Favorite Things

There are so many delightfully delicious things to find in a Croatian grocery store, especially when you get to the super stores like Konzum, Kaufland, Interspar, Mercator and Kerum.  Croatia imports goods from the whole of Europe and Asia Minor, so there is a vast novel assortment of things for me to try.  This has been such a treat, and since I have legitimately relocated (going on five months now) I have comprised a list of food that I absolutely adore and would have a hard time living without in the States.

1. Ozujsko Pivo (Beer)

My go to beer!  Light, crisp and refreshing.  It is a Croatian marzen (pale-amber) lager, brewed in Zagrabacka Brewery for over 112 years.







2. Tomislav Pivo (Beer)

      A darker, stronger brother to Ozujsko.  Made in the same brewery, and named after King Tomislav, c910.

3. Kroki Krokets

      This is the closest Cro comes to cheese puffs.  They’ve got the puff part down, but no cheese flavor.  They offer instead peanut or ketchup flavor.  Both are surprisingly delicious and very addicting.

4. Kinder Maxi King

This is heaven in a small shiny package.  These amazing refrigerated bars are a cross between Snickers and an ice cream sandwich.  I could easily eat a dozen.  They are beyond decadent, not to mention full of calcium!   

5. Frozen French Fries

I know we have frozen fries in the States, but there has to be something in the potatoes here because I have NEVER had such better fries.  I sometimes insist on making fries at home instead of ordering from our burger takeout joint.  Super easy, somehow better tasting (since you know they are using frozen fries too), and cheaper in the end.





6. Canned Blue Fish


Also known as sardines.  Sardines in a can here are SO tasty and better than any can of tuna I have had in the states.  I can make a mean sandwich salad using them, and they are even good alone.


7. Puffed Rice Chocolate 

As a woman it is somewhat sad to say that I am not a fan of chocolate.  However I do enjoy enjoy this mix here.  It's puffed rice covered in milk chocolate.  Not too much chocolate and a nice crunch makes it the perfect sweet tooth fix.


8. Tuna Pasteta 

Pasteta is a meat paste/pate.  They come in these little tins or tubes filled with meat paste from chicken, pork, beef, and fish.  I enjoy the tuna variety.  It is perfect on crackers with a few green or black olives.  An easy and delicious h’orderve to serve.





9. Sauerkraut

      I adore sauerkraut, and had the hardest time finding it ready made (pickled) in the States.  You can make it yourself, but it’s a bit of a hassle and takes time.  Here in Zadar it is beyond abundant at the grocery store, and it costs no more than two dollars for ½ a kilo (I once found sauerkraut in a small jar at Whole Foods for 5 bucks, rip off!)   

10. Salami

      Nothing compares to the variety and quality of salami here.  My favorite is Zimski (Winter) Salami.  I like to get my very own whole piece (not pre or deli sliced) to cut at home and add on fresh baked bread.  Yum! 

11. Rakija

Oh Rakija!  This stuff can bring me from the lowest of lows some days (mom you didn’t hear that.)  Rakija is a very strong brandy.  It is typically made from plums, and is even used for a wide range of ailments including, stomach aches, ear infections and yeast infections.  I like taking a shot, or two, with a little honey and a lemon.  My version of a tequila shot here J