Tradition of Hedonism
10 October 2023
Exploring the Essence of Istria's Culinary Heritage through Its Charming "Konoba" (Tavern)
Are you ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure? Lose yourself in the heart of Istria and discover taverns that preserve unknown flavors!
Step into the interior of Istria and let the peace of old stone towns scattered across green hills engulf you. Whether by chance or intention, you will always come across a culinary oasis that will reveal the true tastes of Istria.
You haven’t tasted Istria until you’ve dined in a “konoba”!
In the stone interiors of Istrian taverns, time flows slowly. You will be greeted by hosts who run the tavern with their families, and the recipes for the dishes you will taste have been passed down from their grandmothers.
According to an old recipe, veal is prepared under the bell, and there are ombolo and sausages with sauerkraut. On the table, you’ll find fuži or gnocchi in game or homemade chicken stew, truffles, delicious vegetable minestrone, sheep cheese, Istrian prosciutto dried in the bura wind, and pancetta for an appetizer.
If you love meat, try specialties from Boskarin, the indigenous Istrian cattle. Sweeten your palate with traditional Istrian sweets – fritters, kroštule, or cukerančići, or refresh yourself with the famous Istrian black wine soup, olive oil, salt, pepper, and white toasted bread.
Pair all dishes with the flavors of authentic Istrian wines – Malvasia, Teran, and Muscat.
In the family atmosphere of the tavern, you will soon feel like a family member who will want to return to their favorite tavern.
The Alphabet of Istrian Taverns
Many Istrian dishes have specific names. Learn them before visiting a tavern!
- Fuži: Tubular rolled thin pieces of pasta, 3-5 cm in size.
- Istrian Frittata: Omelet made from local eggs enriched with seasonal ingredients such as asparagus, truffles, prosciutto, sausages, and mushrooms.
- Minestrone: Thick soup made from potatoes, beans, dried meat, and seasonal vegetables.
- Ombolo (Zarebnjak): Part of a pork chop separated from the bone, seasoned with salt, crushed pepper, and bay leaves, and dried in the wind.
- Pancetta: Pork belly rubbed with a mixture of salt, pepper, and ground bay leaf and dried in the form of sheets or rolls.
- Pljukanci: Traditional spindle-shaped pasta.
- Ravioli: Dough filled with fillings of cheese, meat, or nuts.
- Žgvacet: Istrian stew of pieces of meat from homegrown chicken, beef, and game in a thick sauce.
Discover All the Secrets of Istrian Gastronomy
Istria is globally renowned for its olive oils and truffles. Istrian wines awaken the romantic taste of adventure, and asparagus picking takes you back to a time when life was simpler and more peaceful.
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