Enjoy your coffee as a local

Food & wine

Get to know more about the important daily ritual that showcases the slower, pleasure-seeking lifestyle of the locals.

Croatians have always been passionate about coffee, and today it remains an integral portion of daily life. Most Croatians will tell you that coffee is critical to their routine — for many, it’s the first thing they’ll have in the morning alongside breakfast and a necessary pick-me-up throughout the day. Coffee is also central to social gatherings and is often considered an essential ingredient of any good conversation.

So why is coffee so important to Croatians? Part of it has to do with the country’s history and culture. Croatia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and coffeehouses were popular meeting places for intellectuals and artists. In Zagreb, there’s even a museum dedicated to coffee culture.

But more than anything, coffee is simply a way of life for Croatians. It’s something that’s enjoyed every day, in good times and bad. And it’s this appreciation for the simple things in life that makes Croatia such a special place to visit.

So, brew a pot of Croatian coffee and enjoy a cup while learning more about this fascinating country and its coffee-loving people.

The history of Croatian coffee

Coffee is an important part of Croatian culture and has been present in the country for centuries. 

The first coffee house in Croatia was opened in Zagreb in 1650, and since then, coffee consumption has continued to grow. Today, Croatia is one of the leading countries in Europe for coffee consumption, with over 80% of the population drinking it on a daily basis.

The history of Croatian coffee is intertwined with the country’s long history of trade and commerce. For centuries, Croatia was a major hub for trade between the East and West, and coffee was one of the most traded commodities. Coffee beans from Croatia were highly sought after by European traders due to their high quality, and as a result, many Croatian coffee houses became well-known across Europe.

In more recent times, Croatian coffee culture has been influenced by its close proximity to Italy. Italians have long been known for their love of coffee, and this has rubbed off on Croatians who have started to produce their own unique blends of espresso and other Italian-style coffees. This new generation of Croatian baristas are passionate about creating the perfect cup of coffee, using only the finest ingredients and roasting methods. 

Health benefits of drinking pure black coffee

Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up, it also has some incredible health benefits. When you drink black coffee, you are getting a dose of antioxidants and caffeine. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage, and caffeine is a natural stimulant that can improve your mood, focus, and physical performance.

Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer. Coffee has also been shown to improve physical performance, making it the perfect pre-workout beverage. So if you’re looking for an excuse to keep enjoying your hot cup of coffee, consider its health benefits! 

Coffee to go is a no-go

Since Croatian people are addicted to their daily dose of caffeine, it comes as no surprise that we consume copious amounts of the hot beverage. The average Croatian enjoys more than 5 kilos of coffee in a year, and spends about 182 hours drinking it, which might help explain the crowded cafés. While other countries are fine with having coffee on the go, Croatians dedicate a certain amount of time to their favourite drink, and that time is usually shared with other people as well.

The invite “ajmo na kavu” (“let’s go for a coffee”) is a conventional way of arranging a meet up with friends. The “kava” can include other beverages, or even end up with a couple of beers, but the basis of the invitation always stays the same — spending an hour or two in conversation with someone dear to you

The ultimate peak of this socializing ritual comes with sunnier weather, which allows coffee drinkers to rush outside and enjoy their cup of Joe while soaking up sunshine. Visit the patios of the camp Šimuni cafés, and see for yourself!

But Croatians don’t only drink coffee in cafes, they make it at home every day. 

The most popular type of coffee, or the most croatian style coffee is the the so called Turkish coffee, which is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water. The resulting coffee is thick and very strong, and it’s usually served with sugar and milk. 

The perfect gift for every situation

There are some habits most Croatian people do upon visiting someone’s home, such as asking if they should take their shoes off, politely declining food (then happily eating it when the host serves it anyway), and giving ground coffee as a gift. 

The custom of the coffee present works in various occasions: visiting your aunt, meeting your partner’s parents, expressing gratitude to someone for a small favor — whatever it is, this is the go-to present, as one can never have too much coffee at home.

Jubilarna croatian coffee by franck is the most popular choice, and its iconic packaging is affectionately called “ciglica” (brick), due to its cube-like shape. This brick of coffee wrapped in plain white paper is the gift every Croatian has received at least once in their life!

How to order coffee in Croatian

Before getting coffee in Croatian, first learn the types of Croatian coffee. Like in Italy, we have plain dark espresso and foamy cappuccino, known under the same names. However, we don’t usually say “macchiato” or “caffe latte”. 

Instead, we use the expression “kava s mlijekom” (literally coffee with milk) or “kava sa šlagom” (coffee with whipped cream). Come to a Croatian café and say “može kava s mlijekom” (“can I have a coffee with milk”), the waiter will probably be amused and impressed by your effort to do it like the locals. If, on the other hand, you’re wondering how to ask someone “Would you like some coffee?” in Croatian, the pronunciation is “Jesi li za kavu?”.

The best way to immerse yourself in Croatian culture is by visiting this beautiful country and partaking in those small traditions that make up the local way of life. Book your stay at Camping Village Šimuni and enjoy your coffee on the beach! And, if you have any questions about our camp, feel free to ask us anytime.