Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, a city populated by almost a million people and still little travelled by mass tourism.
Here, it is possible to sample many traditional Croatian dishes, a cuisine that reflects numerous influences, linked to the country's troubled history and due to its proximity to peoples of different cultures: All of this has contributed to creating a gastronomic panorama that is decidedly varied and rich in flavours, from those closer to Mediterranean tastes, with fish dishes, to those that have been more clearly influenced by Central European (particularly Austrian and Hungarian) influences, such as the excellent meat and spice stews, which are undoubtedly the main dishes of Zagreb and north-western Croatian cuisine.
In any case, you will be surprised by the variety and richness of the Croatian gastronomic offer, so let's take a look at the 10 things you absolutely must eat on a trip to Zagreb.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Zagreb
1 - Pecenje with mlinci or pecenikrumpir
A typical Zagreb dish that is particularly popular is pecenje con mlinci or pecenikrumpir, a dish with Austrian influences. A type of meat, cooked roasted or on a spit, accompanied by roast potatoes or baked pasta.
Recommended for: dinner
Average cost: approx. €6.00-8.00
Main ingredients: lamb, pork and duck, potatoes, baked pasta
2 - Peka janjetina
Photo by Ancula. A great classic of Zagreb and Croatian cuisine is peka janjentina, lamb cooked on a griddle with a lid under ash. This type of cooking, which is suitable for many meats and vegetables, is one of the delicacies of Dalmatia, which you should definitely try.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: €8.00-10.00
Main ingredients: lamb, various vegetables (potatoes, courgette, onion, garlic), rosemary
3 - Zagrabacki odrezak
Zagrabacki odrezak is a typical Zagreb meat dish. It is a veal steak consisting of two slices of meat, the inside of which is filled with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried. A simple dish that you cannot fail to appreciate in its deliciousness.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: €6.00-8.00
Main ingredients: veal, cheese, ham.
4 - Cobanac
Cobanac is a typical dish from the Slavonia region, where the influence of Hungarian cuisine is evident: it is a very tasty dish, a meat stew similar to goulash, very popular during the harsh winters.
Recommended for: dinner
Average cost: €8.00
Main ingredients: the stew includes at least 3 types of meat (beef, pork, lamb or game: venison, wild boar) and vegetables (potatoes, onions, peppers), paprika, garlic and pepper.
5 - Rhizoto
Moving instead towards the culinary tradition of the coast, we see how we get closer to Mediterranean flavours, and one dish you absolutely must try is rhizoto: a risotto (albeit prepared in a different way to the classic Italian risotto), usually made with seafood, or squid ink. A delicacy that gives us a distinct taste of summer and the sea.
Recommended at: lunch
Average cost: about €9.00
Main ingredients: rice, seafood
6 - Palacinke
Let's move on to a delicious traditional Croatian dessert: palacinke (derived from a Hungarian dessert), which is a kind of crepe that is eaten rolled up, and usually filled with chocolate, cream or jam. A real treat for the palate!
Recommended for: breakfast or snack
Average cost: €2.00-3.00
Main ingredients: milk, flour, eggs, sugar, chocolate, jam, cream
7 - Ćevapčići
Another popular dish in the city, which you'll find almost everywhere, is Ćevapčići, a meat dish derived from kebabs, and takes the form of a cylindrical patty made of beef and lamb, cooked on the griddle or grill. In some areas you can also find it as street food, definitely a dish to try!
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: €5.00-6.00
Main ingredients: minced beef and lamb, spices and herbs, often served with chips
8 - Grenadir marš
Grenadir mar š is one of the most popular local first courses; it is a dish of pasta and potatoes, topped with smoked bacon and onions sautéed in butter: a dish of obvious Austro-Hungarian derivation.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: €6.00 approx.
Main ingredients: pasta, potatoes, bacon, onions
9 - Kremsnita
Another dessert we definitely recommend you try is Kremsnita, one of the most popular among tourists, a cake similar to our mille-feuille, made of puff pastry, prepared with a very thick layer of cream and one of cream. In the Zagreb variant, the cake has a delicious dark chocolate coating.
Recommended for: breakfast, snack
Average cost: €5.00
Main ingredients: puff pastry, eggs, flour, milk, cream, vanilla.
10 - Strukle
We close this review of Zagreb gastronomy with another much-loved first course of Croatian tradition, namely Strukle, a kind of baked timbale, similar to our cannelloni, consisting of rolls of dough stuffed with cheese and sour cream.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: €4.00
Main ingredients: (e.g. bacon, horse cheese, ...)
Where to eat in Zagreb: best restaurants, typical places and street food
Zagreb is a dynamic and constantly developing capital city, and both its culture and cuisine reflect its cultural ferment.
Croatian gastronomic tradition offers both sea and land specialities, and it is possible to find places to enjoy good food to suit all palates and budgets. Here are some suggestions on where to enjoy traditional dishes in Zagreb!
1 - Mali Medo
Description: a very central place with an informal atmosphere
Speciality: grilled meat and beers
Average price: from €20.00 per person
Address: Get directions - Facebook page
2 - Amélie
Description: small pastry shop in the centre with a cosy atmosphere
Speciality: coffee and exquisite cakes
Average price: from €6.00 per person
Address: Get directions - Facebook page
3 - Konoba Didov San
Description: restaurant in the upper town of Zagreb with a traditional atmosphere where you can taste typical dishes
Speciality: meat and soups
Average price: from €10.00 per person
Address: Get directions - Facebook page
4 - Dolac Market
Description: colourful and characteristic market in the old town area
Specialities: meat and cheese, honey, street food
Average price: from €7.00 per person
Address: Get directions - Facebook page
5 - Roots Juice & Cocktail Bar
Description: bar offering vegetarian and vegan options, and a convivial atmosphere
Speciality: delicious natural smoothies
Average price: from €5.00 per person
Address: Get directions - Facebook page
