The holiday table in Croatia can get quite full! Cakes, biscuits, and other desserts are prepared weeks in advance. In addition, various side dishes are prepared on Christmas Eve, such as salads, potatoes, and bread. But there is only one queen on the holiday table, and that is turkey with mlinci. Delicious juicy meat, which entices you with its delightful aroma, and mlinci that no one can resist, a tradition that warms the soul and makes the holidays complete!

Croatia is a country with lots of customs. Croats love their traditions and are especially looking forward to Christmas. For example, decorating the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, singing Christmas carols, and going to midnight mass. Preparations for the Christmas celebration can last up to a month before Christmas. Days like St. Nicholas, St. Lucia, etc. Christmas wheat is sown on the day of St. Lucia. One of the holidays before Christmas, which the youngest especially look forward to, is St. Nicholas. Namely, children carefully clean their boots the night before, and in the morning, if they are good, they get presents, and if they are bad, Krampus will leave them a stick which their parents will use to discipline them.‍‍

Christmas Turkey With Mlinci‍

On Christmas Eve, straw is traditionally brought into the house, the house gets decorated, the Christmas tree gets all spruced up, and traditional Christmas food is prepared. For Christmas, turkey with mlinci will shine on tables across continental Croatia.

This dish originates from Međimurje, and over the years, it has spread throughout continental Croatia. Croats choose their turkey carefully, which they usually buy from local producers. It is very important where the turkey is procured. For example, the Zagorje turkey is very reputable and valued; it has high-quality meat, which undoubtedly contributes to outdoor grazing and brings a more muscular body structure. It also has significant fatty tissue, which is why this turkey seldom gets dry. The turkey is thoroughly washed, dried, and seasoned before roasting. They tie the legs with kitchen twine to keep its shape. It is important to baste it with stock and oil so that it remains juicy. Mlinci are traditionally served with turkey. Namely, mlinci are pasta made from flour, water, and salt. They are rolled thin and dried. Dry mlinci are torn into unequal pieces and cooked in boiling salt water. We take the cooked mlinci out of the water and cover them with fat from roasting the turkey. It may not sound so extravagant or fancy, but once you try them, you will understand why mlinci are highly regarded among Croats.

An interesting piece of information is that Zagorski mlinci are the 23rd Croatian product registered in the register of protected marks of origin in 2019. This delicacy is delicious, and there is really no person in Croatia who will tell you otherwise. So, if we've piqued your interest, which we're sure we have, we bring you restaurants that prepare juicy and delicious Christmas turkey with mlinci below.

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Gostionica Ficlek‍

This restaurant or inn is located in the heart of Zagreb and offers authentic Zagreb food. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and provides a warm and pleasant atmosphere as if you were at home or at your grandmother's for lunch. Authentic cutlery, an open kitchen, fresh homemade traditional food, what more could you want? Turkey with mlinci, of course! Namely, Gostionica Ficlek also offers traditional juicy turkey and mlinci in roasting sauce and a glass of local wine. Great! Trust us, once you try, there is no going back; you will want more and stop by Ficlek again.

Book your arrival at the Ficlek inn on the phone number 0994958909.

Vinodol

Restaurant Vinodol is located in the heart of Zagreb Lower Town, Teslina street. The restaurant is surrounded by pleasant greenery, a large outdoor terrace, and a comfy traditional interior. This restaurant is perfect if you want to try traditional Croatian cuisine. You see, in this restaurant, even today, they cook according to old traditional recipes that really have no competition. Traditional recipes are executed modernly, which is why the offer is constantly changing and is supplemented by cooking with seasonal ingredients. In the Vinodol restaurant, you can enjoy a slow-roasted turkey drumstick with mlinci and stewed red cabbage. A great combination of traditional Croatian Christmas food.

If you want to reserve your arrival at the Vinodol restaurant, you can contact them by phone at +385 1 4811 427

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