TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Slovenian Foods
Krapfen was probably the first European-style doughnut to appear, followed by similar varieties in other countries. These pastries are traditionally prepared with leavened dough that is deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while they remain soft, light, and airy on the inside.
Though krapfen can be prepared plain, they are most often filled or topped with jams, and vanilla or chocolate custards, while the top is usually dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate. The origin of the word krapfen dates back to 9th century, and the recipes in German can be found as early as the 14th century.
This well-known dessert is a traditional dish of Prekmurje, Slovenia’s northeastern region whose recipes have often been inspired by Hungarian and Austrian traditions. According to the Etymological Dictionary of the Slovenian Language, Prekmurska gibanica is a variety of potica, a layered strudel pie characteristic for the eastern part of the country.
The name comes from gibâničnik, a type of pastry basket, or gibâničar, an old Slovenian word for a baker. The oldest written records of Prekmurska gibanica date back to the 1700s when it was first mentioned as gebanza, while another written source from 1828 described it as a dessert that is typically served at weddings.
MOST ICONIC Prekmurska gibanica
View moreKremna rezina is a specialty of the Slovenian Lake Bled area. It is a luscious cream cake with a golden, crispy, buttery pastry acting as its base. The base is topped with flavorful vanilla custard, whipped cream, and a layer of thin, buttery dough.
The whole cake is traditionally dusted with icing sugar and served sliced in cubes. The story of kremna rezina (or Bled cream cake) began with the arrival of chef Ištvan Lukačević to Bled's Park Hotel, where he modified the Hungarian cream cake by adding the right proportions of whipped cream into it, and in 1953, the hotel presented Lukačević's invention to the public.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Cremeschnitte
MOST ICONIC Kremna rezina
View moreGobova juha is a traditional mushroom soup. Although there are many variations, the soup is usually made with a combination of wild mushrooms, onions, garlic, butter, flour, potatoes, white wine or wine vinegar, bay leaves, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
The onions are sautéed in butter and then mixed with flour and garlic. The mushrooms are cut into chunks and added to the pot with water, marjoram, bay leaves, potatoes, salt, and black pepper. The soup is simmered over low heat until the potatoes become tender.
Bograč is a traditional meat stew that was supposedly invented by Hungarian shepherds when Prekmurje was under Hungarian rule. The stew consists of four types of meat—traditionally pork, beef, venison, and boar—which are simmered along with potatoes, onions, spices, wine, and optionally mushrooms.
The dish was named after bogracs—a traditional cauldron in which it is still prepared today.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Gulyás
Commonly known as every Slovenian housewife's source of pride, potica is a traditional cake that is usually prepared for festivities and celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. The cake was derived from the older rolled dough cakes, and it was first mentioned in 1575.
Originally, it was a cake reserved for the upper class, but over the years, it gained popularity with the peasants. There are around 60 types of potica, with various traditional fillings such as walnuts, hazelnuts, tarragon, honey, poppy seeds, and cottage cheese.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Sirovi or skutni (skutini) štruklji is a traditional variety of štruklji originating from Slovenia. The dough is made with a mixture of flour, water, eggs, oil, and salt. Once rested, it's rolled out into thin sheets that are topped with a mixture of sour cream and skuta (curd cottage cheese).
Sugar and raisins are sometimes added to the mixture, but they're not mandatory. The dough is rolled up into a log, and the štruklji are wrapped in a kitchen cloth and then boiled in salted water until fully cooked. Once they've been taken out of the pot, the štruklji are cut into smaller pieces, and the dish is then enjoyed as it is or topped with breadcrumbs fried in butter.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Štruklji
Internationally known as Carniolan or Krainer sausage, Kranjska klobasa originates from the historical region of Kranjska, once the Duchy of Carniola, a crown land of the Austrian Empire. It has the perfect meat-to-bacon ratio: at least 80% coarsely ground good-quality pork cuts (leg, shoulder, neck) and 20% bacon (back fat), seasoned with salt from the Sečovlje saltern, black pepper, and garlic.
Funneling the meat mixture into natural casings forms 12-16 centimeter long sausages that are twisted into links, tied, and held together by a wooden skewer. The links are then pasteurized and hot-smoked until they reach a moderate reddish-brown color.
Čvarci or ocvirki is a traditional specialty that's popular in Southeastern Europe and the Balkans. This variety of pork rinds or cracklings is usually homemade, and it's made by thermally extracting fat from the lard. The lard is usually cut into blocks and fried in its own fat until it melts away and tough and crispy pork rind remain in the pot.
During the process, čvarci are constantly stirred with big spoons, and milk is often added in order for them to obtain the color of caramel. Salt is typically added to the mixture, while some cooks like to add garlic or onions to the mixture. Čvarci are typically made in late autumn or winter, often during the pig slaughter, and they're usually enjoyed as a snack, served with bread and raw onions and paired with beer or rakija on the side.
The gold standard of Slovenian cured meats - Kraški pršut, also known as Karst prosciutto or simply Karst ham, is a non-smoked, dry-cured ham with more than a hundred years old tradition. Its truly authentic flavor is the result of favorable climate conditions in the Karst region, which have a direct influence on the dynamic of drying and aging.
Regardless of today's technological innovations, the manufacturers of this prized ham have retained the traditional methods of production. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this extremely nutritional dry-cured ham also has an even higher protein content than the one found in cooked meat.
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Best Slovenian Food Producers
Monte Rosso is an olive oil producer based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The company specializes in high-quality, extra virgin olive oil. Monte Rosso sources its olives primarily from the Istrian region. The company places a strong emphasis on traditional cultivation and pressing methods.
Monte Rosso has received various awards for the quality of its olive oil products.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

EVOOLEUM - Top 100
2024, 2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - EVOOLEUM TOP 20
2024
BEST Monte Rosso Olive Oils
Oljcno Olje Jenko is an olive oil producer based in Koper, Slovenia. The company produces extra virgin olive oil made from olives grown in the Istrian region. They use traditional methods alongside modern processing techniques to ensure high-quality oil.
The olive oil is typically characterized by its distinct flavor and rich nutritional profile. Oljcno Olje Jenko offers its products both locally and internationally, showcasing the unique qualities of Slovenian olive oil.
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2019

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2018

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2017, 2016
BEST Oljcno Olje Jenko Olive Oils
Villa Eva - Family Brataševec Estate is an olive oil producer located in Slovenia. They specialize in producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The estate is family-owned and operated, emphasizing traditional methods and sustainable practices in olive cultivation and oil production.
Croatia is a nearby country often associated with similar high-quality olive oil production, but Villa Eva distinguishes itself within the Slovenian context.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

Olive Japan - Gold
2023

London IOOC - Gold
2021
BEST Villa Eva - Family Brataševec Estate Olive Oils
AWARDS

USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2022

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021
BEST Radgonske Gorice Wines
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Broken Bones Spirits
Loške Mesnine is a Slovenian company specializing in the production of fresh meat and meat products, emphasizing high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their product range includes fresh meats, meat products, 100% beef items, halal-certified products, and gift packages.
Notably, their Arvaj brand Kranjska klobasa, a traditional Slovenian sausage protected by geographical indication, has received multiple awards, including the title of Best Kranjska Klobasa. Additionally, their 100% beef products have obtained halal certification, ensuring quality through in-house processing.
AWARDS

Zaščitena geografska označba - ZGO

GIZ Kranjska klobasa - Kranjska klobasa - zašpiljeno dobra
BEST Loške Mesnine Cooked Sausages
AWARDS

Flos Olei - The Best
2024
BEST Ekološka Kmetija Janko Bočaj Olive Oils
AWARDS

Flos Olei - The Best
2021
BEST Jenko Olive Oils
Kmetija Sirk is an olive oil producer based in Slovenia, specifically in the coastal region of Istria. This family-owned farm focuses on cultivating high-quality olive oils, emphasizing traditional and sustainable farming practices. Kmetija Sirk is known for producing extra virgin olive oil, which has won several awards for quality.
Their olive groves consist of various indigenous olive varieties.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Slovenian Food Products
Monte Rosso Grand Selection Olive Oil is an exceptional extra virgin olive oil crafted from carefully hand-picked olives grown in the Istrian region. Known for its rich, golden-green hue, this oil offers a harmonious balance of fruity, bitter, and spicy notes.
With its smooth texture and vibrant aroma, it enhances a wide range of dishes, from fresh salads and grilled vegetables to seafood and pasta. A true testament to quality and tradition, it’s perfect for culinary enthusiasts seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

EVOOLEUM - Top 100
2024, 2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - EVOOLEUM TOP 20
2024
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2021
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2018

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2017, 2016

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold
2015
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

London IOOC - Gold
2023
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold
2023

London IOOC - Gold
2021
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019

Terraolivo IOOC - TOP TEN
2019
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold
2017

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2016
Olive Oil
Ekološka Kmetija Janko Bočaj Stara Kortina - PDO Ekstra Deviško Oljčno Olje Slovenske Istre - from Organic Farming
Stara Kortina - Pdo Ekstra Deviško Oljčno Olje Slovenske Istre is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Ekološka Kmetija Janko Bočaj. This olive oil is distinguished by its protected designation of origin (PDO) status, which guarantees that it is made from olives grown in the Slovenian part of Istria.
The oil is derived from organic farming methods, ensuring that no artificial pesticides or fertilizers are used in the cultivation of the olives. This dedication to organic practices not only supports environmental sustainability but also promotes the health benefits associated with consuming high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
AWARDS

Flos Olei - The Best
2024
Jenko's Dop Ekstra Deviško Oljčno Olje Slovenske Istre Da Agricoltura Biologica is an extra virgin olive oil produced in the Slovenian Istria region. This oil is made from organically cultivated olives, adhering to strict agricultural practices to ensure high quality and eco-friendliness.
The product is recognized for its rich, complex flavor profile, making it suitable for both gourmet culinary applications and everyday cooking.
AWARDS

Flos Olei - The Best
2021
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold
2023
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Slovenian Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 1,381 ratings were recorded, of which 943 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.