I'm not a vegan but one of our best friends Tanita has been a vegan (for like, forever!) here in Novalja and she is quite possibly one of the best chefs EVER!
Tanita has run several Vegan based businesses over the years and we've often picked her brains about what it's like to be a vegan here in Novalja and in Croatia as a whole.
By the way, just to go off topic, if you ever want a wedding cake made in the Zadar region just reach out to her at Petit Four Novalja.
Fun fact: The world famous DJ Steve Aoki actually used some of her cakes in his performance at Noa Beach Club last summer.
If you don't know, Steve throws cakes out into the crowd and the audience love it! Sounds weird but he has been doing it for years!
How can you NOT love the quirkiness of the electronic music business.
So, enough of me talking about our vegan friends and cake throwing...let's talk about actually being Vegan in Croatia!
Being Vegan in Croatia
Excited about your Croatian vacation but worried about finding plant-based options?
Say goodbye to the meat-centric Eastern European menu, as Croatia's food scene has undergone a major transformation in recent years.
From bean-based dishes to vegan-friendly restaurants, you'll find plenty of options to keep your belly and taste buds satisfied.
Vegan in Croatia: Our Top Tips:
Happy Cow!
Download Happy Cow, the app that'll help you find vegan-friendly eateries in each city you visit. Plan your itinerary around nearby vegan restaurants or choose your accommodation based on their proximity.
Explore Zagreb's Foodie Scene
Croatia's capital, Zagreb, has a thriving food scene with an array of vegan and vegetarian options from fine dining to fast-casual. Don't miss the chance to try the latest and greatest dining spots.
Feast Like Royalty on the Coast
In locations like Pag, Split, Zadar, Rijeka, and Hvar, you'll find a plethora of dedicated vegan and veggie catering restaurants that are worth the dining experience.
Plan Ahead for Rural Adventures
If you're heading to the Plitvice Lakes or island hopping ensure you stock up on vegan snacks and plan to cook or request special orders at restaurants.
Shop at Health Food Stores
Find non-dairy milk and cheese, egg-free noodles, oat-based breakfast options, and spreads like hummus at larger chain stores like Plodine, Konzum, Lidl, Kaufland, or Tommy.
For an even wider selection, visit Bio-Bio, Croatia's very own health food chain with 16 locations and more coming..
So pack your bags, grab your fork and knife, and get ready for a vegan feast in Croatia!
Ordering Vegan Drinks in a Croatian Cafe
Many of us love to sip on a vegan delight in Croatian Cafes. In Croatia, cafes are a hub for socializing, but not all offer dairy-free options. No worries, your go-to drink options are a classic espresso or "produžena kava" (extended coffee).
Tea lovers, you're in luck, as Croatian cafes have a variety of tea options ranging from green teas to fruit teas, and if you are lucky, even Earl Gray.
And if you're looking for something healthy, freshly squeezed juices are the way to go!
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Politely ask and most waiters will whip up a refreshing lemonade, even if it's not listed on the menu.
Especially at a decent cafe with a good reputation. The staff will more than likely be experienced servers.
So, engage vegan mode and enjoy the mostly healthy Croatian cuisine with a delicious, plant-based drink in hand!
Ordering Vegan Food in a Croatian Restaurant
Likewise, you will want to indulge in Croatian Vegan Delights at the many restaurants whilst in Croatia.
Again, if a dish isn't listed on the menu, no worries. Simply choose from these delicious options:
Soup: Tomato soup is the go-to option for a vegan starter.
Salads: Bean, potato, leafy greens, or roasted pepper salads, the options are endless.
Carbs: Potatoes, blitva, rice, vegetable risotto, polenta, grilled veggies & mushrooms, it's a carb-lovers paradise!
Bread: Indulge in freshly baked corn or whole wheat bread. Top it off with ajvar, a delicious roast pepper & aubergine relish.
Vegan Desserts: Savor every bite of fruit strudel- apple, sour cherry, or blueberry. If the chef makes their dough from scratch, you're in for a real treat!
Use Local Croatian Markets
Don't let a busy schedule stop you from trying new things. Take a break from the supermarket and grab some tasty treats at the nearest market.
A big plus for vegans in Croatia is the abundance of local products. Shop like a vegan pro and step into the heart of Croatian culture with a visit to the local farmer's markets.
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From the bustling town centers to the remote inland towns, there's a market waiting for you to stock up on the freshest, seasonal, local, and organic produce around.
Travel between April and October for the ultimate veggie feast! The climate and soil in Croatia provide a perfect growing environment for an ever-changing selection of fruits and veggies.
Expect fresh asparagus in spring and delicacies such as stunning olive oils in the summer.
Besides that, there is a bounty of local produce like watermelon. strawberries, peaches, apples, broccoli, oranges, and much more available via local or roadside outlets.
Whether you're a fruit or veggie fanatic, Croatia is the vegan traveler's paradise, with a year-round supply of delicious produce.
So, get ready to barter with the best of them and taste the flavors of Croatia!
Get Up Super Early!
Wake up and smell that Croatia coffee!! The early bird catches the worm, especially at the local markets in Croatia. With a variety of options, you're never far from fresh and healthy produce.
Please remember, these local and organic goods have a shorter shelf life than supermarket finds.
Keep the summer heat in mind (it can reach the mid-30s) and only buy what you need for the day or two.
Always Pack Snacks
Be prepared! Being a vegan in Croatia is No problem! But it's always good to be prepared.
Don't forget to pack your favorite snacks, as international brands may be hard to find and more expensive. You never know when hunger strikes, so it's best to have something on hand.
Croatia is slowly catching up with the health and wellness trend, but your local grocery store might not have exactly what you're looking for.
That's why it's always a good idea to have a few bars in your luggage.
Welcome To Carb Central!
Dine in style in Croatia, whether you're inland or by the coast! If you're looking for a hearty meal, you are in for a treat!
On the coast, you'll find plenty of Italian-inspired cuisine with tasty pizzas, pasta, and bread galore.
Just make sure to ask for veggie toppings and no cheese.
If you find yourself in a remote spot, don't worry, there are plenty of options to satisfy your hunger.
Mix up your meals with fresh fruit and veggies from local markets, and all the exploring you'll do on your trip, and you might even come home with a more relaxed waistband!
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Croatia’s Vegan Delights
Ajvar - the Vegan Ketchup
One of our favorite Croatian products!! Add some zing to your meals with Ajvar - a tangy and flavorful condiment made from red bell peppers, oil, and spices. Perfect for dipping and spreading on your favorite dishes.
Soparnik - a Savory Vegan Pie
Treat yourself to a slice of Croatia's traditional Soparnik pie filled with Swiss chard, garlic, and green onions. A delicious and satisfying vegan option.
Vegan-friendly Pasta
Try the hearty and filling Pasta Fazol, a bean and pasta stew that's typically made with sausage and bacon but now with more restaurants offering a meat-free version
Arancini - Sweet Vegan Treat
End your meal with a sweet treat - Arancini, sugar-coated lemon, orange, and sometimes grapefruit peels. A popular dessert in southern Croatia, often paired with sugared almonds. Enjoy these vegan-friendly delights on your next trip to Croatia!
Being Vegan in Croatia: Summary
Wherever your Croatian travels take you and however long you explore, be assured that maintaining a vegan diet and lifestyle won't be a problem.
There are plenty of options, including restaurants, grocery stores, and snacks.
Just make sure you plan ahead, pack extra snacks, and do a bit of research before you travel.
And if you fancy a cracking cake, contact Tanita!