A variety of foods are found in Croatia because of its varied climate and landscape, and the cuisine is influenced by neighboring countries. Dishes made from chicken, beef, fish, pork, and lamb are common throughout Croatia, while seafood and vegetables are found more in coastal areas.
An inland specialty is štrukli, which is boiled or casseroled cottage cheese strudel. Meals in the countryside are large and made with seasonal ingredients. The main meal of the day usually consists of meat or fish, potatoes, and rice or maize. Urban families have less time to cook than families in rural areas and therefore eat foods more convenient to prepare. Wine is the most popular drink with a meal. Also popular are beer, mineral water, and fruit drinks. Regional cuisines vary, with southern food being somewhat heavier and spicier than northern food.
Breakfast is light and usually accompanied by black coffee. Yogurt is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack later in the day. In coastal areas, people break at midmorning for marenda, a light meal of cold cuts, cheese, and bread or fruit and pastries. A light midday snack is common in other areas, too. Lunch is the main meal of the day and consists of soup, meat, salad, bread, potatoes or other cooked vegetables, dessert, and coffee or tea. In urban areas, dinner usually consists of cold cuts of meat, bread, cheeses, and eggs. People in rural areas may sometimes have a cooked meal for dinner. When eating, hands are kept above the table. Conversation at the table is often lively.
CROATIAN GASTRONOMY
CROATIAN WINES
TRADITIONAL CROATIAN RECEPIES
(only Cro)
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