In a year when Kvarner proudly holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026, Kraljevica continues to showcase the richness of its gastronomic heritage. From 16 to 19 November 2026, visitors to the pop-up corner at Rijeka’s Pavil1on Gastroteka, as part of the flavours of Kvarner presentation series, can look forward to a special culinary journey through the history, traditions and authentic flavours of the Kraljevica area.

Under the title „Kraljevica on a plate – A Bite of the Past, a Taste of Tradition“, three fascinating culinary stories will be presented, each connecting the way of life in days gone by, local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Their contemporary interpretations will be brought to life by Antonia Mikac, a former contestant on the popular cooking show MasterChef and the creator of the well-known culinary brand Tonkine fritule.

The selection of dishes is no coincidence. Each one tells a story of the lives of local people, their resourcefulness, their close connection to nature and the sea, and their ability to create delicious meals using simple, readily available ingredients.

Broskva – a humble ingredient with a rich coastal heritage

The culinary journey begins with broskva, a somewhat forgotten yet exceptionally valuable ingredient that was once an essential part of the everyday diet of coastal families.

This hardy vegetable thrived in the poor coastal soil, withstood cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions, and was often one of the few fresh ingredients available during the winter months. For this very reason, broskva became a symbol of simple, modest cooking, but also of the resourcefulness of generations who knew how to make the most of everything nature had to offer.

In an effort to breathe new life into this traditional ingredient, visitors will be invited to discover it in a slightly different form – as warm savoury fritters made with broskva, served with homemade salted anchovy tapenade. This intriguing combination of flavours brings together the simplicity of traditional coastal cooking and the richness of the sea, showing how even the most humble ingredients can inspire creative culinary experiences.

„Tuna brodit” – a taste of Bakarac’s rich fishing heritage

When it comes to Kraljevica’s gastronomic heritage, no story would be complete without tuna and the centuries-old tradition of tuna fishing in Bakarac. The tuneras, distinctive wooden lookout platforms overlooking the sea, still bear witness to a unique tuna-fishing method that shaped the lives of local residents from the time of the Zrinski and Frankopan noble families all the way until the 1970s. In the past, tuna fishing was much more than just a fishing activity. It was an important source of income, a way of life and an integral part of the identity of the entire community. Perhaps the most fascinating historical detail illustrating its importance is that the people of Bakarac used the word „fish” to refer specifically to tuna, while all other species were known by their individual names.

For this very reason, the star of the Kraljevica-inspired plate will be traditional „tuna brodit”, a dish that takes us back to the flavours of coastal kitchens of days gone by and the rich fishing heritage of our region.

Mendulača – from a traditional recipe in Šmrika to Kraljevica’s new sweet signature

And after the savoury flavours, it is time for a sweet story that has taken on a special place in Kraljevica’s gastronomic promotion throughout 2026.

Of course, we are talking about mendulača, a traditional dessert from Šmrika, made with handmade pastry filled with ground almonds, sugar and lemon zest.

In the past, sweets were prepared using whatever ingredients were available in the household, and mendulača is a perfect example of how simple ingredients could be transformed into a rich, fragrant dessert for special occasions. Interestingly, almost nothing went to waste – even almond shells were used to make tea, while dried figs added an extra layer of flavour.

At the initiative of the Kraljevica Tourist Board, considerable efforts have been made throughout the year to revive, promote and establish mendulača as a distinctive sweet signature of Kraljevica and a new authentic gastronomic product of the destination. Its contemporary interpretation, based on the traditional recipe from Šmrika, was first presented earlier this year as part of the Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026 programme. Since then, mendulača has become the centrepiece of numerous wonderful culinary stories, promotional activities and events throughout the year.

At Rijeka’s Gastroteka, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the original mendulača, as well as two exciting contemporary interpretations – mendulača-inspired fritters and cinnamon rolls. These creative twists will showcase just how much potential for culinary innovation lies within a traditional recipe that had almost been forgotten.

Three flavours, three stories – one Kraljevica!

At first glance, broskva, tuna and mendulača may seem like three entirely different culinary stories. Yet they share what matters most – their roots in our region, the simplicity of traditional cooking and a valuable heritage we are determined to preserve and keep alive.

From the humble ingredients that once sustained coastal families, through Bakarac’s rich fishing tradition, to the fragrant sweets of Šmrika’s kitchens, Kraljevica brings a little taste of its gastronomic history together on one plate.

In a year when Kvarner proudly holds a prestigious European gastronomic title, we want to show that even smaller destinations have big culinary stories worth preserving, promoting and rediscovering.

We warmly invite all lovers of authentic local flavours, tradition and good food to join us at Rijeka’s Gastroteka from 16 to 19 November, sample a taste of our gastronomic heritage and discover why Kraljevica has so many fascinating stories to tell – on the plate, too!