Zagreb Gourmet Souvenirs
When it comes to the whole of Croatia, the problem is easy to solve as the selection is huge and quite diverse. Yet, when it comes to Zagreb, it gets harder to pinpoint something local, and it's better to do the quest and shopping in the city, rather than at the airport. Of course, in the end a lot depends on how and where you are travelling. For starters, I'll give you my personal list of suggestions for some authentic Zagreb-style food and drink souvenirs; you do the rest according to your own preferences.
“Easy-to-carry cone made of cottage cheese and paprika.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
1) Prgica
While the famous Zagreb cottage cheese and cream might not be the perfect item to carry on longer trips, prgica is actually very travel-friendly. OK, it's not so typical for Zagreb but rather the regions around it like Podravina, Zagorje and Međimure, yet you can always find it in the dairy hall at Dolac Market, and it is quite original. This little cone-shaped, pleasantly pungent, dried, smoked and spiced up cottage cheese can easily go without being refrigerated for hours and it's very compact. There's also a well-packed supermarket version, but for the real deal buy it from a dairy vendor at a market.
“Traditional pepper and honey cookie makes an ideal souvenir.” Image credit: Paprenjak FB
2) Paprenjak
The recipe for this pepper cookie made with mixed spice and honey is not a Croatian invention, because there are similar versions all over Europe. Yet, it is deeply rooted in the history of Zagreb, and has an honourable mention in the first Croatian historical novel from 1871, although it's much older than that. A local company called Paprenjak (what else!) branded it as an original Zagreb souvenir and you can find their nicely designed products in many shops all over the city.
“The beloved praline from Kraš never changes and that’s why we love it.” Image credit: Kraš FB
3) Bajadera
Many times when either I or a friend would travel abroad and ask the host what to bring from Zagreb, the answer was simple – Bajadera. One of the oldest (produced since 1954) and probably the most popular commercial praline brand in Croatia is a wonderful little treat combining chocolate and nougat creme. Once you get to know it, you don't forget it. Luckily, it's widely available, and comes in various packages.
“Even kumica can’t resist good artisan chocolate.” Image credit: Taman Chocolates FB
4) Taman chocolate
Speaking of the sweet tooth and chocolate, if Bajadera is something traditional, handmade chocolates and pralines from this Zagreb-based award-winning artisan producer are something modern. What's so special about artisan chocolate, you can find that anywhere, someone might say. Well, fair enough, but try Taman lavander and carob truffle or dark chocolate with caramelized hazelnuts and fleur de sel and tell me you're not hooked. If you like it spicy, I recommend cHOTolate, their collaboration with Volim Ljuto brand, 60% chocolate with caramel, sour cherry, allspice and chilli.
5) Orehnjača/makovnjača
In the area of local desserts, it can't get more traditional than this. The old-school walnut or poppy seed roll is the stuff our grandmas passed on and the recipe lives on, unchanged. It used to be baked for Christmas and similar special occasions, but nowadays you can find it all year round. Again, the safest bet is to get it directly from the old ladies selling at farmers' markets, but there are some nice handmade products available from specialized shops and delis.
“Zagreb surroundings delivers premium sparkling wines.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
6) Sparkling wine from Plešivica
The tiny wine region of Plešivica, only half an hour south-west from Zagreb, is nicknamed „Croatian Champagne” for a reason. It's home to some of the first and the best traditional-method sparkling wines in Croatia, ranging in styles from classic brut to rosé and orange, even amphora bubbles. What's common to all of them is that they are elegant, clean and easy-drinking, making a great value for money. Look out for labels by the biggest names like Tomac, Šember or Korak in Zagreb's wine shops.
“Horseradish spread, excellent companion to meat, cold cuts and cheese.” Image credit: Grga Čvarak FB
7) Zagrebačka marmelada
Zagreb Marmalade is not your ordinary marmalade. Made by a small family-owned company called SMID, it's an organic and low-calorie combination of local flavours like apple and lavender. I can also suggest their Hrenada, a sauce/spread made from horseradish with apple vinegar, olive oil, lemon and spice. The recipe is original, and although grated horseradish is a popular condiment in these parts, I see that many foreign visitors are not familiar with it.
“Zagreb’s own pasta, ideally served with roast turkey, duck or goose.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
8) Mlinci
Our authentic, local kind of pasta, as we like to explain. Actually, it's sheets of dried dough similar to flatbread, made from just flour, salt and water. Then you break them in pieces and soften with boiling water or broth, but ideally also soak them in juices left from a roast. Handmade mlinci are easily found at markets and in grocery shops, take them with you and try to recreate our iconic dishes like roast turkey with mlinci at home.
Header image credit: Taste of Croatia
Author: Morana Zibar/Taste of Croatia