Kvarner scampi (Kvarnerski škampi)

Kvarnerski škamp is a species of scampi, a langoustine that inhabits the seabeds of the Croatian Kvarner Gulf. The Kvarner škamp is characterized by a pale orange or pinkish color and a thin shell, and it has delicate and tender meat with a sweet and complex flavor.

With the use of specialized fishing traps, the scampi are usually sourced from a depth of about 40 to 60 meters, from mud tunnels these crustaceans build on their own. This high-end culinary delicacy is typically caught from the beginning of April until the beginning of October and can be found on the menus of numerous fine dining restaurants.

In Croatia, kvarnerski škampi have been celebrated during the annual Kvarner Scampi Festival held in Istria each May. A wide range of scampi delicacies are prepared during this festival and they are typically paired with fine local wines. Due to the unique flavor and renowned quality of this scampi, there has been an increasing initiative to protect the origins of this Croatian seafood specialty in the European Union.