You are currently on your way to Slovenia and have asked yourself what traditional dishes this diverse country has to offer? Then you are in the right place, as we present to you some of the most famous Slovenian dishes that you will likely find in every city there!
Slovenian cuisine is mainly characterized by its meat dishes. There are a variety of dishes with the most delicious sides – and almost always, a piece of meat is served as the main component. However, we have also found a vegetarian dish for you. See for yourself!
The Krainer sausage is considered the most famous sausage in Slovenia and is the national dish – everyone knows the Krainer sausage! Even today, the exact manufacturing process described in a recipe from 1986 is followed. The Krainer sausage consists of only a few ingredients such as pork, ham, garlic, salt, and pepper. It has a lot to offer in terms of flavor. The Krainer sausage is coarsely ground and heavily seasoned. It is often served with bread and horseradish.
Buckwheat groats is a simple dish made from buckwheat flour, cracklings, and oil. It is often served with sausage, stew, or sauerkraut. Interestingly, buckwheat is very common in Slovenia and is often used in Slovenian dishes. Buckwheat is a main ingredient in traditional stews, porridge dishes, and bread. So, if you have trouble tolerating gluten, Slovenia offers you a gluten-free option with this dish!
The Slovenian turnip stew with pork is considered a nationwide specialty and originates from Prekmurje, the northeastern part of Slovenia. The preparation is made with fatty parts of the pig’s head and skin, along with sour turnips. Originally, this dish was eaten as lunch during pig slaughter. To enjoy this thick soup, all the ingredients are slowly and gently stewed in a large pot. According to tradition, the temperature during stewing should be low enough that no steam is visible.
This farmer's feast is one of Slovenia's national dishes and is especially enjoyed during holidays or other festive events. The dish consists of smoked pork, ham, sauerkraut, and boiled sour turnips. In addition, salted potatoes, beans, and mushrooms are often served as side dishes. Depending on the region, the dish is expanded with roasted pork, different types of sausages, and bacon.
This hearty pastry is suitable for vegetarians! The traditional round cake made from egg dough rests for an hour after being mixed and is then rolled out as thin as possible. Afterward, the dough is rolled into a spiral shape and filled. The filling of this traditional pastry often consists of ricotta and curd cheese.
Slovenian cuisine also offers plenty in the realm of sweet indulgences!
The delicious cake (Potica) from Slovenia is filled with various flavors, with the walnut-filled Potica being perhaps the most famous and traditional version. The dough for this Slovenian dessert is rolled out thin, spread with a nut mixture, and then rolled up. There are over 80 different fillings, including chocolate, hazelnuts, and poppy seeds. The cake is described as quite firm and is preferred during the Christmas season.
This tasty dessert is filled with apples, walnuts, poppy seeds, and curd cheese and comes from the Prekmurje region. The puff pastry is made with eight layers according to the traditional recipe and is a classic in Slovenian cuisine.
The Slovenes are not shy about showcasing their selection of wines and spirits. Particularly, Slovenia’s spirits are very well known.
Slovenian wines are especially popular among the locals. The most famous wine specialty is Cviček. This rosé wine is protected by the EU as a regional quality product. Its aroma is described as refreshingly sour. Additionally, this rosé wine has a lower alcohol content compared to other well-known wines, making it very popular during the summer. Therefore, the wine routes of Slovenia are definitely worth a visit! Let yourself be enchanted by the world of wines and try some of the varieties!
Slovenia offers a great variety of spirits. For example, the Slovenes love their traditional plum brandy "Slivovitz" or their herbal liqueur "Pelinkovac." Other famous spirits include "Pleterje," which consists of a pear that grows in a bottle and is filled with pear brandy, and "Klostergeist" (Monk’s Spirit).
