Istarska supa – unique traditional specialty
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
Istarska supa, or Istrian soup, is a traditional specialty from Croatia’s Istria region.
The foundation of Istarska supa is heated red wine to which sugar, pepper, and olive oil are added. Then, bread is dipped into the mixture, usually additionally toasted.
What makes this specialty unique is that it is served in a bukaleta, a traditional Istrian pitcher made of baked clay. Besides enjoying the magical aromas and flavours of bread soaked in wine, in the end, you can also drink the remaining wine. It is particularly popular during colder days of the year.
Istarska Supa Festival Celebrates Tradition and Creativity in Rovinjsko Selo
The 10th Festival of Istarska Supa in Rovinjsko Selo is currently going on. This festival is dedicated to the creation and preservation of Istrian soup tradition, providing teams with the opportunity for both creativity and competition to determine the best soup.
Ten teams participated in last night’s event, showcasing their skills in both creative and traditional Istrian soups.
The competing teams included “Lady’s” from Rovinjsko Selo, “Rekreativo” from Rovinjsko Selo, Eugen Kumičić Vocational School from Rovinj, “Studis” from the University of Rijeka Agricultural Department in Poreč, “Ova supa trupa” from Pazin, “Čuvari Istrijanskeh užanci” from Žminj, “Konoba Bokoon” from Funtana, “Barbanci” from Barban, “Vrsarani” from Vrsar, and the team from the Agrorovinj Association, which did not participate in the competitive part.
For the second time, there was also an evaluation for the “best company” – the best-presented and equipped team, and the “best soup by audience choice.”
After welcoming words, a ceremony was held to express gratitude on the occasion of the festival’s tenth anniversary. Several individuals were recognised for their participation and contribution to the development of Istrian soup, while some received special acknowledgments for their exceptional contributions.
Institutions were also honoured for their outstanding support in the development and promotion of Istrian soup. These included the Rovinjsko Selo Local Committee, the City of Rovinj-Rovigno, the Tourist Board of the City of Rovinj-Rovigno, Eugen Kumičić Vocational School, the Tourist Board of Istria County, the Administrative Department for Culture and Heritage of Istria County, the Administrative Department for Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, and Water Management of Istria County, and Istria County itself.
Following the award ceremony, the tasting of Istrian soups from all teams continued until the judging results were revealed. The judging committee for traditional Istrian soup included Blanka Sinčić Pulić, Anton Nino Fariš, and Goran Mühlstein. For creative soup, the committee comprised Ticijana Ikica Piutti, Lenka Šajina, and Franko Milotić.
Later in the evening, with a large audience in attendance, this year’s winners were announced. In the category of Traditional Istrian Soups, the team “Čuvari Istrijanskeh užanci” from Žminj earned the highest points. The team from Eugen Kumičić Vocational School in Rovinj secured the most points in the Creative (Innovative) Istrian Soup category.
The well-coordinated and hardworking team “Barbanci” from Barban received the award for the “best company.” All teams showcased their best efforts to win the taste buds of numerous visitors, and the audience’s choice award went to the team “Rekreativo” from Rovinjsko Selo.
Organizers expressed gratitude to all teams for their attendance and hard work in soup preparation. Three awards were distributed to visitors, thanks to generous sponsors – Agorovinj Association, Darna Liqueur Factory, and Contineo Travel Agency. The festive music program and entertainment began with DJ Krizu and EL Duo Luka & Eleonora, promising a lively night ahead. The celebration is set to continue, creating lasting memories at the 10th Festival of Istarska Supa.