15 Delicious Croatian Dishes You Must Try in Split

When you visit Split, you can't miss the opportunity to experience its culinary treasures. Imagine savoring Pasticada, a slow-cooked beef dish in a rich, flavorful sauce, or biting into a crispy slice of Soparnik, filled with Swiss chard and cottage cheese. Seafood lovers will appreciate the freshness of the Adriatic Sea with dishes like Black Risotto and Octopus Salad. And that's just the beginning. There's an array of delightful options waiting for you, each offering a unique taste of Croatian culture. Curious about what else is on the menu? Let's delve further.

Pasticada

Pasticada is a favorite Dalmatian dish where beef is slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce and usually served with gnocchi or homemade pasta. This traditional Croatian meal is a must-try when exploring the charming streets of Split.

To make this dish, start by browning the beef in olive oil. The sizzle and aroma will fill your kitchen! Next, simmer the beef for hours in a mix of onions, garlic, prunes, and prosek, a sweet dessert wine that gives the sauce its unique taste.

It's a labor of love that pays off with tender beef that practically falls apart on your fork.

Pasticada isn't just any meal; it's often saved for special occasions and celebrations. Think of a Croatian wedding or a festive holiday gathering with plates of this delicious dish being shared.

The recipe has been handed down through generations, dating back to the 15th century, making it a true piece of Dalmatian culinary heritage.

Black Risotto

Black risotto is a visually striking and deeply flavorful dish that highlights the best of Croatian coastal cuisine.

When you visit Split, make sure to try this traditional Dalmatian delicacy. The rich, dark color comes from squid or cuttlefish ink, giving the dish its unique flavor and appearance.

Savor each bite of this creamy, savory dish while sitting at a local restaurant by the Adriatic Sea.

The fresh seafood, often including cuttlefish or squid, blends perfectly with the ink to create a bold and unforgettable taste. Garlic, onion, and white wine are common ingredients that enhance its depth and complexity.

Local chefs take great pride in this dish, and you'll find it on menus across Split.

It's not just a meal; it's an experience that connects you to the sea and the culture of the region.

Octopus Salad

Octopus salad is a refreshing dish that shows off the fresh seafood and bright flavors of Split. When you're in this lovely Croatian city, make sure to try this tasty appetizer.

Made with freshly caught Adriatic octopus, this salad highlights the riches of the local seas.

Local chefs start by boiling the tender octopus and mixing it with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. The result is a light, zesty salad that's perfect for warm summer days.

Often served as an appetizer, it's a great way to begin any meal.

Some variations might include onions, capers, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs. But the main ingredients—octopus, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley—stay the same, giving you that true Split flavor.

For the best experience, choose restaurants that get their octopus from local fishermen. This way, you'll taste the freshest and most tender octopus.

Soparnik

Soparnik is one of Croatia's oldest traditional dishes. This savory pie comes from the Dalmatian region and is a must-try if you visit Split. Made with simple, local ingredients, Soparnik showcases traditional Croatian cuisine at its best.

Bite into a thin, crispy crust filled with a mix of Swiss chard and cottage cheese. The Swiss chard adds a slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese. This combination creates a balanced, savory delight that's hard to forget.

To make Soparnik, locals roll out a special dough thinly and fill it with the chard and cheese mixture. The pie is then baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a smoky, authentic taste. This dish isn't only delicious but also a testament to the region's rich culinary history.

Dalmatian Prosciutto

Dalmatian Prosciutto is a cherished Croatian treat known for its salty, dry-cured taste and deep cultural roots.

When in Split, trying this traditional Croatian delicacy is a must. Made from top-quality pork leg, this ham is seasoned with salt and spices, then air-dried for several months.

The result? A flavor that's rich and complex—a true testament to Croatian cuisine.

Usually served as a starter, Dalmatian Prosciutto goes great with local cheeses, olives, pickles, and small stuffed peppers.

Imagine sitting in a cozy Dalmatian tavern, enjoying thin slices of this prosciutto with fresh bread or crackers. It's a simple but delicious way to start any meal.

In Split, many families have their own secret recipes and methods for making this delicacy, handed down through generations.

This strong connection to tradition makes every bite a piece of Croatian history. With its amazing flavor and versatility, Dalmatian Prosciutto is more than just an appetizer—it's a culinary experience you won't want to miss.

Treat your taste buds and explore new flavors!

Fritule

Fritule, a beloved Croatian dessert, are delightful doughnut balls made from flour, eggs, sugar, and raisins, often enhanced with rum, vanilla, or citrus zest. These sweet treats are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that's usually dusted with powdered sugar. They're a must-try when discovering traditional Croatian cuisine in Split.

Fritule are often served at social gatherings, festivals, and holidays, especially during Christmas. These bite-sized delights are meant to be shared, making them a great social snack. The traditional recipe varies depending on the region, with some versions including grated orange or lemon peel, or even nuts like almonds or walnuts.

Fritule have a sweet and crispy exterior, offering a perfect balance of textures. Powdered sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness. They're best enjoyed warm, fresh from the fryer, and are ideal for social gatherings and festive occasions.

To fully savor fritule, pair them with a hot beverage like coffee or tea, or even a cold glass of milk. They're a versatile and delightful addition to any Croatian feast, giving you a true taste of tradition.

Peka

Peka is a cherished Croatian cooking method that involves slow-cooking meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid covered with hot coals.

Gather around an open fireplace, where the aroma of lamb, beef, or even octopus mingles with the smoky scent of burning wood. This is Dalmatian cuisine at its finest.

Peka is more than just a meal; it's an experience. This traditional method ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful, absorbing the essence of vegetables and spices over four hours.

The result? Meat that practically falls apart, bursting with rich, smoky flavors.

Typically, peka is served with potatoes and blitva, a type of spinach. It's a wholesome dish perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

In Split, traditional restaurants and konobas proudly offer this dish, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven or over an open flame.

If you love the idea of freedom in cooking and dining, you'll appreciate the rustic charm of peka. It's a meal that invites you to sit back, relax, and savor every bite while enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Buzara

Savor a dish where fresh seafood is simmered in a garlicky white wine sauce—that's the essence of Buzara.

A staple of Croatian cuisine, Buzara is a must-try when you're in Split. This dish celebrates the sea, bringing together the best mussels and clams from the Dalmatian coast.

The magic starts with a flavorful sauce made from white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Simple yet delicious, this combination enhances the natural brininess of the seafood. Each bite is infused with the essence of the ocean, making you feel like you're dining right by the water.

Freshly caught mussels and clams are cooked to perfection.

White wine adds a rich, aromatic depth to the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme give a burst of flavor. This dish offers an authentic taste of Croatian cuisine.

When in Split, don't miss the chance to try Buzara.

It tantalizes your taste buds and gives you a true taste of the local culture. The best way to enjoy it? With a glass of the same white wine used in the sauce.

Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is another Croatian specialty you can't miss, especially in Split.

Thanks to the fresh seafood available, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Picture a fish grilled to perfection, seasoned with just salt, pepper, and a touch of homemade olive oil.

This Dalmatian dish is all about simplicity, letting the natural flavors of the fish shine.

Stroll along the Riva, Split's lively waterfront promenade, and you'll see many restaurants serving this popular dish.

Each place might've its twist, but the essentials stay the same: the freshest catch of the day, a hot grill, and that fantastic Croatian olive oil.

Whether it's sea bass, bream, or mackerel, you're in for a treat. The fish usually comes with a side of blitva, a mix of Swiss chard and potatoes, making for a tasty and complete meal.

Brodetto

Brodetto, a rich and flavorful seafood stew, has its roots in Venice and has become a beloved dish among Istrians. This Croatian dish is a true celebration of the sea, featuring a variety of seafood like fish, shellfish, and sometimes squid.

The slow-cooking process is key, as it draws out the rich flavors of the ingredients, making each bite a delight.

Along the Adriatic coast, savor this flavorful dish that's been perfected over centuries. Brodetto is often served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the savory broth.

Some of the qualities that make Brodetto special are:

• Variety of Seafood: It includes fish, shellfish, and sometimes squid.
• Hearty Ingredients: Some versions add potatoes or rice for extra comfort.
• Slow-Cooked Perfection: The slow-cooking process intensifies the flavors.
• Accompaniments: Served with crusty bread or polenta for a complete meal.

When you're in Split, don't miss the chance to try Brodetto. Its rich, savory flavors will transport you straight to the Adriatic coast.

Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try an authentic Croatian dish, Brodetto is a must-try. So, grab a spoon and take a plunge.

Sarma

Explore the comforting flavors of Sarma, a favorite Croatian dish featuring cabbage leaves stuffed with a tasty mix of meat and rice.

In Croatian cuisine, Sarma is a go-to comfort food, especially on a chilly winter day. It's a warm, hearty meal that wraps you in rich flavors.

Sarma is similar to stuffed peppers, another Croatian staple. Both dishes combine meat and rice, but Sarma stands out with its long cooking time, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

The cabbage leaves are perfect for holding the filling, soaking in the essence of the meat and spices.

Making Sarma takes patience. The meat and rice mixture is seasoned and wrapped in cabbage leaves, then slow-cooked in a tomato sauce.

This slow cooking gives the dish a deep, savory taste that's hard to resist.

Usually enjoyed as a main course, Sarma can also be a satisfying Croatian snack when you crave something hearty.

Rozata

Rozata is a sweet and creamy gem in Croatian cuisine that you must try when in Split.

This dessert, similar to crème brûlée, is made with sweetened cream, sugar, and eggs, often with a hint of vanilla. It's baked in a water bath, which gives it a silky, smooth texture.

In Split, Rozata is a favorite in local cafes and restaurants, especially in the historic center.

Served chilled with a layer of caramelized sugar on top, it offers a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy base.

Pairing Rozata with a glass of sweet dessert wine can enhance the experience.

This dessert isn't just a treat; it's a staple at traditional celebrations and gatherings, showcasing the heart of Croatian cuisine.

Baklava

Baklava is a delicious, layered pastry made with phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup that you simply must try when discovering Croatian cuisine.

It's not just any dessert; it's a sweet symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. This delightful treat is often dusted with powdered sugar, adding a final touch of sweetness.

In Croatian cuisine, baklava is made with plenty of love and care.

The layers of delicate phyllo dough are filled with a mixture of chopped nuts and sweetened with a rich honey syrup. This combination creates a perfect balance of crunchy and gooey that's hard to resist.

While it mightn't be served with bread, it pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or a custard pudding for a truly decadent experience.

You'll find that baklava is a common ingredient in Croatian cuisine, especially during festive occasions.

It's definitely worth seeking out when you're in Split.

Pita

Pita, a versatile flatbread found in many Mediterranean cuisines, is a staple in Croatian culinary traditions.

In Split, you'll find pita served in various ways that highlight its adaptability. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast item or a tasty snack, Croatian pita is a must-try.

Croatian pita often comes with delicious fillings.

It might be stuffed with cheese, ham, or savory combinations that make your mouth water. Locals love having pita as a side dish to traditional Dalmatian meals like peka or grilled fish.

If you're in Split, don't miss out on this delightful bread.

• Breakfast Treat: Start your day with pita filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
• Snack Time: Grab a pita stuffed with ham and cheese for a quick, satisfying snack.
• Side Dish: Pair pita with traditional dishes like peka or grilled fish.
• Creative Bites: Use pita as a base for appetizers or sandwiches.

Croatian Wine

Croatia's wine scene is a treat for your taste buds. With its diverse wines, especially in the Dalmatian region, you'll find that Croatian wine pairs perfectly with local seafood and Mediterranean dishes in Split.

One of the top red wines comes from the Plavac Mali grape. It has a strong flavor and is a favorite in Dalmatia. If you like white wine, try the Istrian Malvazija. It's crisp and refreshing, making it a great match for seafood.

Here are some Croatian wines to try and where to find them:

In Split, don't hesitate to ask locals about their favorite wines. Trying a few words in Croatian can make your experience even better. Enjoy your Croatian wine adventure! Cheers!

Conclusion

Discovering Split's culinary scene is like taking a flavorful journey through Croatia's rich heritage.

You've got to try the hearty Pasticada and the unique taste of Black Risotto.

Don't skip the fresh Octopus Salad and crispy Soparnik.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Rozata and Baklava, and wash it all down with some Croatian wine.

Whether it's Dalmatian Prosciutto or a slice of Pita, each dish tells a delicious story you won't forget.