Gastronomy of the island of Krk

The basis of gastronomy on the island of Krk is certainly local food prepared according to traditional recipes. For the most part, you will read how it is a Mediterranean diet. Why do we call it that? It is because of its rich nature, mild climate, beautiful sea and geographical location.

Gastronomic offer is one of the main advantages of Krk tourism, and on your visit to Krk we recommend several indigenous products and specialties:

OLIVE OIL

Krk olive oil is extra virgin olive oil obtained directly from the fruits of the olive tree solely by mechanical processes from the indigenous olive varieties of Krk. Since 2016, olive oil is a protected Croatian product at EU level, and is one of the highest quality Mediterranean oils. When staying on the island of Krk, you can try olive oil in various restaurants, taverns and households. You can visit the oil mill and get acquainted with the cultivation and processing of olives. Krk olive oil is the perfect ingredient in salads and fish dishes and a great product for maintaining health.

KRK LAMB

A historical legend says that the lambs of the island of Krk were served at the Nero Feasts in Rome. We are almost certain of this, since the special aromatic taste is one of the best Croatian specialties. While on the island, we advise you not to miss the opportunity to taste roast lamb with young potatoes or grilled lamb in one of the many Krk restaurants, taverns and other catering establishments.

PROSCIUTTO AND CHEESE

Apart from being known for its unique taste, Krk prosciutto is also specific for becoming the first Croatian product protected in the EU. Its quality is strongly influenced by the specificities of the production process, which have arisen from the long tradition of salting and drying pork on the island and the very favorable natural conditions for drying meat provided by the island of Krk. You can learn about the details of this delicacy at the House of Krk prosciutto.

Krk cheese is an indigenous Croatian island cheese belonging to the group of hard, full fat cheeses. It is produced on family farms on the island of Krk. It is recognized for its quality and specific taste.

HOME MADE PASTA

The island’s trademark is certainly homemade, handmade pasta: „šurlice“, macaroni and gnocchi. They used to be made exclusively with lamb and beef stew, and today they are served with a variety of sauces. The most famous representative of Krk pasta are certainly „šurlice“. A piece of dough formed around a knitting needle has become an indispensable part of every festive meal, and is on the menu of almost every island restaurant. „Šurlice“ are also appreciated because they cannot in any way be included in “fast food”. It takes several hours to prepare homemade „šurlice“ from a pound of flour.

SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES

They say that seafood specialties are the healthiest food in the world. We agree, especially if they are from the Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic Sea is rich in blue and white fish, crustaceans and shellfish precisely because of its purity, temperature and numerous sources.

Calamari are a favorite dish for tourists, but one of the most famous and delicious specialties of Mediterranean cuisine is shrimp. Kvarner shrimps feature a light red color and a thin shell. This is why they have become one of the most respected delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine.

Kvarner shrimps are usually prepared in several traditional ways. We recommend shrimp “on buzara” which is one of the most famous Adriatic fish specialties.

WINES

The pride of the island is certainly Žlahtina, a quality dry white wine made from the indigenous Žlahtina white variety. The specialty is that it only succeeds in vineyards near the small town of Vrbnik.

Vrbnička žlahtina contains 11% alcohol, and is best suited to consume alongside sheep cheese, all kinds of fish and seafood specialties, and white meat dishes.

Most island restaurants will welcome you with an abundance of home-made schnapps from grape, honey, herbs, fig or „biska“. A large number of tourists from Krk carry a souvenir exactly in liquid form!

DESSERTS

The sweet delicacies on the island are made from homemade sheep cheese or figs.

Presnac / Presnec / Presnoc is a traditional Krk sheep cheese cake whose name depends on where the island is made.

„Smokvenjak“ is a dessert of our ancestors and are a combination of Mediterranean flavors, the main ingredients being figs, of course.

„Krčka kneginja“ is a modern cake that uses food that was traditionally used in the kitchen at the court of Frankopan in the 15th century.

GASTRO EVENTS

Gastronomic events on Krk are held throughout the year. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with traditional cuisine, the way you prepare and taste traditional dishes. No matter what part of the year you come to, Krk gastronomy will be an indispensable part of your vacation and exploring the island!

Jerina’s house team wishes you bon appetit!

– Days of „šurlica“ and asparagus (Vrbnik, April)

– Sensa Cheese Days (Malinska, May)

– Black Sheep (Baška, May)

– LOCAL FOOD SUMMER EVENINGS (Baška, June)

– Wine Days (Vrbnik, August)

– Fig Days (Island of Krk, September)