Barbecue - Zagreb’s Favourite Summer Activity

And I don’t think I’m the only one. After football, it’s probably the most popular activity during the hot weather season. So, where do we begin? If you’re lucky enough to live in a house with a nice backyard or own a weekend house in the surroundings, you’re pretty much covered. If not, don’t worry, there are options for you. Zagreb’s two lakes and public parks - Jarun and Bundek - offer plenty of opportunities for barbecue enthusiasts trapped in the city. In both of them family barbecue parties are very welcome, and every weekend people are flocking there with their grilling gear, portable fridges and tons of food from early morning. Early birds can find the perfect spot by one of the wooden gazebos or barbecue stations. The others can set their makeshift camp wherever they find a convenient spot inside the park. There’s room for everyone, as long as you’re prepared to sacrifice some of your comfort. But the most important link in the chain is the barbecue master - a person who knows every nook and cranny of the barbecue science and who is willingly ready to stand by the grill and sweat for hours. Usually everybody knows one such expert and they are to be worshipped.

“Makeshift barbecue station” Image credit: Taste of Croatia

Now that you’re all psyched up and ready, how do we grill it in Zagreb? Start with a reliable outdoor grill, charcoal and some firewood. Needless to say, meat is the essence. Make that - lots and lots of meat. The basic repertoire is more or less the same in whole Croatia, not much different than in the rest of the region. It’s the details that make the difference. Ćevapčići (finger-shaped minced meat bars), ražnjići (pork or chicken skewers) and pečenice (pork sausages) are the major stars. Of course, in the grilled meat department, we owe a lot to the Balkan heritage. Common favourites like pljeskavice (burgers), pork or veal cutlets, chicken wings and drumsticks are also often on the menu. Some more local picks include pork loin (carsko meso) and pork neck (vratina). Marbled with streaks of fat, these pieces are perfect for grilling, remaining tender and juicy. Good marinade is the key to successful grilling. Serious barbecue chefs have their own secret recipes. But Zagrebians don’t like to experiment too much and usually stick to the old-school basics: oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, garlic, maybe a bit of paprika or some herbs.

“Marinated meat just about to be grilled” Image credit: Taste of Croatia

With loads of delicious meat specialties, you don’t really need any special side dishes. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, tomato, eggplant and bell pepper are just enough, either grilled or prepared as a salad. However, nibbling spring onions is almost mandatory. Couples usually make sure that they are both in it together, to avoid any bad breath and kissing issues later. Grilled button mushroom are always a welcome extra treat. Slices of bread sprinkled with leftover meat marinade and grilled will provide a portion of carbs. As for condiments, ajvar (red bell pepper, eggplant and garlic relish) and mustard do the trick. And to wash down all that food, there’s nothing better than cold beer or gemišt (white wine mixed with sparkling mineral water). Dessert? Who needs a dessert after a good Croatian barbecue feast? Still, there’s almost always an enthusiastic mum who has brought some homemade strudels or similar practical sweets. And that’s it, in a nutshell. When everyone recovers and the dusk arrives, it’s time to clean up, pack and leave, until the next barbecue session.

“Burn, baby, burn!” Image credit: Taste of Croatia

Just bear in mind, it’s not smart going into Zagreb’s barbecue-friendly parks on an empty stomach because the all-prevailing smell coming from numerous barbecue parties will drive you insane. But if you can’t beat them, it’s best to join them!

“Grilled ćevapčići and pork sausages - barbecue all-stars” Image credit: Taste of Croatia

Header image credit: Taste of Croatia

Author: Taste of Croatia