Advent in Zagreb: Grandma’s classic dishes at Tringelt

Sarma with creamy mashed potatoes

Already worn out by the Advent marathon of fritule, sausages, glowing toy swords, and mulled wine with sometimes unusual flavours?

Do you long for the festive tastes lovingly prepared by your grandmother? Are you reminiscing about the glow of fairy lights and feasting by a grand Christmas tree, with a steaming bowl of Zagorje soup, rich in meat and vegetables, in front of you?

Or perhaps your favourites were krpice sa zeljem (stewed cabbage with pasta) or sarma?

You can find all these flavours, prepared according to traditional grandmotherly recipes, at Zagreb’s Advent market in Strossmayer Square.

The owner of the Tringelt stall, Eduard Beg, asked his grandmother to help him revive these traditional homemade treats. His goal? To offer visitors the familiar, comforting tastes that once graced every holiday menu.

And so, Grandma dusted off her old recipe collection—long forgotten and gathering dust—and got to work creating these specialties.

Simple dishes made with humble ingredients and no unnecessary frills.

The aforementioned Zagorje soup is so hearty and packed with vegetables that it could easily stand as a meal in itself.

Zagorska juha

You’ll smell the krpice sa zeljem (with a touch of smoked pork knuckle added by Grandma) from a distance.

And if you’re not too hungry, you can even share a portion with friends, as the servings are truly generous.

Krpice sa zeljem

The sarma, paired with creamy mashed potatoes, is so delicious even angels might envy it.

And as for the štrukli, whether sweet or savoury, they’re the perfect dessert for this festive season.

Sarma with creamy mashed potatoes

Add to that the kai chai, one of the most popular drinks from a previous Advent season, and the hot canella, which you’ve likely never tried before, and we’re confident Grandma’s cooking will linger in your memory for a long time.

Hot canella

So, if you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, you’re far from family, or you’re not quite skilled at preparing traditional dishes (but would love to enjoy them), stop by Tringelt.

They even say that Zagorje soup is the ultimate remedy for a hangover.