Traditional Slovenian cuisine, in addition to distinctive dishes, has incorporated the traditions of Austria and Germany. There are also Italian motifs, especially on the country's coast. The food here is delicious and hearty, but the dishes are made from simple ingredients traditional for the countryside.
Sauerkraut is used for cooking in Slovenia, and various fried sausages are popular here. This sends us back to German traditions. Austria gave Slovenia a love of omelettes, strudels and cakes.
Slovenia's traditional national dishes use common Slavic dishes like buckwheat porridge, which, by the way, is already little known west of the Balkans. Closer to the coast, greens and seafood are used, and it reminds of Italian traditions.
We've found some names of traditional Slovenian dishes for you:
Pršuta - pork hams in dried or raw smoked form. Meat preparation in this way began a long time ago, and such a product can be stored for many months and sometimes even years.
Zhgantsy - there can be a lot of confusion with this name. It is a type of corn porridge, halushki, and various potato dishes. However, the name originally refers to corn porridge; the rest is the imagination of cooks.
Chevapcici are such sausages, sometimes they are also used to make a hearty soup. As a first course or an appetizer, depending on the format of the dish, it is ideal. The dish is popular throughout the Balkan Peninsula.
Slovenian pilaf is a strange blend of Italian and Slavic cuisine. It's rice cooked with seafood, mussels, crab and shrimp.
Burek is a layered meat pie. And it must be said that pastries are respected and appreciated in Slovenia, be sure to try it.
Potica is another variant of pastry known outside Slovenia as well. Here it's made with nuts or apples, often with a hole inside that turns the pie into a roll.
Wine cannot be left out among Slovenia's beverages. Wines are rarely exported and are usually drunk locally, often near the vineyards themselves, of which there are many in the country. It is possible to taste orange wine in Isola. The best selection of wine is said to be in the valley and town of Vipava.
All sorts of infusions on honey, with pears and plums are popular among strong drinks. For example, these are:
Khrushkovets - as the name makes clear, this is a tincture on pears. It's quite sweet and strong, so take a chance and give it a try.
Viljamovka - this alcoholic tincture is known not only in Slovenia, but also in Italy. However, it is the inhabitants of Slovenia who believe themselves to be the authors of this peculiar drink.
Pleterška hruška liqueur with pear in the bottle is considered one of the most delicious in the country.
But beer and tea are not very popular here. In Slovenia, coffee is preferred.
