Savoring the Flavors of Makarska’s Traditional Cuisine

Makarska is a beautiful coastal town in Croatia that boasts a rich culinary heritage. Makarska’s Traditional Cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and continental influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs.

Makarana Cake – the best example of Makarska’s Traditional Cuisine

One of the most famous dishes of Makarska’s gastronomic tradition is Torta Makarana. In past it was reserved for nobility. It consists of a pastry base and a filling that combines almonds, eggs, sugar, and various flavorings such as citrus juice and zest, nutmeg, cinnamon. Maraschino or rose liqueur are part of cake too. The cake is named after the city of Makarska. According to a legend, it was Frederick Augustus II who gave the cake its current name after he visited the city in 1838.

In 2012. the Ministry of Culture confirmed that Torta Makarana has the characteristics of intangible cultural heritage.

Seafood

Apart from Torta Makarana, Makarska’s traditional cuisine also includes a variety of seafood dishes:

• Brudet (fish stew): A traditional stew consisting of different types of fish such as eel, scallops, and scorpions, additionaly with basic additives such as parsley, olive oil, and tomato sauce.
• Riba na gradele: You must try fresh fish when you arrive in Makarska. Order grilled fish and you’ll get grilled fish prepared in a way that it remains soft and juicy. With boiled potatoes, chard, and a glass of wine, it’s one of the most popular Dalmatian dishes.
• Pašticada od hobotnice (octopus stew): Octopus stew is a traditional seafood dish in Makarska. The recipe for octopus stew varies depending on the region and the chef. It typically includes octopus, onions, garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, and wine.
• Dagnje na buzaru (mussels in a tomato and wine sauce). One of typical mediterranean diahes is perfect combination of fresh mussels and organic spices and veggies. If you want to try it at home here is recipe: https://www.noninazdravakuhinja.com/recept/dagnje-na-buzaru/

Other popular dishes include:

• Soparnik (a savory pie made with chard and onions)
• Pašticada (a beef stew served with gnocchi): A traditional Dalmatian dish made with soft beef marinated for a few hours with dried figs and plums, spices, and wine. The end result is the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and bitter taste.

If you’re ever in Makarska, try Torta Makarana and other traditional dishes of Makarska’s traditional cuisine. You will enjoy!