Lent in Croatia is a culinary mood. For forty days leading up to Easter, kitchens across the country subtly shift rhythm. The meals become simpler, the flavours more restrained, and yet, paradoxically, more inventive. Historically shaped by Catholic fasting rules, which limited meat and animal fat (especially on Ash Wednesday and Fridays), Croatian Lenten cuisine grew out of necessity, seasonality, and deep respect for religious practice. What emerged over centuries is a repe

At Bistro Fotić, right in the very heart of Zagreb (25 Gajeva Street), meals have been lovingly prepared every day for years. Both Zagreb locals and tourists come here to enjoy hearty homemade meat dishes, as well as fish specialities, fine stews and pasta. The bistro was founded and successfully run for many years by the Badrov family of photographers. At the end of last year it changed ownership and is now in the hands of the Khouri family. They do not intend to alter much,

Veli Brgud, a settlement within the Municipality of Matulji, is situated on the north-eastern edge of Ćićarija, in a fertile field framed by higher, hilly terrain. Although the old road and the motorway linking Rijeka with Rupa and Pasjak run close by, the village itself is free from the noise, haste and tension of modern traffic. Here, one can still sense the rhythm of the land and the passing of the seasons. Veli Brgud is known for its distinctive traditional costume and th

Valentine’s Day has long been wrapped in the symbolism of sweetness. From honey-drenched pastries in the Eastern Mediterranean to creamy coconut puddings from the Caribbean, desserts have always been culinary love letters — indulgent, shareable, and occasionally gloriously messy. After all, romance and sugar have something essential in common: both are best enjoyed slowly and preferably with someone who doesn’t mind stealing a bite from your plate. Certain ingredients — pista

The art of preparing Imotska Torta, a ceremonial round cake made from shortcrust pastry with a rich filling and a distinctive crown-shaped decoration, requires specific skills, knowledge and carefully selected ingredients. Imotska Torta is prepared as an expression of identity and as a symbolic culmination of celebrations marking major life events and annual family customs among the inhabitants of the town of Imotski and the wider Imotski region. This part of the Dalmatian hi