What makes Dubrovnik's gastronomic heritage unique - a story of people and nature

... all while celebrating the vibrant culture and history of this stunning coastal city.

Exploring local flavors and culinary secrets of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the stunning coastal city known for its rich history, picturesque architecture, and crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. The gastronomic journey in Dubrovnik takes you on a culinary adventure, exploring the unique and delicious local delicacies that reflect the city's vibrant culture and traditions. From the gardens and sea to plate, Dubrovnik offers a diverse range of flavours and ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Care for some oysters?

One of the highlights of Dubrovnik's gastronomy is its fresh seafood. Nestled along the Adriatic coast, the city is blessed with an abundance of fish and seafood that are caught daily by local fishermen and farmers. Oysters are something that Pelješac peninsula near Dubrovnik is famous wordwide. Going with the “dundo”* on a little boat to the oyster farm and eating them fresh from the sea with a sprinkle of lemon and homemade bread is an experience that will make you feel like a true local.

*dundo – local name for older gentlemen, with the sentiment of love and respect

Or maybe some fish?

Food culture will delight your senses but also give you a glimpse of Dubrovnik's maritime history, where fishing has been a way of life for generations. Whether you go on a fishing trip, or decide to stop by the fisherman’s market, you will feel both the excitement and respect for this little simple produce. Prepared traditionally on gradele, a type of barbecue, or baked in the salt crust, served with simple potatoes and chard is nowadays a delicacy that most locals prepare it even nowadays. The generational heritage is something that people of Dubrovnik region are grateful and proud for so this approach to food still lives in the local villages.

Story of the land

In addition to seafood, Dubrovnik's gastronomic scene also celebrates the region's fertile land, abundant produce and tireless people behind it. The Neretva Valley is a home to a variety of fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs that are used to create some of the most mouth-watering dishes in the region. Even on the balconies in the old city you can see planters with herbs and vegetables, emphasising the connection that locals have with the land leading to a diminished appreciation for the taste of fresh produce. Picture yourself strolling through a bustling farmer's market, picking out freshly-picked figs, juicy tomatoes, and some lovely greens that will soon grace your plate. Every ingredient tells a story of the land and the hard work of local farmers who have nurtured the soil for centuries.

Welcome to our table

To truly immerse yourself in Dubrovnik's culinary culture, visit one of the local, traditional Dalmatian taverns (also known as konoba), where you can enjoy flavoursome dishes cooked to perfection using age-old recipes passed down through generations with the impeccable and heart-warming hospitality of your hosts. They will greet you with the authentic dishes and sweets that were made in the days when elders were living off the land and were using only what nature brought them. A must try are black risotto made with squid ink and peka, a traditional method for preparing meat, vegetable and octopus using a metal pot placed over a fire resulting in succulent and tender meal. And for dessert enjoy rozata, a custard like dessert, made with only sugar, fresh oranges and eggs to feel the humility and appreciation for the simple life. At the farmers market a must try are arancini, an orange peel candy and bruštulani mjenduli, a sugar coated almonds that will make an excellent snack for the coffee or tea time.

Shall we?

As you embark on Dubrovnik's gastronomic venture, each meal becomes a chapter in a story of tradition, innovation, and ancestry. Whether you are savouring a seafood feast by the sea, enjoying a farm-fresh meal in a charming tavern, or eating a piece of dessert in one of the Old city cafes you'll discover that Dubrovnik's food is not just sustenance - it's a cultural experience that brings people together and celebrates the rich tapestry of flavours that define the city. So come, explore the flavours of Dubrovnik (like this Jamie Oliver's recipe!), and let each bite transport you on a gastronomic journey filled with history, tradition, and local charm.