The Dalmatia region is packed with surprises for your taste buds. From fresh seafood and fish specialties on the islands to meat dishes from the Dalmatian Hinterland, the culinary experience is simply incredible.
Learn about the unique Dalmatian lifestyle and cuisine!
Living in the Dalmatia region has its own unique charm. With pleasant weather and a friendly local attitude, it’s no wonder residents love spending time outdoors. One of the most favourite daily rituals is enjoying a coffee and catching up with friends at local coffee shops. Nearly every town has its own market, where locals do their food shopping—typically after they’ve had their morning coffee. Markets are lively places where you can experience the friendly banter and playful haggling between sellers and customers, while picking up fresh produce for delicious meals.
Traditional Dalmatian food is part of Mediterranean cuisine with a variety of foreign influences. Because the region has limited fertile land, people have had to be resourceful and creative with their ingredients. Throughout history, Dalmatia has been occupied by different cultures, each leaving its mark on the cuisine. The islands’ food is largely influenced by the Greeks and Romans, while the Hinterland shows a significant Ottoman impact.
Dalmatians enjoy using spices in their food but prefer them to enhance rather than overwhelm the natural flavors of meat and vegetables. Common spices include rosemary, sage, lavender, basil, parsley, and garlic. Olive oil is the star ingredient in nearly all dishes, especially salads, adding a unique flavor that elevates even the simplest foods. It’s no surprise that dipping bread in olive oil is a favorite tradition!
As you may already know, the people of Dalmatia have a great love for socializing. This tradition is reflected in their cuisine, as they take great pleasure in entertaining their friends and family. Even if you are a complete stranger, they will offer you food and drinks, as it is an important part of their upbringing. The host often offers a handmade liqueur called ‘rakija’ with fruits, herbs, or honey to prepare the stomach for food.
There cannot be a celebration without a plate of prosciutto, cheese, and olives! The finest prosciutto comes from the small town of Drniš. This delicacy is expertly dried and smoked giving it a distinctive taste. As for cheese, the best you can get is Pag cheese, an award-winning sheep cheese famous worldwide. The sheep on Pag Island are bred in unique conditions, giving high-quality milk and meat.
One of the most famous dishes in the Dalmatia region is Pašticada, often served on special occasions such as weddings. This specialty is on the list of Croatia’s gastronomic heritage and requires quite complex preparation. The first step is stuffing the beef meat with vegetables. It then marinates overnight in a mix of vinegar, wine, and water. The key part of preparing Pašticada is cooking it for hours, which results in tender, flavorful meat. Usually it’s served with gnocchi or pasta.
Another gem coming straight from the heart of the Dalmatian Hinterland is Arambašići. The pronunciation of its name is a bit difficult, but the preparation is not as hard. This meal is traditional for the Town of Sinj, also recognizable for a popular knights game – Alka. It is held each year on the first Sunday in August to celebrate the victory over the Ottomans. Arambašići also represents a symbol of resistance to the Ottoman Empire. The dish is prepared from finely chopped meat wrapped in sour cabbage and later cooked with dried meat.
Meat and fish are a staple in this cuisine. Peka is one of the most favored ways of its preparation. Essentially, it is meat or fish cooked under a lid covered with hot coal. This dish is filled with potatoes, different seasonal vegetables, and rosemary. It is usually made for family or friend gatherings as there is a larger quantity of food.
After the tasty meat dishes, finally something traditional and suitable for vegans and vegetarians! A very simple savory pie called Soparnik is a must-try! Originating from the Poljica region, this pie is listed as a non-material national heritage of Croatia. The dough is made with flour, salt, olive oil, and water. It is stuffed with a mixture whose main ingredients are chopped chard and garlic. The pie is baked on ”komin”, covered with embers.
As you savor these dishes, you’ll notice that each one has been carefully crafted with a special touch. The people of Dalmatia take great pride in their cooking abilities, and they love to use the freshest ingredients to create culinary masterpieces that delight the senses and warm the soul.
Indulge in the taste of Dalmatia’s seafood cuisine!
Fishing is one of the favored activities among those who live in the coastal area. Most people own at least a small boat and enjoy occasionally going out to sea for a relaxing fishing trip. If they return home with a catch, then they get to prepare delicious meals.
Grilled fish with potato salad is always a great option. But if you want something special, try Gregada or Brodet. The most popular is Forska gregoda from Hvar Island. Layering onions, potatoes, and fish in a pot, then simmering them in a blend of wine and water creates a flavorful dish.. Brodet, a fish stew in a rich red sauce, is traditionally served with polenta.
Black risotto stands out as a top choice for seafood lovers. Made with cuttlefish ink, it boasts a deep black hue and a rich, creamy texture. Croatians also relish clamshell or shrimp risotto, each offering a burst of flavor in every bite. For a light and refreshing appetizer, look no further than octopus salad. Once overlooked, this dish has now become a sought-after delicacy, particularly on warm summer evenings.
The culinary traditions born from the sea reflect the evolution of coastal life, from humble beginnings to celebrated delicacies enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
When visiting Vis Island, don’t miss the chance to try Viška or Komiška pogača, a savory bread pie with salted fish, capers, seasonings, and onions. While Viška pogača sticks to this flavorful base, Komiška pogača adds a delightful twist with the inclusion of tomatoes. Hvar Island boasts its own version of this bread pie, with similar fillings. This simple dish harmonizes the diverse flavors of the islands into a single, satisfying meal.
Dalmatia’s culinary allure extends far beyond land, with its bounty of fresh seafood sourced from the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea. Some enthusiasts even relish the experience of dining directly from the sea itself. Among the region’s culinary treasures, the oysters from the Pelješac peninsula hold a special place. Revered for their reputed aphrodisiac qualities, they pair exquisitely with the renowned wines of Pelješac, creating a memorable gastronomic experience.
Make your holiday a sweet adventure and discover traditional desserts!
Dessert enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven with the variety of sweets this region has to offer. From candied fruits to cookies and cakes, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth!
Candied fruits and nuts are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, or adding an extra crunch to desserts. One such delight is Mandulat, a confection often found in souvenir shops. This treat features crunchy almonds nestled in egg white meringue and crispy wafers—a must-try!
The region offers an assortment of cookies and treats, including Fritule, Rafioli, Kroštule, Starogrojski paprenjok, and Cukarini. These simple yet scrumptious sweets are the perfect pick-me-up when you need a sugar fix!
As you travel across the stunning region of Dalmatia, you will stumble across many fig trees. These little fruits are not only a scrumptious snack when fresh, but their dried form is a flavor explosion! Among the most famous fig desserts is Smokvenjak, crafted from figs and lozovača, a grape liqueur. Naturally sweet figs combined with a bit of lozovača create a delightful treat that’s both energizing and flavorful.
A very popular treat among the Dalmatians is Rožata. Rožata is a form of custard pudding similar to the French Crème Brûlée. Originating from Dubrovnik, this pudding features eggs, milk, sugar, and rose liqueur, topped with a caramel glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Light and refreshing, Rožata is the perfect dessert for balmy summer days.
Those in search of a luscious slice of cake, will definitely enjoy one of these three charming towns: Skradin, Imotski, and Ston are three towns that boast these unique desserts.
In Skradin, only a few housewives know the original recipe that has been passed down through generations. Made from almonds, chocolate, butter, honey, and liqueur, this cake will satisfy your cravings with just a few heavenly bites.
The town of Imotski presents its own almond-infused masterpiece: Imotski cake. It is rich in alcohol and distinguished for its elaborate woven lattice top.
For a truly unexpected culinary experience, discover the renowned cake of Ston featuring an unlikely ingredient: pasta. Filled with a blend of nuts, chocolate, cinnamon, and lemon zest, this unconventional creation is worth tasting.
Experience a region where the culinary journey never ends!
From its Mediterranean roots interwoven with diverse influences, Dalmatian cuisine offers a unique and unforgettable taste experience. Each region proudly showcases its distinct culinary traditions, inviting you to savor the essence of their way of life through every dish.
Spend an unforgettable day at sea on a SeaYou boat tour visiting the Blue Cave, Hvar, Vis, Šolta, Korčula or Dubrovnik.
Choose the most suitable group tour or a tailor made private boat tour.
For all questions regarding boat rental please fill out the form or contact our staff at:
