Have you heard of the black Slavonian pig? This breed is famous for its delicious, juicy meat and stands out with its unique aroma and taste that no one can resist. For these reasons, you often hear it dubbed a Croatian gastronomic star.

The Particular Type of Pig

This autochthonous Croatian breed comes from Slavonia. It was created in the second half of the 19th century on Count Pfeiffer's estate near Osijek, where it got the nickname "Fajferica". During breeding, pigs are fed grains, corn, clover, and pumpkins. This type of pig differs in many aspects from other types. It is decorated with high-quality meat, mainly when used for cured meat products. The meat is darker in color and has more muscular muscle fibers. You could say that the quality is conditioned by how the black pig is kept on the pastures. The Slavonian black pig runs freely on the green fields where it feeds. This Slavonian treasure is more expensive than other types of pork, but gourmets and food lovers say it is absolutely worth it! An added plus, especially nowadays, when we don't know what's on our table and how it was raised and treated, is that you won't find hormonal preparations and antibiotics in the black Slavonian pig. Domestic, juicy, and fragrant meat is increasingly in demand today, so we can see a black pig in restaurants and shops.

Where to Try Its Fantastic Products?

Slavonia, the granary of Croatia as we love to call it, boasts endless plains, streams, and rivers and has a moderate continental climate. It is precisely the environment that makes the black Slavonian pig so unique! If you are in Croatia, we recommend several places where you can try top dishes from this gastronomic star.

Crna Svinja Restaurant 

This restaurant, which proudly wears the name Crna Svinja (eng. Black Pig), is located in Čepin, near Osijek. In quite a short time, this restaurant received many positive reviews from gastrocritics. Each plate beautifully describes Slavonia in a very refined and elegant way. We recommend starting the meal with a cold dish of black Slavonian pig, on which you can try Slavonian classics; kulen, čvarci, and bacon. But don't overdo it; leave room for the main course. Our favorite is the Ribeye from black Slavonian pig, grilled on charcoal and served with a variation of Chef's side dishes, spiced butter, and demi-glace. Round off this feast with a crispy apple pie. You can read more about this amazing restaurant here.

‍

Restaurant Bicko

This modern restaurant with a hint of antiques is located in Zagreb. They offer Slavonian black pig, but with a Spanish twist. Sobrino de Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world, located in Madrid, is renowned for its cochinillo asada, a roasted suckling pig with meat so tender that, when cooked properly, it practically falls apart, melting in your mouth. Well, Croatia has its own version. Restaurant Bicko makes it from the Black Slavonian pig. Pork made according to this recipe is fragrant and enriched with aromas of Mediterranean herbs, chamomile, and rosemary. The suckling black pig is served in the Bicko restaurant the way they do in Spain, being cut in front of the guests. Bon appetite!

‍