adriatic seafood risotto colored black with cuttlefish or squid ink. It has a briny, intensely marine flavor and a glossy dramatic appearance.
Did you know?
Crni rižot is one of the most recognizable seafood dishes on Croatia’s Adriatic coast.
Burek
Burek is a flaky baked pastry made from thin layers of dough filled most often with meat or cheese. It is rich, crisp and widely eaten as a quick meal or snack.
Did you know?
Though found across the former Ottoman world, burek is a fixture of Croatian bakeries and late-morning breakfasts.
Vitalac
A traditional island dish of skewered lamb offal wrapped in caul fat and roasted over an open fire. It is intensely savory and distinctly rustic, with a texture and flavor prized by locals.
Did you know?
Vitalac is a protected traditional specialty from the island of Brač and is considered one of Croatia’s most unusual heritage dishes.