Truffles: The White Gold of Istria

Istria is one of the best places in Europe to find white and black truffles. In the forests around Motovun and Buzet, these precious delicacies are hunted by specially trained dogs. Truffles are a key ingredient in many Istrian dishes, such as:

• Fuži with truffles – Handmade pasta served with a creamy truffle sauce.
• Truffle risotto – A delicious dish where the earthy flavor of truffles perfectly complements the creamy risotto.
• Truffle omelet – A simple yet refined combination of eggs and fresh truffles.

Want to find truffles yourself? Join a truffle hunting tour with a local guide and taste the freshly found truffles right after the hunt!

Fresh Seafood and Fish from the Adriatic Sea

Thanks to its location on the Adriatic Sea, fresh fish and seafood play a major role in Istrian cuisine. Coastal restaurants serve the freshest catch of the day. Popular dishes include:

• Brodet – A traditional Istrian fish stew with tomatoes, herbs, and polenta.
• Grilled squid – Often prepared with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
• Scampi na buzaru – Prawns cooked in a rich sauce of white wine, garlic, and tomatoes.

For the ultimate culinary experience, enjoy a seaside dinner with a view of the sunset, accompanied by a glass of local Istrian wine.

Olive Oil: The Liquid Gold of Istria

Istria is often compared to Tuscany when it comes to high-quality olive oil. The region's olive groves produce some of the best extra virgin olive oils in the world, frequently winning awards at international competitions.

• Visit an olive farm, such as Chiavalon or Ipsa, for a tasting session of different olive oils.
• Try Istrian olive oil with fresh bread, cheese, or grilled vegetables.
• Buy a bottle of olive oil as a souvenir to enjoy the taste of Istria at home.

Istrian Wines: A Hidden Gem

Istria has a long wine tradition and is known for its high-quality wines, especially the white Malvazija Istarska and the bold red Teran.

• Malvazija Istarska – A fresh and fruity white wine, perfect with fish and seafood.
• Teran – A full-bodied red wine with a deep flavor, ideal for pairing with meat dishes and truffles.
• Muškat – An aromatic dessert wine, delicious with sweet treats.

Visit one of the many wineries, such as Kozlović, Matošević, or Roxanich, for a guided tour and wine tasting among the vineyards.

Traditional Istrian Meat Dishes

Besides seafood, Istria also offers delicious meat dishes, often slow-cooked with local herbs for intense flavor. Some must-try dishes include:

• Istrian pršut – Air-dried ham, similar to Italian prosciutto, smoked over beechwood.
• Ćevapčići – Small spiced minced meat sausages, served with bread and ajvar.
• Oven-roasted lamb – Traditionally prepared with potatoes and rosemary.

For the best meat dishes, visit a konoba (a traditional Istrian tavern) in the inland villages of Istria.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

For those with a sweet tooth, Istria has a selection of delicious desserts:

• Fritule – Small fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar.
• Kroštule – Crispy fried pastry strips, often served with coffee.
• Palačinke – Thin pancakes filled with chocolate, nuts, or jam.

Try these sweet delights in a local café or patisserie, paired with a cup of Istrian coffee for a perfect ending to your meal.