Countries all over Europe must look at Croatia with a slight sense of envy. In the past decade it has gone from being relatively unknown to one of the must-visit destinations for foodies the world over. With four different historical regions all boasting their own unique cuisines, it has access to incredible rustic stews and country cooking further inland, and some of the best fish and seafood in the world along its Adriatic coastline. Add to that a history rich with ancient Roman, Byzantine and Italian artefacts, stunning architecture and beautiful countryside, and it’s no wonder people are flocking to Croatia for their holidays.
Of course, anyone can wax lyrical about their nation’s food and drink, but to really put it to the test you need some independent experts to take a look at it for themselves. That’s why the Croatian Tourist Board decided to take two of the UK’s best chefs on a fact-finding mission around the Dalmatian coast, focusing on the beautiful city of Split, the island of Šolta and the smaller, more remote city of Šibenik.
The chefs chosen to experience Croatian hospitality at its finest were Francesco Mazzei, the Italian chef known for celebrated restaurants Sartoria, Radici and Fiume in London, and Tom Aikens, who previously had two Michelin stars at his eponymous restaurant and now owns his own restaurant empire with outposts of Tom’s Kitchen all over London (and the world). Francesco had visited Istria and the northern parts of Croatia last year, but it was Tom’s first time in the country. By the end of it, they were both thoroughly convinced of Croatia’s gastronomic prowess.