13 Mouth-watering Must-try Food and Drinks in Dubrovnik
Given the mouth-watering food and drinks in Dubrovnik, it’s no wonder why it is famed as a fantastic foodie destination. Ever since I moved to this medieval town, I have fallen in love with the taste of Croatian food. There is plenty of food to try in Dubrovnik! So, if you are only here for a limited time, I’ve curated a list of some of my absolute favourite food and drinks in Dubrovnik for you to try on your Dubrovnik food tour.
What’s more interesting is that you get your fill of healthy fare without breaking the bank in Dubrovnik! Without further ado, let’s dig in, shall we?
Ćevapi
Ćevapčiči, or Ćevapi for short, is an extremely popular Bosnian meal in Dubrovnik. These kebab-like sausages, made with spicy minced beef or pork, are served with flatbread called lepinja and eaten with raw onions and avjar, a classic condiment mentioned a bit further down this list. It is a simple dish but the flavour combined with the different textures will delight your tastebuds. I highly recommend visiting Taj Mahal as part of your Dubrovnik food tour. Don’t be fooled by the name though. Taj Mahal serves authentic Bosnian cuisine and Ćevapi certainly features on the menu. You will find Ćevapi on most Croatian restaurant menus.
Mussels Alla Buzara
Mussels Alla Buzara is a typical seafood dish from Dubrovnik that is cooked in a white wine sauce and has the perfect flavour thanks to the natural sea salt in the mussels. It’s a dish of magic made from simple ingredients. The thing I find most frustrating about this particular dish is that the bowl of mussels isn’t bottomless. I wish it would magically keep refilling itself!
Black Risotto
Black Risotto, also known as Cuttlefish Risotto, is a culinary gem found in Dubrovnik. The black ink that comes from cuttlefish is the reason why this dish is called Black Risotto. You will undoubtedly be impressed by the glossy black ink’s distinctively deep, dark colour and earthy flavour. Don’t be put off by its colour but do be warned, your mouth may temporarily be turned black! So, this is probably not the best dish to order for any first dates. Restaurants will generally provide you with some lemon to assist with quickly removing any black from your mouth or you could wear it as a badge of honour!
Fritters and Kajmak
Kajmak is basically the cream cheese of the Balkans, and it is pretty similar to English clotted cheese. When this fresh, creamy Kajmak cheese is paired with crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside savoury fritters, it makes for a delicious meal. This dish is undoubtedly one of my favourite combinations and a go to order for a shared starter amongst friends (although I have been known to order it while dining on my own as well). The warmth from the fritters gently melts the kajmak into the dough and it’s amazing. Writing this is making my mouth water! For a little something extra, try adding a touch of honey on top, you won’t be disappointed.
Squid with Potato and Swiss Chard
The cuisine of Dubrovnik is known for its simplicity and rusticity, with a focus on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This dish is no exception. You’ll adore this tenderly grilled squid, which is paired with a delicious side dish of boiled, pan-fried potato pieces with Swiss chard and a small dish filled with oil and diced garlic. If you’re anything like me, that small dish of oil and garlic will be empty in no time! Yummmmmm. Just like Ćevapi, you will find this dish on most restaurant menus. I really enjoyed mine when I dined at Madonna, located in Lapad Bay. It is one street back from the main promenade there and has a lovely terrace.
Peka
In most households, Peka is not a regular staple on the menu as it is saved for special occasions due to the lengthy cooking time and effort required. Some restaurants offer this on their menu if pre-ordered in advance. Peka, however, is not a type of food but rather a method of preparation. In most places, lamb and veal are used, but octopus is a popular alternative in coastal areas. You can use any meat, from chicken to fish to pork. Whatever you put inside, it will still be known as Peka. In a nutshell, Peka a blend of vegetables and meat drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell-like dome, or ispod čripnje. It is cooked in a traditional oven surrounded by hot coals.
I was fortunate enough to receive an invite to a friend’s home one evening when Peka was on the menu. The meat was cooked to perfection, and I overindulged!
Ajvar
Ajvar has always been my favourite of the jar-packed delights and is usually on the shopping list each week. In Turkish, the word ajvar means “caviar”. It is a popular side dish in Southeastern Europe. It’s a typical Croatian roasted pepper mixture that’s also known as “vegetarian caviar”. As mentioned previously, ajvar is served alongside Ćevapi as well as many other meals here in Croatia. Ajvar to Croatia is what a pickle is to America. You can serve it with pretty much any savoury dish.
Burek
In Dubrovnik, you can find this delicious burek, a pastry made with filo and generally filled with savoury fillings, at pretty much any bakery. Burek is made by folding a thin dough with cheese in between each layer and baking it. If you’re ever in Dubrovnik, you must taste this snack. I most recently enjoyed a tasty burek on my way home from a Friday night out in Dubrovnik Old Town!
Rožata
Rožata is a traditional dessert in Dubrovnik, and it also happens to be one of my absolute favourites. Similar to the French delicacy Crème Brulee, Rožata is a classic Dalmatian pudding served with caramel sauce.
Rakija
Dubrovnik is home to an incredibly popular grape brandy known as Grappa, or Rakija, as the locals call it. At the end of a meal, many restaurants will provide a complimentary glass of Rakija to their customers as a digestive drink. Like tequila is to Mexico, Rakija is to the Balkans. A lot of Croatian families make their own Rakija and if you are lucky enough to be invited over for a meal, you may even go home with some!
Turkish Coffee
No other beverage can compare to Turkish coffee, with its rich foam and enticing aroma. A strong cup of Turkish coffee, which is served in small but tasty doses, is something you must try when travelling this part of the world!
Photo credit: Freepik
Baklava
Oh baklava, you are a weakness of mine! Baklava is a star of the delicious, sweet pastries that is also high in nutrients. Honey is embedded within the tender pieces of dough and nuts that make up this dessert. This honey-soaked nut pastry, Baklava, should 100% be on your list of things to try on your Dubrovnik food tour. If you’re heading to Taj Mahal for Ćevapi you may as well order their baklava for dessert while you’re there.
Peljesac Wine
There is no doubt that Peljesac wine is among the best in Croatia. The wine has a deep ruby hue, is full-bodied and well-balanced in flavour, and has just a touch of bitterness. This Peljesac wine tasting is a great addition to your Dubrovnik food tour. A perfect wine to toast yourself for your amazing decision to visit Dubrovnik!
Photo credit: Pexels.com
Conclusion
Croatian cuisine is one of the highlights of any visit to Dubrovnik, as it is both rich and varied. You’ll want to pack your itinerary with stops at well-known restaurants as well as some that are slightly off the beaten track so you may experience local specialities while you’re there. These are just a few of the many mouth-watering delicacies that can be found in Croatia. Have you tried any before? Which one is your favourite?
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