What Food To Try in Zagreb and Food Prices

Štrukli - Croatian Dumplings - Soft, cheese-filled dough that's either boiled or baked until golden brown. Often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or snack, locals usually share them among friends over morning coffee.

Čevapi - Grilled Sausages - Small, hand-formed minced meat sausages, typically made from beef or lamb, grilled to perfection and served with fresh bread and onions. On weekends, you’ll find locals grabbing these at street stalls after a night out, satisfying that late-night hunger.

Pašticada - Braised Beef - Slow-cooked beef marinated in wine, prunes, and spices, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish often served with gnocchi. This is a family favorite for Sunday lunches, with many locals enjoying it as part of special gatherings.

Graškare - Pea Stew - A comforting stew made with peas, potatoes, and smoked meat, creating a satisfying flavor profile. Served during colder months, it’s often a nostalgic dish for locals, reminding them of home-cooked meals from their childhood.

Fritaja - Seasonal Omelette - A fluffy omelette packed with seasonal vegetables like asparagus or wild garlic, and sometimes even local cheese. It’s often prepared on lazy weekend mornings when families gather around the table for a leisurely breakfast.

Punjene Paprike - Stuffed Peppers - Bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice and minced meat, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This is a popular dinner dish, often cooked in large batches to be shared among family and friends at home.

Bakalar - Salted Cod - Traditionally made with dried cod that's soaked and cooked with garlic, olive oil, and potatoes, making for a savory festive dish. Usually eaten around Christmas, locals prepare it as a special family meal, underscoring its cultural importance.

Grah - Bean Stew - A hearty stew with white beans, pork, and spices, providing a rich flavor and comforting texture. Perfect for cold days, it’s commonly enjoyed at home, with locals often preparing it in big pots to share with neighbors.

Kava - Kava (traditional herbal drink) - A soothing drink made from the roots of the kava plant, prepared by mixing the ground roots with water, creating a cloudy beverage. Locals often gather in the late afternoon to sip kava while unwinding after a long day, soaking in the social atmosphere.

Turkish Coffee - Turska kava (strong espresso-like coffee) - Finely ground coffee boiled in a special pot called a cezve with water and sugar to taste, served unfiltered in small cups. You’ll see it enjoyed at cafés during leisurely morning chats; just be careful not to order it with milk – that’s a common mistake!

Rakija - Rakija (fruit brandy) - A potent fruit brandy made primarily from plums or grapes, often homemade and served as an aperitif. It's typically enjoyed during festive occasions or family gatherings, especially in the winter months when the warmth is appreciated.

Kolaczki - Kolaczki (filled pastries) - Delicate pastry pockets filled with sweet jams or poppy seeds, often baked to a golden perfection. These are a classic sweet for celebrations such as weddings or Christmas - a little piece of nostalgia that you should taste warm!

Šalša - Šalša (frothy frozen dessert) - Light and airy dessert made from whipped egg whites, sugar, and sometimes flavored with fruit, served chilled and often garnished with nuts. Perfect for hot summer days, locals love to have it at fairs or festivals, so there's always an air of celebration that comes with each bite.