Slovenia has diverse customs and traditions, and these are reflected in its abundant gastronomic heritage and the variety of local and traditional agricultural produce and foods. Explore tourist destinations through local cuisine and traditional dishes. Pay particular attention to the foods with protected designation of origin, geographical indication, and traditional speciality guaranteed designations. Protected products include 9 types of cold cuts, 4 cheeses and 3 types of honey. Some 27 dishes and products have been protected in Slovenia.
Tasting produce and foods with the protected designation of origin means having a genuine experience of a certain geographical environment. As they are strictly bound to an area due to the raw material and end-product production, they reflect the quality, tradition and peculiarities of the landscape and places in which they are produced and carry their own unique attractive local story.
As with the protected designation of origin, the protected geographical indication is also linked to a certain geographical location, but the connection to the area itself is somewhat less strict, which means that at least one production procedure must take place in the relevant geographical area and the raw material can originate from elsewhere.
Kranjska sausage
The queen among cured meats is the Kranjska sausage, which has even travelled into space thanks to Sunita Williams, an astronaut of Slovenian roots. According to a folk tale, it was named by no other than Emperor Franz Joseph himself.
Karst prosciutto
Karst prosciutto is the most well-known Karst cold cut that the locals will be happy to serve you. Its distinctive flavour is the result of coarse sea salt and the typical Karst bora wind. Karst prosciutto takes an average of one year to mature.
Karst pancetta
This cured meat from the Karst has a typical rectangular shape and is made from carefully selected meaty pork bacon.
Karst zašink
The traditional charcuterie of the Karst landscape is made from high-quality boneless pork neck. It has a characteristic cylindrical shape and a natural casing which is covered by elastic netting.
Zgornjesavinjski želodec
This cold cut is made from high-quality pork and bacon in the Savinja River Valley in accordance with a process that has been in use for more than 100 years. In the past, it was a must-have on holidays and at weddings.
Prleška tünka
Prleška tünka has been known in the Prlekija region for more than 500 years. It is made of minced lard and pork alternately stacked in layers in a container and left to mature for at least 30 days.
Prekmurje ham
The typical Prekmurje pear-shaped cured meat undergoes a traditional process of maturing that requires a great deal of care and patience. Due to its long curing and maturing period, the product is distinguished by a unique smell and flavour.
Šebreljski želodec
This charcuterie is typical of the Idrija and Cerkno regions. The preserved meat product is made from high-quality pork and hard bacon characterised by lean meat content.
Štajerska-Prekmurje pumpkin seed oil
An oil that has a dark green to red colour, a distinctive aroma and flavour, and a favourable fatty acid composition. It adds flavour to many a dish and, you won’t believe this, but it goes great with vanilla ice-cream.
Ptuj onion
If you’re a fan of onion, you have to try ptujski lük, a native variety of onion with a typical red colour and a rich flavour that has been cultivated in the fields of Ptuj for more than 200 years.
Slovenian honey
The exceptional plant diversity in Slovenia provides a great foundation for high-quality Slovenian honey, which must comply with strict requirements and, for example, contain less than 18.6% water. You can choose from acacia, flower, linden, spruce, forest, fir or chestnut honey.
Eggs from below the Kamnik Alps
The eggs from below the Kamnik Alps were acclaimed as far back as the late 19th century, when the Kamnik farm women supplied numerous Ljubljana kitchens and the marketplace with this precious foodstuff. Laying hens are fed with flax seeds, resulting in eggs containing at least twice as much omega-3 fatty acid.
Štajerska hops
If you order beer in Slovenia, this will likely be made from the protected Štajerska hops, which is actually a mixture of several Slovenian hop varieties. Hops give beer its distinctive bitterness and aroma with a touch of herbal, fruity and flowery notes.
Slovenia has a number of exceptionally delicious traditional dishes and four of them are particularly protected under the Traditional Speciality Guaranteed label. The label focuses on the use of traditional raw materials, the production/processing method and the composition of the dish.
In 24 gastronomic regions and three wine-producing regions, there are several reasons to try various dishes, wines and other beverages. Look for the products that reflect the local character and are equipped with local designations. Sit down at the table of providers with a green mindset. And don’t forget to take a delicious souvenir with you.
If you would like to welcome Slovenian cuisine into your own kitchen, you can order the best delicacies online and have them delivered to your home. If you would like to try gourmet masterpieces, selected Slovenian wines or genuine home-made specialties, you will certainly find something to your liking.
MoreIf you would like to welcome Slovenian cuisine into your own kitchen, you can order the best delicacies online and have them delivered to your home. If you would like to try gourmet masterpieces, selected Slovenian wines or genuine home-made specialties, you will certainly find something to your liking.
MoreIf you’re looking for something pretty and delicious from the local surroundings where you’re spending your holiday in Slovenia, choose from a variety of local brands. These guarantee product authenticity and local origin. By selecting local delicacies and certified handicraft products, you will take home a small piece of Slovenian tradition and creativity while making a step towards sustainability.
MoreMarketplaces, farms, apiaries, wine cellars, and mountain huts are the places where traditional food and the genuine flavours of Slovenian cuisine can be found. But it’s not only about tradition. On offer are particularly fresh and high-quality produce and ingredients for creating delicious dishes.
MoreSlovenian cuisine is based on ingredients found in our immediate surroundings. Modern approaches to cuisine combine with elements of culinary tradition. Discover restaurants, recipients of the Slovenia Green Cuisine Label, which put sustainability at the forefront in the creation of their specialities.
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