Cuisine at the crossroads of European influences
Slovenian gastronomy is influenced by its neighbors: Austria, Italy, Hungary and the Balkans. With 24 gastronomic regions for such a small country, the diversity is impressive! The Alps bring dairy products, the coast seafood, and the plains vegetables and cereals.
Potica is THE national Slovenian dessert, a traditional rolled cake with over 80 filling variations! The most popular is walnut (orehova potica), but there are also versions with poppy seeds, hazelnuts, tarragon or even cottage cheese. It's a must at celebrations and weddings. Preparation requires patience and skill.
Štruklji are boiled or baked dough rolls with sweet or savory fillings. The most famous are cottage cheese štruklji (skutni štruklji), served with melted butter and toasted breadcrumbs. You can also find them with walnuts, apples or poppy seeds. It's a comforting dish of traditional Slovenian cuisine.
This sausage is Slovenia's most internationally known dish! Protected by a European geographical indication, it must contain at least 68% pork, 12% bacon and be seasoned with garlic. Its characteristic reddish-brown color comes from smoking. Traditionally served with sauerkraut and mustard.
Žlikrofi are hat-shaped ravioli filled with potatoes, onions and bacon. Originating from the mining town of Idrija, they obtained European protection. They're served with meat sauce (bakalca) or simply with melted butter. Each žlikrofi must have exactly 4 corners - it's tradition!
This cake from the Prekmurje region is a true institution! It has 5 layers of different fillings: poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts, apples and raisins, between thin pastry sheets. Served warm with whipped cream, it's a rich and generous dessert representing Slovenian peasant tradition.
Slovenia has been producing excellent wines since Roman times! The three wine regions (Podravje, Posavje and Primorska) produce more whites than reds. Istrian red Teran and white Rebula are renowned. Fruit schnapps (sadjevec) is popular, especially Williams pear. Slovenian honey is world-renowned for its quality.
Jota is a hearty stew with beans, sauerkraut, potatoes and smoked pork. It's the ultimate comfort food for winter. Every family has its own recipe! Originating from Karst and the coastal region, this dish reflects Italian influence with a Slavic touch.
24 distinct gastronomic regions
Over 170 traditional dishes recorded
28,000 hectares of vineyards
Slovenian honey is exported worldwide
3 Michelin-starred restaurants in Slovenia