24.11.2023.

Culinary Preview of Advent in Zadar

This year's Advent in Zadar begins on the Day of the City of Zadar and lasts until January 6th. Caterers who have leased Advent booths in the squares of Pet bunara and Petra Zoranić have already included a brief overview of their menus in their applications. From these, albeit short previews, it can be concluded that the gastronomic offerings might be the most interesting part of this year's Advent.

The air around the 25 Zadar Advent booths in Petar Zoranić Square and Pet bunara Square will be filled with the enticing aromas of fritters and doughnuts, burgers made from quality beef and homemade sausages, cod and cabbage rolls, calamari, and grilled meat...

At first glance, everything will be as usual – Advent in Zadar, like elsewhere, is a festival of street food, fast food, and finger food, meals that can be eaten on the go or at high fair tables. However, a closer look at the applications of caterers who have secured their spots under the illuminated canopies reveals some dishes that will have their Zadar premiere or have already won the hearts of fans of good winter bites, such as last year's star – Different Cabbage Rolls. One of the caterers this year is taking the adaptation of traditional dishes to the concept of fast food even further and is announcing – tripe burger. If someone else doesn't come up with an even more ambitious gastronomic idea, this burger could be the most interesting bite in this year's Advent offerings.

Different classic variations of globally popular burgers continue to dominate the menu, and the competition will be fiercest there. The same goes for sausages. In previous years, we've seen how an 'ordinary' burger can be creatively assembled, and for good sausages, some caterers have sourced from as far as Slavonia and Istria, so for Advent visitors who truly want to enjoy the best bites, a real challenge will be to explore the best offerings.

It's good to know that at Advent, some traditional dishes like lamb with chard, polenta as a side to good domestic sausage, mixed small fish fritters, shrimp and calamari, and black cuttlefish risotto will be cooked. Vegans will also find their options, as a good number of booths are announcing vegan dishes, as well as lovers of Mexican food, as one booth's food offering is based on tapas and tortillas.

The offering of sweet dishes is also interesting this year. In addition to classic fritters and Spanish churros, pancakes, and doughnuts, more sophisticated palates can indulge in germknedl, cronut, or slices of Italian panettone.

The sweet Advent story continues through the offering of hot chocolates, which are just one part of a diverse drink menu. In addition to the usual Advent mulled wine, good Zadar waiters will prepare imaginative hot winter cocktails. There will also be heated brandy, liqueurs, and mulled gin, but also plenty of beer and Zadar wines.