Traditional Food of Zadar Hinterland

Fish, olive oil and the unforgettable taste of seasoning with Mediterranean herbs, that’s what are generally believed to be the essential elements of Dalmatian cuisine. But that’s only a part of the story, the complete menu includes typical dishes from the interior, the hinterland. They are just as irresistibly delicious and a definite must-try for every gourmet visitor to northern Dalmatia.

Tasty meat specialties

Juicy peka, delightful barbecue or meat prepared on the spit. Regardless of the type of preparation, you’re in for a mouthwatering specialty your palate will truly appreciate. After all, the typical lamb or goat kid specialties are made of locally produced meat and seasoned with native herbs. They tell your taste buds a heavenly story of traditional Dalmatian dishes.

The holy trinity of deliciousness

What better way to start a well rounded Dalmatian meal than with fabulous appetizers? After all, the region is famous for pršut (dry-cured ham) produced with the help of the strong bora wind, excellent cheese such as škripavac (soft, fresh cheese, roughly translated as ‘squeaky’), olives and olive oil. When taken with home-made bread prepared peka style, you get to taste the most appetizing introduction to a great meal.

Trying something unusual

Warm up your tongue with the pronunciation of kaštradina, a dried smoked meat product of a castrated ram or goat (as the name suggests), present in Dalmatia for centuries. It is typically prepared with collard greens, kale or sour cabbage.

Side dish as you wish

Side with potatoes! Simply because there seems to be an endless number of ways to prepare them to make the whole meal so much the better. Potato peka style, with bacon, in any type of stew, baked or grilled pole, the perfect touch for a great meal.

Sweeten your culinary ride in Zadar hinterland

Have a sweet tooth? Then you’re in the right place. With excellent honey from Velebit mountain, home-made fig jams, dried figs and candied almonds, it’s easy to forget about supermarket sweets. In addition, among the most famous desserts of the region there are Benkovac prisnac, an authentic cheese pie, and Skradin cake, made of almonds, walnuts and honey.

Where to?

Just imagine the full taste of a traditional meal, eaten in a great ambiance and wonderful nature. After all, restaurants on the coast may have on their menu traditional dishes of the whole region, but for an unforgettable culinary experience discover wineries, ranches and restaurants in the hinterland. Head to Ravni kotari to discover family farms and wineries in Nadin near Benkovac, combine a trip to Krka National Park or Vrana Lake Nature Park with a stop in the House of Dalmatian Prosciutto in Velim, near Stankovci or, as you spend a day exploring Zrmanja river, visit Mićanovi dvori in Kruševo, near Obrovac. Many of them offer an insight into the life led there, traditional way of growing and preparing food, wine and spirits. Needless to say, they also give you the chance to try food prepared just like their grandma used to do it, according to generations-old recipes.

The taste of tradition

Have you already tried grilled fish? And octopus peka style? Then treat your palate to specialties of Zadar hinterland to get a complete idea of Dalmatian cuisine. After all, it reflects the beautiful natural landscape on the coast and in the interior. It’s a diversity of tastes that take you to culinary paradise. So, have a nice meal!