My recent trip to Croatia was a discovery of culinary heights. After two weeks travelling around the country I believe it is the most underrated for delicious food. Fresh seafood, crazy inventive dishes and welcoming locals are all a big reason you should visit at some point in the next year.
I am a glutton for the perfect spice and herb combo in my meals but I was taken aback in Croatia. I still cannot believe how extraordinary the culinary scene is in Croatia. Influences drawn from Venetians and Romans in the past will explain the heavy Italian-type of dishes but don’t let that fool you. Hearty, soul-filling meals are in abundance but what stayed with me were the extraordinary.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS
Simple, authentic, fresh yet with a twist. The restaurants we frequented in Croatia made my taste buds go on their very own holiday. It’s a place where flavours are met with genius, expert hands create masterpieces that stay in your memory longer than on your tongue.
Keep an eye out for my reviews that will follow on from this post. But in no particular order, I’ll be reviewing Articok in Split, Restaurant Panorama in Dubrovnik and Azur also just inside the walled city.
FAVOURITE HOSTEL
We were given an exclusive view of Hostel Lina’s hospitality as a family run hostel. I would choose to stay here over any hotel. It’s so important in the current climate to give back, travel with purpose and you will quickly offset your carbon footprint staying in a local hostel or Airbnb, giving back to the community.
I believe we had a much more authentic experience than if we stayed inside or close to the walled city. We learnt about the family marketing themselves when booking websites weren’t around. They used to head to the airports, train stations and bus stops with cardboard signs promoting their family-run hostel in the hills.
Instead of a typical hotel we endured a beautiful, breath-taking (literally), steep climb up the mountains to the hostel. An easy 20-minute walk for someone intending on working on their thighs and glutes. Alternative travel fitness at its best.
BIRTHDAY IN CROATIA
Croatia was a treat for my birthday and Dubrovnik surely treated me. Free three scoops of gelato, a lovely homemade white wine bottle from the hosts at Hostel Lina and a delicious dessert from Restaurant Panorama, the extra sprinkling being the gorgeous views looking over the city.
If you’re a fan of truffles, and I mean the pungent garlicky kind, then do yourself a favour and take a trip to Croatia when it’s next safe to travel. Show this beautiful country some love.
No Comments