In Search of the Perfect Chocolate
Chocolate is universal and speaks all languages. You can enjoy it in Zagreb, in its many, many forms, same as anywhere else in the world. Whether you buy a well-known global brand, a Croatian one, or go to any of the numerous patisseries for a chocolate-based treat, your sweet tooth needs will be met. The way I see it, in the beautiful world of chocolate, the praline is like the jewel in the crown. It’s a tiny masterpiece, symbol of hedonism and self-indulgence. It’s the object of desire of every true chocolate connoisseur. Definitely not something you buy large-scale and devour like popcorn. So, what does Zagreb have in store when it comes to pralines?
“I’m sure kumica from Dolac Market wouldn’t mind some good chocolate.” Image credit: Taman FB
Is there such a thing as our local praline? The closest I have found was in Samobor, the historic little town in Zagreb’s surroundings. The Filipec family, producers of Samobor’s own Bermet and Muštarda, also offer handmade chocolate pralines filled with their famous aromatized wine. Now that’s something you won’t find in a generic airport duty-free shop! Still, it’s a rare catch, almost impossible to find in Zagreb. Back in the city, Zagreb is the home of Kraš, the biggest confectionery factory in the country, founded in 1911. Many of their best-known chocolate products have a long tradition and are part of everyone’s personal history since the early childhood days. The legendary Bajadera nougat pralines in a box are still the symbol of luxury and among the top options for a thank-you present in formal occasions. The biggest compliment it can get is that there are loads of recipes for Bajadera-like cakes, so you can try to recreate the experience at home. Hell, you can even order it on Amazon!
“Say the word Bajadera and you’re sure to make people drool.” Image credit: Kraš
Along with the mass production, there’s also another kind of chocolatiers – small handcrafted chocolate boutiques producing small quantities, but with high standards of creativity and quality. Mostly they focus on pralines and gourmet chocolate bars. Maybe we won’t find something super local and authentic in terms of flavour and ingredients, but there are certainly some very scrumptious and interesting things out there for finicky chocolate lovers. The oldest on a relatively new list, Bagolo is a small chocolate boutique based in the western suburbs of Zagreb, in Malešnica, where they also have a tiny shop. As it usually goes in stories like this, it all started as a hobby, out of passion, and then turned into something more serious. The plan is to produce small batches of pralines and chocolates, using fine Belgian chocolate and combining it with either classic ingredients like nuts, spices, marzipan, coffee, or some seasonal specials.
“Pralines sometime look like pieces of art and you almost don’t dare to eat them... Not!” Image credit: Bagolo FB
Sharing a similar story, Taman is a new chocolatier in town, another enthusiast turned pro. Their products are distributed in several of Zagreb’s deli and souvenir shops. Taman pralines come in some really exciting combinations, like thyme and pear, or honey liqueur and truffles. Artisan Crafted Chocolates, with a very self-explanatory name, has a different kind of background. It is a spin-off project of Marin Medak, the man behind the successful RougeMarin restaurant. Being a very ambitious and multitalented person, it’s no surprise he came with a new idea like this. Their shop is perfectly located in the very centre of Zagreb, displaying almost twenty different pralines and a few spiced-up chocolate bars.
“Try to enter the Artisan Crafted Chocolates shop and not buy anything. If you succeed, you’re not human.” Image credit: Artisan Crafted Chocolates FB
Considering the fact that artisan handmade chocolates are just a small niche in Zagreb, the selection is on a very satisfactory level. If you take on the challenge to find that perfect praline, I tell you, it won’t be an easy task.
Header image credit: Bagolo FB
Author: Taste of Croatia