Mendulača – the sweet taste of Kraljevica

The traditional cuisine of the Littoral has always been a reflection of the life of this region, and the main ingredients were primarily those that nature gave at that moment. When it comes to desserts, they were created from whatever was available. In this rich gastronomic story, a special place is occupied by mendulača, a traditional dessert made from almonds, which was once made from handmade dough filled with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar and lemon zest. Mendulača is a true example of how a dessert for special occasions was created from modest ingredients, and it was given a new look through the Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026 program, when it became a valuable part of the local gastronomic heritage and a new sweet taste of Kraljevica. The recipe is based on a traditional recipe from Šmrika, and in a modern version it is made by chef Antonia Mikac. This dessert is proof that the no waste philosophy has been cherished in Kraljevica since ancient times! Almond shells were used to make tea, and for extra flavor, a few dried figs were often added. You can find the recipe for mednulača in our brochure. Try it, you won’t regret it!

Tuna as a local specialty

The importance of tuna hunting in Bakarac is also shown by the fact that throughout the centuries, tunas were an important factor in solving the problem of local employment, which was especially evident in difficult times of social and economic crises. From the earliest childhood, every Bakarac citizen gained experience and trained as a fisherman, climbing on the tuna boats and helping in the tuna hunt, regardless of what job he would do later in life. The specificity of the relationship between Bakarac and tuners is evident throughout the many centuries of their existence. Tuners were present in the houses of Bakaraci during the summer days of intensive hunting, as well as in the winter while waiting for the start of the new hunting season. Every more pronounced hunting maneuver on the tuners drew the locals out to sea, and every significant hunt meant a festival for the whole town. Tuna fishing was the life of the whole place! Tuna steak or tuna brodit as a local specialties can be found in the offer of some local restaurateurs throughout the year.

Craft beers Škveranka and Gajetanska

Tavern Fran Krsto Frankopan offers two craft beers of Croatian production – Škveranka and Gajetanska! The names of the beers are related to Kraljevica – Gajetanska was named after the rock in the Carovo cove, which the local population knows well, and Škveranka is a kind of thanks to all the women who spent their working lives in the shipyard, not only in Kraljevica, but in all the shipyards. Gajetanska is a seasonal ipa with 5,5 percent alcohol, and Škveranka is a blond ale beer, similar to lager, with 4,1 percent alcohol. Both beers await tavern guests in half-liter bottles, and are poured into branded glasses. Both beers are unpasteurized, unfiltered and have a low CO2 content. Besides consumption, beers can also be bought as a gift or souvenir from Kraljevica.

Donkey milk – OPG Lucić (donkey farm)

OPG Lucić is a wonderful place in Šmrika where there is a donkey farm. In their offer, they also have domestic donkey milk of their own production. One of the most important properties of donkey milk is its similarity to the chemical composition of mother’s milk. The taste is very mild, sweet and children like to drink it. Research has proven that the use of ungulate milk has a positive effect on the health of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly with autoimmune diseases. Milk consumption has a beneficial effect on bone ossification, it is used in patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, chronic inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.