Unusual Specialties of Gorski Kotar

Gorski Kotar, a mountainous region of Croatia, is renowned for its captivating nature and winter sports, but also for its unique culinary specialties. Among the must-try dishes are the game stews, cakes made from forest fruits, smoked trout, but also some dishes that might not be to everyone’s taste.

FROGS
Frog legs, a delicacy enjoyed in various cuisines around the world, hold a special place in the culinary tradition of Gorski Kotar. Nestled in the hilly heart of the country, Gorski Kotar boasts lush forests, caves, winding rivers, and streams, and this untouched environment fosters a successful population of amphibians, including various species of frogs, making frog legs a favorite specialty of this region.

Frog legs have been part of Gorski Kotar’s culinary heritage for centuries, and locals incorporate them into traditional dishes that showcase the culinary artistry of the area. Fried frog legs are probably the most popular way to enjoy this unusual delicacy, served with potatoes or polenta. However, that’s not the only way to prepare frog legs—they are also eaten in risottos, with pasta, and even in stews. Although the thought of eating frogs may repel some, it’s worth noting that many world cuisines love this delicacy, whose taste can be compared to that of chicken.

The importance of frogs in Gorski Kotar is illustrated by the fact that you can visit the Frog Museum in Lokve, and every spring, during the frog hunting season, the town hosts the Frog Night, where you can taste a variety of innovative dishes showcasing the culinary creativity of Gorski Kotar’s chefs.

Frog hunting in Gorski Kotar was a tradition that reflected the deep connection between the local community and the natural environment. Traditionally, frog hunting was a seasonal activity enjoyed not only by skilled hunters who knew the frog habitats well but also by other locals, including children. However, in recent years, as awareness has grown about the need to regulate the harvest of various species to ensure the sustainability of wild populations, frog hunting has been banned, and frogs for consumption are sourced from abroad. This measure was introduced to protect Gorski Kotar’s frogs from overfishing and to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem in Gorski Kotar and beyond.

So now we can only hope that one day, when the frog population is replenished and stabilized, future generations of Gorski Kotar will be able to enjoy the delights of local frog legs and experience the charms of frog hunting tradition in the wilderness of Gorski Kotar.

DORMICE
For many, the thought of eating rodents turns their stomach, but not for the people of Gorski Kotar! Dormice are rodents very similar to mice, distinguished by their long, furry tails. As nocturnal animals, they can be seen at night jumping from tree to tree, but not in winter as they hibernate. They inhabit tree hollows but often also attics of houses.
Like frogs, dormice can be prepared in various ways, but they are most commonly roasted with potatoes or in a stew. Their meat is very tasty and valued, and their fat is precious for its medicinal properties, primarily used in treating skin diseases and scars.
Some species of dormice are protected, but not all, so the tradition of dormouse hunting is still alive and active. Dormice are hunted in the autumn, before they go into hibernation, and hunting nights are organized then.

If you’re a gourmet open to unusual culinary experiences, these specialties are made for you. And after a challenging day of gastronomic exploration, seek relaxation in the best accommodation in the region—on the website of the Molo Longo agency.