With its abundance, uniqueness, and diversity of natural and cultural values nestled in such a small area, intertwined with today's life filled with friendship, hospitality, and joy, Zagorje rightfully becomes a Fairy Tale in your hands for the visitor. In this environment of greenery, fields stretching between meadows and forest clearings, small hamlets, villages, vineyards, and cottages scattered across the gentle Zagorje hills lazily leaning against each other, the enchanting flavors of tradition have been preserved. They are the same flavors that once wafted through rural courtyards with intoxicating aromas or emerged from the noble kitchens of numerous manors and castles dotted around Zagorje's hills.
Indulging in the dishes of local traditional cuisine here means experiencing the richness and diversity that evolved in harmony between humans and nature in the preparation of everyday meals of Zagorje peasants (mostly various stews and soups) characterized by skill, ingenuity, and simplicity in preparation. It also means discovering the more demanding dishes and specialties from the manorial kitchens that required culinary expertise and skill in preparation.
From the abundance of these dishes, which truly embody pleasure and satisfaction, it's difficult to single out just a few. However, it's essential to taste a slice of cornbread from the wood-fired oven or cornmeal žganci generously spiced with rendered lard or lard from banjica, Zagorje soup that harmoniously combines almost all ingredients from their own rural courtyard, authentic homemade Zagorje štrukli with fresh cow's cheese, Zagorje turkey (which was once often served as a supreme delicacy at European courts) with Zagorje mlinci, or perhaps pisanica Stubica, a famous specialty prepared for centuries in the kitchens of Zagorje nobles...
The rich experience of traditional flavors, in fact, a series of experiences of exquisite dining and unforgettable gourmet pleasures, today extend lovingly before you in selected establishments adorned with the hallmark of the Taste of Croatian Tradition – Taste of Zagorje.
They lead you to a Fairy Tale on the table.
Taste and enjoy!
