Wrap your tastebuds around traditional Slovenian food

If you’re a foodie-loving traveller, you’ll be thrilled to discover the distinctive flavours of traditional Slovenian dishes during your visit. Sitting snug in the heart of Europe between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, the influence of Slovenia’s neighbours and the diversity of its landscapes, climate and history is evident in the food. And there are plenty of opportunities to experience both traditional and modern cuisine of the highest quality.

Given its small size, the regional variation is vast. There are 24 distinct culinary regions! Traditional ingredients include buckwheat (the land is not suited to growing cereal crops like wheat and corn on a large scale), mushrooms (porcini are especially popular), pumpkin seed oil (highly prized in Slovenia), honey (beekeeping is one of Slovenia’s oldest traditional crafts and is an important part of the country’s economy), nuts (the European walnut is native to Slovenia), dandelions (eaten in salads), potatoes (added to just about every dish), cream (lots of cows are raised in Slovenia) and fruits (used fresh and to make preserves).

Demonstrating how Slovenia is asserting itself as a gastronomic destination, the 3rd edition of the MICHELIN Guide to Slovenia was released in September 2022, unveiling a vibrant and gratifying selection of restaurants. Year on year, high quality restaurants are emerging or making headway all over the country. Six restaurants were allocated a Green Star for their endeavours to promote sustainable gastronomy.

Top 10 Slovenian foods to enjoy after a big day of hiking

1. Kranjska klobasa is Slovenia’s famous tasty smoked sausage made from pork, bacon, garlic, salt and pepper. It can be found across the country.
2. Žlikrofi (dumplings) are found in almost every restaurant in Slovenia. Often filled with meats, potatoes and sauerkraut, they are accompanied by melted butter or a delicious mushroom sauce.
3. Kraški pršut (Karst prosciutto) is famous and delicious; the delicate air-dried meat melts on the tongue.
4. Trojane krof are huge warm doughnuts filled with apricot jam.
5. Pogača is a lot like Italian focaccia and is best served piping hot from the oven.
6. Kremna rezina is a sinfully sweet Slovenian dessert made with layers of custard, cream and puff pastry.
7. Prekmurska gibanica is a layer cake stuffed with poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts and apples.
8. Štefani pečenka is a meat loaf with hard boiled eggs – a classic Slovenian dish.
9. Bograč is a hearty stew, slow cooked on an open fire. The ingredients usually include four different types of meat: wild boar, beef, pork, and venison.
10. Pohorska omleta is baked with eggs, sugar, flour and rum and then filled with cranberry jam.

What to drink!

Dishes can be accompanied by a glass or two of excellent Slovenian wine – inventive, unusual, food friendly and full of flavour. Or opt for a refreshing craft beer – Slovenia is a major producer of hops. The two most popular pilseners are Zlatorog and Union beer. The tap water in Slovenia is pristine. If you want to go sparkling, choose Radenska Kraljevi vrelec carbonated or Donat Mg, a high magnesium sparkling water from the Slovenian springs of Rogaška Slatina.

Experience Slovenia with RAW

We offer exceptional walking holidays in Slovenia. From the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps and gobsmackingly beautiful emerald rivers and lakes, to rolling vineyards and coastal paths along the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a true hikers’ paradise. We have combined some of Slovenia’s best hiking trails to create unique itineraries. Some of these trails are stand-alone day hikes through the Vipava Valley and Karst Plateau; others include sections of the long-distance Alpe-Adria and Juliana trails.

Photos: © Slotrips
Used with permission.