16 wonderful Croatian foods everyone should know and love

(Zolakoma/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0) Archant

Warning: this list of snacks, street food and traditional Croatian dishes will ruin any healthy diet you’re attempting

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(Vige/Flickr/CC BY 2.0) (Vige/Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

1. Cokolino

What is it and why is it awesome?

This instant cereal is full of chocolatey goodness - sure it looks like it’s just Croatian baby food, but this oat-based chocolate breakfast is basically food of the gods. Plus it’s super versatile, add lots of warm milk and drink it, or add less for thick choco porridge.

2. Smoki

What is it and why is it awesome?

Imagine if you took a cheesy puff and replaced the cheese with peanut butter. YES.

3. Linolada

What is it and why is it awesome?

This white chocolate and hazelnut spread is best enjoyed with a spoon, straight from the jar - but can be used as a pancake filling or spread onto bread if you’re feeling civilised.

4. Kiki

What is it and why is it awesome?

Fruit-flavoured chewy toffee that every Croatian child has tried. Found in every supermarket, house, car, handbag… you get the idea.

5. Domacica

What is it and why is it awesome?

Kras have been making these yummy chocolate-coated tea biscuits (whose name translates as ‘housewife’) since 1957 . If you can eat just one without going back for more then you’re a liar.

6. Sarma

What is it and why is it awesome?

This savoury mince meat and rice wrapped up in a cabbage leaf and slow-cooked = a parcel of deliciousness.

7. Jota

What is it and why is it awesome?

A warming stew made with beans, spare ribs and sauerkraut. Comfort food at its finest.

8. Pasta fazol (pasta and bean soup)

What is it and why is it awesome?

Made with smokey bacon, white beans, paprika and pasta, this wholesome, warming soup is exactly what you need on a cold evening.

9. Cevapi

What is it and why is it awesome?

Although it’s not technically from Croatia, this Balkan street food could still count as one of Croatia’s national dishes. Almost like a pork and beef sausage but without the skin, cevapi are grilled and piled onto flatbread to be devoured. Heaven.

10. Cedevita

What is it and why is it awesome?

This brightly coloured “healthy” drink is a household name in Croatia - just stir the powder into water and you’re ready to go.

11. Dingac

What is it and why is it awesome?

A delicious full-bodied red wine - made with the Plavac Mali grape in the Dalmatia wine growing region. Awesome because… wine.

12. Burek

What is it and why is it awesome?

On the counter of any self-respecting Croatian bakery, this spiral of rolled filo pastry filled with minced beef is amazing anytime of day, but PERFECT eaten late at night after a couple of bottles of Ožujsko.

13. Mlinci

What is it and why is it awesome?

Super-thin pieces of flatbread soaked in water (or soup) and then fried. Mind blowing when served with roast duck.

14. Čvarki

What is it and why is it awesome?

Basically a pork scratching, Croatian-style. What’s not to like about crunchy, salty pork rind?!

15. Pršut

What is it and why is it awesome?

This thinly sliced dry-cured ham melts in the mouth. So good there’s even a Festival of Pršut in Drniš, to celebrate the ham in all its salty goodness.

16. Kulen

What is it and why is it awesome?

Spicy sausage packed with hot red paprika and pork. Just delicious.

What else should have made this list? Tweet us @theneweuropean