Traditional dalmatian food – what’s that? ( guide for a real food admirers)
If you are one of the persons who google about food from the destination you are planning to visit, or just a fellow who travels to discover ( inter alia) gastro scene and food from all around the world, then you have to read this lines! Because, after you search a little bit about Dalmatia, it is time to learn and remember what actually is a traditional dalmatian food! And what kind of plates hides a traditional dalmatian cuisine, either we talk about street food or a la carte restaurants.
(fish carpacio with marinated shrimps)
Taverns and local restaurants first!
If you are searching where to eat in Split and looking for an unforgettable dining experience eating traditional dalmatian food, the best possible place will be a tavern or a small local restaurant.
Tavern (in Croatian konoba) offers you a carefully selected menu with daily fresh fish, traditional local food, Croatian BBQ, steaks and fisherman’s snacks. Top-quality local wines paired with the wide choice of fresh seafood, grill specialities, BBQ steaks or traditional dishes menu, will tell you the story of Dalmatian history and lifestyle. The selection of around 100 Croatian wines you will find at www.diocletianswinehouse.com, and for example the “Roman emperor menu”. Everybody knows that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world, and in this case, healthy doesn’t mean boring and bland. Dalmatian cuisine includes the best Mediterranean recipes with a lot of fish, vegetables and olive oil with a sense of Dalmatia, or Croatia added in it. Simply ingredients are combined into most delicious dishes which are a flawless blend of traditional and modern cuisine.
Inevitable condiments that give this Croatian food its unforgettable taste are rosemary, basil and other Mediterranean herbs. Traditional dalmatian food is are not only light and healthy but also extremely delicious. Although sometimes similar to the cuisine of neighbouring Mediterranean countries, the coastal cuisine of Croatia has many dishes that are unique only to this geographical region.
What should you start with?
So, let’s start with snacks and starters, which during hot days can be your main course.
1. Prosciutto and cheese is the most common starter in Dalmatia, followed by olives capers and olive oil. Dalmatian prosciutto is a bit different from Istrian and Italian prosciutto because it is dried in the Northeastern wind, known as the Bura wind, which gives it a specific taste.
2. Soparnik is another local meal, (link na blog o soparniku). Poljički soparnik’/‘Poljički zeljanik’/‘Poljički uljenjak’ is a bakery product produced from finely ground wheat flour, chard, red onion, olive oil and blended oil (olive oil and sunflower oil in a ratio of 1:1), garlic, salt and water.
3. If you want to start with seafood, try marinated shrimps or salted anchovies, with onion slices and capers. Sometimes, you will be given a pinch of domestic tuna pate.
O yes, we know you are as stunned as the rest of tourists who try for the first time those starters as traditional dalmatian food. But, we have to go further with the main courses of traditional dalmatian food!
Grilled fish can be the jackpot to your palates! All restaurants on the coast serve this dish. Even though it doesn’t sound like anything special, if you think about that the fish is fresh and delivered to the restaurant by the fisherman himself, later it is seasoned with locally made olive oil and herbs and then expertly grilled, it really is tempting.
Black Risotto – This traditional dalmatian food, an authentic dish got the name from the cuttlefish ink which paints it in black colour. Even if it is black, it is believed to be a natural antidepressant so enjoy the dish with the big smile on your face. Usually every restaurant has it in their offer.
Brudet – A sea stew made with all sorts of seafood and fish, cooked with some quality wine. Simple ingredients with a special, and secret way of cooking will make you think of how could you live without it until now.
Pašticada – It is not all about fish and seafood, Dalmatians are also experts in preparing meat. This dish is all about marinated beef stuffed with bacon and carrots, enriched with wine and cooked for at least 6 hours. It is usually reserved for some special occasions.
Peka – Prepared in a fireplace, it is a traditional cooking method under an iron dome covered with embers. It also takes a couple of hours to finish it but it is worth the wait. Octopus or lamb, or veal, are the most popular choices for peka. (www.tastepeka.com)
Sweet at the end!
Fritule – (fritters) If you have a sweet tooth, this is for you. It is a Croatian festive dessert that looks like mini delicious warm doughnuts. Warning: they are highly addictive! Usually, dalmatian mums prepare it for Christmas time, or birthdays or any other happy family occasions. On the street you will see stands with fritule, so you can order it covered with chocolate dark or white, or just a pinch of icing sugar.
Rožata – Also included in the list of Croatian heritage dishes, it is a custard pudding that is similar to creme caramel. A hint of lemon gives it a special flavour. It is not so easy to find a place where you can taste it, but if you are truly gastro lover we’re sure you will find a way!
Some of these meals you can go and choose by yourself with a little help of our guide, on our very popular culinary tour, and the chef of www.diocletianswinehouse.com will prepare it just for you at this special restaurant. Location of the restaurant is 1700 years old, it is actually in the wall of Diocletian palace, so don’t think too much! Book your the best culinary experience ever!
