Eating in Croatia is a delicious adventure! I’ve been trying new foods and learning that meals here are about much more than just filling your stomach; they’re about culture, talking with people and slowing down to enjoy the flavors.
Croatia is part of a region in southeastern Europe called the Balkans. This area includes countries like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, North Macedonia and others. Because of the region's location between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, the food here is influenced by many cultures, including Italian, Turkish, Austrian-Hungarian and Eastern European traditions. That means you can find lots of different flavors all in one place!
A popular food that I tried is called ćevapčići (pronounced "cheh-vahp-chee-chee"). These are small grilled sausages made from minced (ground) meat and spices. They’re usually served with flatbread, onions and sometimes ajvar, a creamy spread made from red peppers and eggplant. This dish is very common across the Balkan region and is a favorite for many people here.
I also tried burek, a flaky pastry made from very thin dough and filled with meat, cheese or potatoes. It’s baked in large trays and cut into slices, and you can eat it for breakfast, lunch or a snack.
