What Food To Try in Split and Food Prices

Peka - Meat and vegetables under a bell - A slow-cooked dish featuring lamb or octopus, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, all sealed under a metal dome known as "bell." Locals enjoy it during Sunday family gatherings, and it’s always better shared with loved ones around a table.

Pašticada - Braised beef stew - This rich dish consists of marinated beef cooked with red wine, prunes, and a blend of spices, served with gnocchi or homemade pasta. Typically savored during festive occasions or Sunday dinners, it’s a perfect hearty meal that truly warms your soul.

Fritule - Mini doughnuts - These tiny, fluffy fritters are made with flour, eggs, sugar, and a hint of citrus zest, often dusted with powdered sugar. You can find them at local festivals, and they’re immensely popular among locals, especially during winter holidays.

Čevapi - Grilled minced meat - These flavorful, finger-sized sausages made from minced beef and spices are often served with onions and a side of flatbread. They’re popular street food, enjoyed any time of day, but locals particularly love them for lunch while sitting outside in the sun.

Šporki makaruli - Dirty macaroni - This local specialty is a hearty baked pasta dish prepared with rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. It's often shared at gatherings, bringing together flavors of the Dalmatian countryside.

Grilled sardines - Riblji ražnjići - Fresh sardines marinated with garlic and olive oil, then grilled over an open flame to achieve a smoky flavor. Traditionally eaten during summer, locals often enjoy them during waterfront picnics, feeling the sea breeze.

Soup - Maneštra (seasonal vegetable soup) - A hearty soup with a mix of seasonal vegetables and pulses, sometimes featuring smoked meat for added depth. Often prepared on colder days, it's a comfort dish that brings warmth in the chilly months, reflecting the heart of the countryside.

Espresso - Kava (strong coffee) - A rich, dark coffee made from finely-ground coffee beans brewed under high pressure. It’s a beloved morning ritual for locals, often accompanied by a small piece of chocolate, and best enjoyed at the bar, standing, while chatting with friends.

Aqua de Mineral - Mineralna voda (mineral water) - Refreshing natural spring water that is fizzy or still, depending on preference. It's the go-to drink on hot summer days when lounging at the Riva, and it’s super common to order it with a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing.

Rakija - Rakija (fruit brandy) - A potent spirit distilled from fermented fruit like plums or grapes, typically enjoyed as an aperitif. Locals often sip it slowly during family gatherings or special occasions; just watch out for that first shot, it can sneak up on you!

Štrukli - Štrukli (pastry dish) - A delightful pastry filled with fresh cheese, either boiled or baked to perfection, served warm, often topped with sour cream. Popular at celebrations, it’s a savory sweet you won’t forget - I once mistakenly ordered it as a dessert!

Sladoled - Sladoled (ice cream) - A creamy frozen treat, usually made with fresh local fruits; try the fig flavor for something truly seasonal. Enjoy it at local festivals during the summer months while wandering along the waterfront; it’s the perfect sweet escape from the heat!