FOOD & WINE IN CROATIA

On the coast, the cuisine is Mediterranean based on fresh vegetables and excellent local olive oil. Dishes often have an Italian flavour. Seafood risotto and black squid spaghetti are firm favourites. Fish dishes are popular - try brodetto (rock fish, sea bass and tuna cooked in olive oil with fresh tomatoes and onions). Inland, the cuisine is more continental: with dishes like cevapcici (beef or lamb seasoned with paprika and local cheese) often served with pura (polenta). Basa (fermented sheep cheese) makes an interesting starter. Desserts are where East meets West. You’ll find rozata (similar to crème caramel) in Dubrovnik and their own version of baklava. The islands and coastline are terraced with vines producing some excellent wines. Look out for Postup, Faros and Plavak for reds and Posip, Grk and Bogdanusa for whites. Inland, the forests near the Plitvice Lakes are renowned for their excellent plum brandies.