Croatian Appetizers: 5 must-try starters that set the scene

A great meal starter

Embark on a journey through Croatian cuisine as we delve into the world of appetisers, or starters that make the country’s culinary scene so good. 

Croatia boasts a diverse and flavourful array of dishes that reflect the country’s cultural heritage. In this article, we’ll uncover five delectable starters that are part of Croatian food culture. 

SOUP

Soups or juha

Soup, known as “juha” in Croatian, makes for a delightful appetiser to kick off a meal. Numerous eateries offer homemade soups featuring a diverse array of flavours. Croatians have a fondness for initiating their meals with soup, regardless of the season. We suggest trying either a hearty beef or a flavourful fish soup, if fish is the theme of the meal.

Fish soup

OCTOPUS SALAD 

Octopus salad

Ideal for the summertime, the key to its exceptional taste lies in the abundance of freshly caught octopus in Croatia. It undergoes a boiling process, gets finely chopped, and is then skilfully blended with a flavourful dressing (comprising olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and lemon).

PRŠUT/CURED MEATS & CHEESE

(Photo: CroChef/Zagreb Tourist Board)

These appetisers are so good that they could easily pass as main courses. Home-cured ham known as pršut, is considered a culinary must-experience. The distinct flavour and texture of pršut are attributed to the bura winds that descend to the coast, facilitating the drying process. Croatia also boasts a number of award-winning cheeses, and if given the opportunity, sampling some Paški sir—cheese from the island of Pag—is highly recommended.

Pršut

MARINATED ANCHOVIES IN OLIVE OIL 

Salted anchovies

A fantastic starter with bread to open up the appetite. Anchovies, marinated in wine vinegar and lemon, go best with good quality olive oil, homemade bread and even sliced onions. Wash it down with some wine.

SOPARNIK 

Soparnik

Soparnik is typically a savoury pastry filled with Swiss chard, referred to as blitva in Croatia. This culinary delight stands out as the most renowned specialty originating from the Dalmatian region of Poljica It is hard to find on menus but there are a few, like Vinodol in Zagreb, which offer it.