Colourful Croatia

Cuisine is very different in the three regions. While Hungarian and Austrian influence dominates in the North, ottoman tradition is very strong in Dalmatia and Italian influence is marked in the third region, Istria. It is no surprise that Mediterranean culinary style and habits prevail, with an abundance of seafood in Dalmatia. Local patriotism is strong everywhere in Croatia. People are proud of their food and customs. Menus are generally based on local specialities. While the use of pork is common in the North, beef and veal is preferred on the Istria, and goat and lamb in the South. Poultry is consumed everywhere. The majority of Croatians only visit restaurants on special occasions, although a more cosmopolitan attitude can be seen in Zagreb. However, visiting cafes is almost an everyday routine for many Croatians. This is the scene for socialising and business meetings, though there is a big difference in the popularity of cafes between the North and the South. While 50 per cent of people living in the North would never waste time going to a cafe, practically everybody in the South does this.