Istrian cuisine takes elements from Italian cuisine like gnocchi and pasta but also incorporates many Mediterranean herbs that give meals a special and healthier taste. Traditional meals are usually made on Sundays when people have more time. Common dishes include prosciutto with cheese, minestrone soup with vegetables and meat, pasta dishes like fuži with tomato sauce or wild game, and scrambled eggs with wild asparagus during season. Sweets include kroštule (fried dough sprinkled with sugar) and fritule (fried pastries served at holidays). Overall Istrian cuisine is unique because each meal is prepared with thoughtfulness and commitment.

1. We want to represent our traditional cuisine. Istrian cuisine
has taken many elements from the Italian cuisine (gnocchi,
pasta, olive oil etc.). Also, there are many Mediterian
herbs, that give the meals a special taste, and more
important, make it healthier.
If we had to describe our cuisine in three words, we would
say it's tasty, healthy and simple.
Given the fact that people are busy nowdays, and live
„faster“ than they used to, traditional meals are made
mostly on Sunday, when people are at home, and relaxed.

2. PROSCIUTTO WITH CHEESE
Prosciutto with cheese is the most common and most famous cold
appetizer in Istria. It is very simple and delicious, and it satisfies the
tastes of all gourmets. It's usually served with black olives and red wine
to open your appetite.
MINESTRONE
Minestrone, which is originaly called „Maneštra“ in Istria, is the most
popular hot appetizer, mostly served before meals which contain
vegetables. There are a lot of variations on the main recipe.
„Maneštra“ is made of vegetables ( usually sweet corn, carrot, onion,

3. beans, potatoes etc.), meat ( pork jerky) and herbs ( parsley and
celery, salt, pepper...).
ISTRIAN PASTA WITH WILD GAME
Autochthonous Istrian pasta is called „Fuži“. It's mostly served
with tomato sauce or wild game. The pasta can be a main
course, or an side dish with meat. It is similar to gnocchi, and
is mostly served with similar sauces.
PASTA WITH TRUFFLES
Pasta with truffles is a known specialty which represents
luxury. Istrian white truffle is one of the most respected in the

4. world. Gourmets agree in only one - the truffle is the pinnacle
of gastronomy.
SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH ASPARAGUS
During the season of picking wild asparagus, scrambled eggs
with asparagus is the most common dinner made in the homes
of Istrian people. The taste is, just as the taste of truffles,
special and it takes time to get used to it, but once you do,
you wont miss the gourmet delight.
„KROŠTULE“
Kroštule have a taste of simple, unique, crunchy Istrian
culinary product. They are a symbol of sweet dishes from
grandma's kitchen. Kroštule are made so that the dough is
fried in oil and sprinkled with sugar when done.

5. FRITTERS ( „FRITULE“)
„Fritule“ are a festive pastry, which are mostly made for
Christmas and Easter. Their unique flavor and tenderness are
the perfect experience for lovers of sweets. They are served
sprinkled with sugar, but can be dipped in chocolate or fruit
jam.

6. All in all, our cuisine is truly special. What makes it so unique?
Perhaps simply the fact that it's ours...but maybe it is because
every meal is prepared with so much thoughtfulness and
commitment, that you don't just taste food... you taste love.
TUŠ Antona Štifanića,
Poreč, Svibanj 2010.