Inspiring stories that make Slovenian gastronomy so special

Exceptional, innovative, Slovenian

It would probably be hard to find a similar country with so many extraordinary stories in such a small space. The diverse landscape of Slovenia offers a wide variety of flavours that inspire the many chefs who are creating modern Slovenian cuisine. A blend of tradition and innovation has given rise to unique stories about ingredients, dishes and the people who, through their dedication and commitment, are building the reputation of Slovenian gastronomy on the world stage.   Discover some of these unique stories from green Slovenia, the European Region of Gastronomy 2021.

You are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights

Having climbed to the top of Mt Kolovrat, you will be able to admire the mighty Alpine peaks above the emerald Soča River and the blue dreaminess of the Adriatic. The Alpine and Mediterranean worlds merge in a unique way in the Hiša Franko restaurant, where the world-renowned chef Ana Roš and her partner Valter Kramar and their team are writing a special story about Posočje cuisine. Their blend of flavours that define the Soča Valley and innovative combinations convinced the demanding Michelin Guide inspectors, who thus awarded Hiša Franko two prestigious stars.

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A homestead between forest and river

Feel the pleasant homeliness of a Dolenjska homestead by the Krka River, where you can taste water cress in soup or salad, meat delicacies made from the indigenous Krškopolje pig, omelettes from eggs gathered from the hen house while still warm, and round it off with a selection of premium orange wines. A nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city to a rural environment, where family tradition has been brought to another level.

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On the Bora wind

Davor Podbevšek, an energetic Koper resident, turned his back on bank numbers and decided to mix hand-harvested salt from the Sečovlje saltpans with other tasty ingredients. His creativity knows no bounds when it comes to salt mixing – he has produced pumpkin seed salt, sea bass salt, and octopus salt, which is a gourmet experience in its own right. But his greatest masterpiece is a salt with gold flakes. Literally.

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Culinary magic deep in the forests of Horjul

Driving from Ljubljana on your way to a gourmet experience, you may have some doubts as you turn onto a winding road to the Polhov Gradec Dolomites.  Just as Luka Košir’s parents had doubts when, instead of the usual daily snacks and lunches, he introduced the crazy ideas of Scandinavian and Japanese gastronomic revolutionaries at the Grič family inn. But today, the fusion of flavours from the local environment – including those that are more innovative – and modern experimentation are paying off.

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Hunt for the Istrian treasure

If you like to eat well, you will definitely prick up your ears at the mention of truffles. As dogs trained to hunt truffles do when turning their attention to the black or white treasures of the Istrian soil they smell buried under the soil. Meet Liza the dog and the young truffle hunter Sara Kocjančič, who hunt truffles all year round and demonstrate to curious tourists how they hunt for this precious aromatic tuber.

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At the watered bear

What would you say if you were offered salami as a top culinary experience? This is no ordinary salami but salami produced in a completely biodynamic way. Without additives. Without flavour enhancers. Only selected meat, natural preservatives such as salt, and a great deal of patience and dedication from David Lesar from Ribnica, who prides himself on carrying on the tradition that his ancestors started even before Columbus discovered America. You will be "Columbus", discovering the incredible flavours of salami at a carefully prepared and thoughtfully designed tasting accompanied by sustainable wines.

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Mmm, it smells so good!

You will easily fall in love with Slovenian cuisine as it offers so many different flavours that everyone will find something to their taste. Be it traditional or cosmopolitan. Carefully selected and produced ingredients give every bite a full flavour.