10 Delicious Traditional Slovenian Foods Every Visitor Should Eat in Slovenia

Slovenia has a diverse cuisine and the culinary scene ranges from hearty stews to tasty pastries (savoury and sweet!) and even cream cakes. Traditional Slovenian foods are rich and flavourful and often incorporate influences from neighbouring countries. Are you planning a trip soon and wondering what to eat in Slovenia? Read on for the ten best traditional Slovenian foods to try on your next visit.

Štruklji (pancakes)

Widely considered a national dish, štruklji are stuffed and rolled pancakes. Fillings vary and often feature cheese. They can be served as a main or side dish. These ones pictured above were filled with cottage cheese and served in a creamy wild garlic sauce and were delicious! Meaty and vegetarian options are available, as well as savoury or sweet (containing fillings such as raisins).

Ćevapčići

The Balkan influence is clear when we mention kebabs. Ćevapi is the word for kebab and Ćevapčići are small finger-like kebabs made of minced meat. They are often served wrapped in lebinja, which are Balkan flat breads, and with cream sauce.

Idrijski žlikrofi (dumplings)

Similar to Italian stuffed pasta like tortellini, idrijski žlikrofi are traditional Slovenian dumplings. They are more substantial, usually filled with potato, and often served with veal sauce, vegetables and pork crackling.

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage)

Hailing from the Gorenjska region of Slovenia, this pork sausage is blended with garlic and herbs for a unique flavour and is often a feature of Slovenian festivals and celebrations.

Kraški pršut (cold ham)

Originating in Karst in the south west of Slovenia, near Italy, kraški pršut is a long-aged cured ham. It is salty, similar to prosciutto, and is excellent as part of a platter with cheese for aperitifs.

Fresh seafood

Slovenia has a small but beautiful Adriatic coastline and as a result offers spectacular seafood dishes such as juicy fresh prawns and delicately fried squid and calamari dishes.

Močnik (savoury porridge)

Made with cereals such as buckwheat, corn or oats and cooked in milk or cream, močnik is a traditional Slovenian porridge and is served savoury.

Bograč and Sataraš (stews)

Bograč is a traditional Slovenian meat stew containing three different meats, potatoes and spices. It is similar to goulash and is a hearty winter stew. Sataraš is a lighter vegetable-based alternative containing tomatoes, onions and peppers, and is often served as a side dish or with eggs at breakfast.

Bled kremsnita (cream cake)

Slovenia’s famous Bled cream cake is a specialty of the Bled area. Each slice is a light and fluffy layer of custard topped with cream and a thin layer of pastry. It is a bit like a cross between a millefeuille and a custard slice.

Cockta

A herbal cola equivalent, Cockta is a soft drink combining dog rose hip, orange, lemon and 11 herbs. Created as an alternative to products from overseas in the 1950s, Cockta is still going strong and is interesting to try.

Have you visited Slovenia? What Slovenian foods would you add to this list?