This text was initially printed in April 2022.
Convey your mountain climbing boots – and your urge for food – to Slovenia.
I’m sitting below an umbrella at a riverside bar in Ljubljana. In all places I look, there are Slovenians sipping pints of beer and munching on bar snacks.
I need one thing native, so I ask one of many pleasant waitresses for a suggestion. She reels off so many dishes and drinks that I ultimately must get my pocket book out.
It took me days to work via all of them, however I’m completely happy to report that she knew what she was speaking about – and now I’m passing them on to you.
From creamy dumplings to crisp white wines, right here’s what it’s a must to attempt in Slovenia.
What to eat
For its measurement, Slovenia has a hefty foodie scene. It claims 24 gastronomic areas and it’s straightforward to style the cultural influences of neighbouring Balkan, Central European and Mediterranean nations within the meals. The farm-to-table tradition can also be sturdy because of the nation’s ample pastures, forests and meadows.
Appetisers
Whenever you’re sitting by the river in Ljubljana and golden hour arrives, order your self a plate of chilly cuts and cheese – a go-to Slovenian appetiser. Many charcuterie gadgets are made in Slovenia, together with salami, Karst prosciutto, stuffed pig abdomen (with potatoes, peppers, garlic and herbs) and Bovec cheese – a semi-hard cheese made with sheep’s milk.
For one thing heartier, attempt čompe – a easy however satisfying dish of boiled potatoes with bitter cream and cottage cheese. Or sireki – a mixture of cottage cheese, paprika, salt and cumin rolled into balls and eaten alone or with bread.
Mains
Slovenia doesn’t have an official nationwide dish, however Carniolan sausage comes shut. This smoked pork sausage is made with just some substances – together with top-quality pork, bacon, garlic and pepper – and solely a handful of producers are licensed to make it. You’ll discover it in every single place, but it surely’s greatest from a avenue stall with bitter cabbage, mustard and crusty bread.
Slovenia can also be massive on dumplings. Štruklji are rolled, log-shaped dumplings which are steamed or boiled, then sliced up like roulade and eaten as a important or aspect. They arrive candy or savoury, however widespread fillings embody cottage cheese, walnuts or meat. Then there’s žlikrofi dumplings, a speciality of Idrija in western Slovenia. A bit like ravioli, they’re hat-shaped and full of a wealthy mixture of potato, onion, lard and herbs.
Should you’re craving consolation meals, dig right into a bowl of jota – a thick stew of smoked meat, beans, sauerkraut, turnip and potatoes. Served with buttery bread, it’s the right post-hike gas.
Desserts
Lake Bled is likely to be Slovenia’s postcard attraction, however kremsnita – its signature dessert – is simply as iconic. This heavenly slab of egg custard, vanilla cream and whipped cream sandwiched between layers of filo pastry was supposedly born at Resort Park in 1953, and whilst you’ll discover it throughout the nation, nothing beats making an attempt one on the supply.
One other favorite is potica, a rolled dough cake crammed with walnuts, poppy seeds or honey. Take pleasure in it with a cup of espresso or milk tea. And talking of layered muffins, you may’t go away with out tucking right into a slice of gibanica – a dense dessert or breakfast cake with a large number of tasty fillings separated by layers of dough.
What to drink
Slovenian wine
Slovenia has been making wine for hundreds of years. With over 28,000 vineyards dotted amongst its valleys and hills, it produces round 90 million litres of wine yearly – and most of it doesn’t go away the nation.
The western area of Primorska close to the Italian border is famend for a lot of wine varieties, however particularly its daring reds like refošk (terrano) and cabernet sauvignon. It contains sub-regions like Vipava Valley, solely an hour’s drive from the capital, the place you may style indigenous whites like zelen, pinela and pikolit.
Down south in Posavje, pattern crisp whites and glowing wines, or go north to Podravje for fragrant riesling and chardonnay.
However in the event you don’t have time to go to vineyards, Ljubljana has its justifiable share of stylish wine bars, together with quite a few wine-related occasions just like the Ljubljana Wine Path and the Vino Ljubljana Worldwide Commerce Present.
Craft beer
Should you’re consuming a salty snack platter, you’ll in all probability need to wash it down with pivo (Slovenian beer). Slovenia has an extended historical past of hop farming and beer brewing, and though mass-produced home manufacturers like Lasko and Union nonetheless dominate the market, new microbreweries are pumping out a rising vary of IPAs, sours and stouts.
One brewery making waves is Reservoir Canines, primarily based within the border city of Nova Gorica. Don’t go away Slovenia with out making an attempt their Grim Reaper IPA and Warrior Pale.
Spirits
Whereas Slovenians love their beer and wine, you may’t go away with out making an attempt the nationwide drink: schnapps. It’s recognized domestically as ‘zganje’ and making it’s a nationwide pastime for a lot of Slovenians (and the home made stuff is usually the perfect).
Fortunately, you don’t must know anybody to pattern a great glass of schnapps, as you may rely on most bars to inventory all types of flavours like pear, peach, lemon and blueberry. It’s sturdy stuff, so it’s typically served with water and ice to dilute it. Na zdravje (cheers)!
Hungry? Be a part of Intrepid’s Actual Meals Journey in Slovenia and Macedonia. Or try different foodie adventures in Europe.
