Discover the simplicity and deliciousness of Dalmatian cuisine, where fresh fish, olive oil, herbs, and Mediterranean flavors come together in traditional dishes like pašticada, black risotto, and seafood specialties.
Simplicity of Dalmatian cuisine
Dalmatian cuisine is essentially a typical Mediterranean cuisine, characterized by the frequent use of olive oil, aromatic herbs, fresh fish, and vegetables. The dishes are often prepared with simple cooking methods such as quick boiling, grilling, or cooking under a bell-shaped lid called peka. People in Dalmatia don’t complicate things – both in life and in the kitchen.
Regarding that, when you see me staring at the open sea, don’t ask me ‘What am I thinking about?’. I’m not thinking about anything at all. I’m merely enjoying the sight.
The simplest dishes, like freshly grilled fish seasoned only with a bit of high-quality olive oil, parsley, and garlic it’s already too much! Don’t make a mistake, when it’s fresh, you don’t disguise its taste. Then you simply seasoned the fish only with salt and olive oil.
Fresh Fish and Grilled Delights
Aside from grilled fish, Dalmatian cuisine is known for delicious fish soups and risotto. Black risotto made from cuttlefish or squid, vegetable risotto, or shrimp risotto are classic Dalmatian dishes you won’t want to miss. Another must-try is the famous brujet – a traditional dish where fish like grouper, scorpion fish, or eel is slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and white wine, and traditionally served with polenta.
And of course, when it comes to seafood, octopus deserves special mention! Whether it’s grilled under the peka, served as a salad, or prepared as carpaccio, octopus offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience every time.
Pašticada: The Quintessential Dalmatian Dish
Pašticada is another Dalmatian specialty you absolutely need to try. This Dalmatian dish, prepared with beef, is typically served with homemade gnocchi and is a part of the menu for holidays and special celebrations. What makes this dish unique is the marinade of homemade vinegar (called kvasina) used to prepare the beef before cooking. The rich aroma and flavors of the pašticada are developed through slow cooking in red wine with bay leaves and dried plums.
The Rich Culinary Tradition of Dalmatia
Due to various geographical, cultural, and historical influences, Croatian cuisine is region-specific, and there are no national dishes universally served across the country. Each region has its traditional dishes and unique methods of preparation, making it fascinating (and incredibly attractive) that a small country like Croatia has such a diverse gastronomic offering and a rich culinary tradition. Croats take great pride in their food, nurturing their culinary heritage within families and happily sharing it with tourists.
Iconic Dalmatian Starters and Dishes
No visit to Dalmatia would be complete without tasting pršut – a traditional Dalmatian smoked ham, typically served as an appetizer in almost every island restaurant or tavern.
It’s often accompanied by cheeses, olives, capers, and the aromatic marinated coastal herb, ‘motar‘. Salted sardines and anchovies also hold a special place in Dalmatian cuisine.
This tradition has existed since ancient times, and generations of Mediterranean people have been raised on salted fish. A few fillets of salted fish, served with olive oil and a glass of wine, make for the perfect appetizer or mid-day snack.
Where can you experience authentic Dalmatian cuisine?
Buy fish from a local fisherman. Get vegetables on a local farm. Meet locals and make friends in Dalmatia. Then the world behind the curtain of tourism will be unveiled.
Or book the tour and let’s cook up an adventure. An adventure that takes you on a hike through the nature of Hvar island, and a boat ride to a secluded bay where you’ll dive into a culinary experience of a lifetime.
The more remote you go, the more authentic it gets. Experience the scent of pine trees when hiking down the coastline. Go for a swim in the open Adriatic sea, scent the blooming rosemary that gives taste to every ‘brujet‘.
Those are all elements of Dalmatian cuisine. It’s not simply taking a seat at the table, but being a part of the world around. Breathing the air, anticipating the fish, smelling fresh tomatoes, hiking through nature, and discovering the people that are a part of this stunning island.
Our own best chefs are regular people who grow their vegetables, and catch their fish. Their food is made with heart, and grown with joy. They truly enjoy the fruits of this remarkable world that surrounds them. Book the tour and be a part of that amazing world yourself.
