If you’re wondering “should I visit Croatia or Greece” on account of cuisine, your decision might just get a little bit more difficult. Both countries boast sensational food scenes that encompass everything from traditional bites to multicultural dishes.
We have provided a summary of the culinary delights to expect during a visit to Greece and Croatia to help you decide which is best suited to your personal taste.
Greece
The picturesque country of Greece has a phenomenal food scene. Many of its traditional recipes take advantage of the country’s Mediterranean climate and coastal location, featuring a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and fresh fish.
One of the country’s most famous dishes is moussaka, a baked dish made with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Another fantastic traditional Greek food is souvlaki. Otherwise known as gyros, this tasty snack consists of grilled meat or vegetables served on a skewer and is absolutely delicious.
Dolmades are another must-try for those on vacation in Greece. The dish is made from grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs and is often served as a side dish. Of course, another staple of the local cuisine is Greek Salad.
Otherwise known as horiatiki, you are likely to have come across this gorgeous dish on menus before. However, prepare to be blown away by the experience of trying it in its homeland. You will be tasting the dish at its most authentic and most traditional. A wonderful experience for foodies!
Croatia
Croatia also boasts a phenomenal food scene. Dishes are characterized by the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients including seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits. You’ll find influences of many other cultures in the cuisine such as Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans.
The result is a sensational blend of Mediterranean and continental cuisine featuring beautifully-seasoned, fresh ingredients. One of the most famous dishes in Croatia is peka. The recipe consists of meat or seafood slow-cooked with vegetables over an open fire.
Another popular dish is Ćevapčići: grilled minced meat patties served with onions and flatbread. Seafood is also a staple of Croatian cuisine. You can expect to find fish, squid and shellfish featuring prominently on many traditional menus.
Oysters in lemon juice, octopus salad and black risotto are all classic dishes in Croatia. The country is also something of a cheese-lovers paradise. You’ll find a spectacular range of regional varieties on offer including Paški sir, a hard, sheep’s milk cheese from the island of Pag.
Additionally, the Istrian region of Croatia is world-renowned for its truffle production. You’ll often find this scrumptious regional delicacy grated over dishes such as pasta, scrambled eggs and steak.