Food in Croatia: these dishes you must have tried

While on holiday in Croatia, you will naturally want to eat and drink well. Eating and drinking in Croatia varies a lot from region to region, so you cannot speak of a true Croatian cuisine. But what does the food in Croatia consist of? We tell you what you can expect from Croatian cuisine, what delicacies there are and what to consider.

Eating habits in Croatia

Croats often don't eat and drink too much at breakfast in the morning. They start the day with sandwiches and croissants, drinking a good cup of coffee, tea or fruit juice with it. Milk is also something that comes with breakfast in Croatia. The food at breakfast in Croatia can be found in French, Italian or even Turkish cuisine.
The food found at lunch in Croatia is very extensive. In Croatia, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. Especially on Sundays, people take extra time to have an extensive lunch. Lunch in Croatia often consists of several courses. Popular foods in Croatia include ham, sheep's cheese and fish or lamb chops. Lobster can also be found on the table during lunch in Croatia. For dessert, something sweet is often eaten. Think, for example, of different kinds of pancakes, palancikas, topped with sweet syrups and fruit.
At dinner, traditional food is often served in Croatia. This food often consists of potatoes and rice served with meat or fish. It is typically Croatian to bread the meat and fish and then fry them nicely. Croats take their time preparing meat and fish and often use leftovers from lunch to supplement dinner.

Snacks in Croatia

Snacks in Croatia are part of Croatian culture and customs. From Istria, along the Adriatic coast, this custom is called 'marenda'. This snack is consumed between breakfast and lunch. Often cheaper, typical Croatian dishes are used for the marenda, such as bean soup with bacon in which leftover ham or sausage are added. Fresh bread is served with the soup, which is dipped in the soup, allowing the soup to be eaten to the last drop.

Besides soup, you will also find a dish with beef or lamb organ meat on the menu and stew with peppers and goulash meat. Restaurants often even have a separate menu for the marenda. When you're on holiday in Croatia, it's fun to sit down with locals to experience this custom. This way, you really get to know the food in Croatia.