Coffee to Croatians is important. No, seriously, really important.
Coffee in Croatia is more than just a quick caffeine fix; it’s a vital part of the daily culture and social scene. Understanding this can transform your experience in Croatian cafes, turning a simple drink order into an opportunity to engage with locals and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of Croatian coffee culture and offer practical advice for both coffee lovers and tea drinkers to navigate the café scene like a local. Here is your guide to coffee in Croatia (plus tips for tea lovers too).
Coffee to Croatians is essential. Whether it be an espresso from a coffee bar or Croatian coffee cooked on the stovetop at home, an excellent, strong coffee is critical to a Croatian’s existence. You have no idea how big a cup of joe can be until you’re in Croatia. As one of my favorite expat bloggers, Zablogreb says,
Croatians love coffee, but more than that, coffee in Croatia is where everything gets done. It’s where friends meet, where deals are made, how favors are asked, how people are hired, fired, introduced, married, divorced, everything. Everything involves coffee.
A while back, I wrote about some basic Croatian phrases that will help you while on holiday. I also wrote a very popular piece about swearing like a Croatian, but this coffee ordering guide is by far more important… trust me!
Given that coffee has such a significant role in Croatian culture, I feel it is my duty to help you – the traveler – find your way through the coffee-ordering scene.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Coffee In Croatia: What Type Of Coffee Should You Order?
First things first, you should know that the Croatian word for coffee is kava. Sometimes, it is heard as kavu or kave due to the sophisticated use of cases and plurals in the Croatian language.
Before you get to ordering a coffee, I suggest you follow your nose, determine where the best coffee aroma comes from, and check out how busy the coffee bar is. If the coffee aroma tickles your sense of smell and the coffee bar has several patrons, you’re in the right place for excellent Croatian coffee.
The next step is to work out the type of coffee you want:
| Your Preference | Drink Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| You like lots of milk | Bijela kava | A simple white coffee (kind of like a latte) made with an espresso shot and lots of warm milk. This is the biggest coffee you can order in Croatia. |
| You like milk, but not a full glass | Veliki Macchiato | A shot of espresso with about 1/4 cup of warm foamy milk. |
| You like a small, strong coffee with a dash of milk | Macchiato | A shot of espresso with the tiniest splash of warm, foamy milk. |
| You like low-fat milk | N/A | Too bad milk is milk, and there are no skinny, low-fat, two percent, or added calcium options—just regular whole-fat milk. Never fear; you are on holiday, and a little extra fat won’t kill you. |
| You prefer a small, strong coffee | Espresso | Just a shot of coffee to get your coffee fix. |
| You hate coffee | Tea or other drinks | Perhaps you’d like to order a cup of tea. There are all kinds of herb and regular teas on offer. Other options include juice, water, soft drinks, and also a drink called cedevita, a Croatian drink in powder form you add water to, available in various flavors. |
| You prefer tea | Čaj | Ask for Čaj. Not to be confused with a chai latte. |
| You need caffeine-free coffee | Bez kofeina kava | Really? Why do you bother? Your chances of finding this outside of big touristy areas like Dubrovnik are low. If you do, I’ll make a list for those who like to pretend to drink coffee. |
| Instant coffee | Nescafe | Weirdly, some Croatians prefer a cup of instant coffee (someone, please explain to me why!). If this is you, just order a Nescafe. |
| You love lots of whipped cream, syrup, sprinkles, and other additives | Kava sa slagom | But if you want those giant creamy drinks with syrup and sprinkles, you’re out of luck in Croatia. You will find kava sa slagom, a white coffee with a glob of cream on top. |
| You like filtered coffee | N/A | In this case, enjoy your last cup before you travel to Croatia and be prepared for some new coffee adventures. |
| Free refills | N/A | These do not exist in Croatia. However, coffee is affordable, ranging from 1.5 euros in small villages to 3.5 euros in touristy areas, so you can treat yourself to another cup if you wish. |
Brands We Use And Trust
Who Is Paying For This Coffee
If you are invited to a coffee bar by a Croatian, you are forbidden to pay. Try to offer, but your hand will be slapped back.
Buy Croatian Coffee
Are you returning from a trip (or miss home) and want some Croatian coffee? Here are our top picks for Croatian coffee + coffee pots.
Croatian Coffee Chronicles: Sip, Savor, and Smile
- Let’s talk H2O. In Croatia, the tap water is as safe as a goalie’s hands in a penalty shootout. And guess what? It’s free! Forget about splurging on the bottled stuff unless you’re collecting fancy labels. A glass of the tap will do just fine, and your wallet will thank you
- Sweet tooth? Sugar packets, locally known as šećer, are a mainstay on Croatian café tables. They’re not trying to sugar-coat anything; it’s just plain old white sugar, no frills attached. So go ahead, tear open a packet or two, and sweeten your brew to taste
- Café culture here is not a grab ‘n’ go business. It’s more of a sit-back-and-let-the-world-drift-by kind of vibe. Croatians cherish their coffee time, so much so that ‘to-go’ cups are as rare as finding a unicorn at the beach. If you’re in a hurry and ask for a “za van” (that’s a ‘takeaway’), prepare for some raised eyebrows or a quest for a paper cup that might just not exist
Best Cafes In Zagreb
Here is a list of the recommended cafés in Zagreb, along with the reasons I recommended them:
- Botaničar: Recommended for its bohemian atmosphere, greenery, and cocktails
- Caffé Bar Finjak: Instagrammable décor and comfortable courtyard seating
- Divas Café Bar: Offers an elegant, artistic setting and good coffee
- Café u Dvoristu: Stands out for its arty vibe, Cogito Coffee, and secluded courtyard seating
- Booksa: A literary club and café with a laid-back atmosphere and regular community events
- Monocycle Specialty Coffee: A popular choice for coffee enthusiasts interested in manual brews and African and South American roasts
- Velvet: An upscale café known for its cakes, vintage decor, and quiet courtyard
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Best Cafes In Split
Here are my recommended cafes in Split:
- B7: Best cakes and coffee combo + Riva views
- D16: A cool cafe with two branches in Split, serving coffee made with high-quality arabica beans
- Kava2: A favorite coffee shop in Split, known for its peanut cream croissants and aesthetic, offering various coffee blends
- The Daltonist: A cafe/bar with a chill vibe, offering specialty coffee, brunch options, and pop-up events
- 4coffee Soul Food: A small coffee window with quality coffee and baked goods
- KaKantun: A hidden gem in Split’s Old Town, serving excellent coffee, including cold brew and matcha options, as well as being a gin bar
- Restoran Vidilica: Offers scenic views of Split
- Jadran Beach Bar: Provides scenic views of Split
- ZONA: Offers nice views
- Kavana Procaffe: Known for its cakes and provides nice views
So, what coffee in Croatia will you order?
My dinner tonight was coffee and ice cream…I miss my veliki macchiato
Thats my poison of choice too!
So interesting! I’m one of those usually searching caffeine free coffee, because I love the taste (and smell!) of coffee but cannot sleep after that… If I go to Croatia I guess I will just drink it in the morning or order tea :)
By the way, the cup of coffee art is so cuuute!
This is a great guide! I love visiting places with a relaxed coffee culture.
Oh how I love a good cup of coffee, and we sure did try our fare share while in Croatia. I wish I’d had this list then…but there will be another trip so I’ll be ready!
REAL coffee, this is such a great guide! I love the culture based around cafes in various parts of the world! :)
Instant coffee is insanely popular in Korea too! I really don’t get it! It’s like coffee flavored (and crazy sweet) water !
So is Thai coffee! You can get these packets that have coffee, creamer and sugar. All you do is add hot water. Way too sweet for me! Plus, there is no telling what chemicals are in the creamer. When you go to the market there are hundreds of brands and flavors to choose from.
Coffee – an important daily ritual :)
One of our guides in Croatia told us she felt guilty if she didn’t stop at least once a day to drink a coffee somewhere. How amazing is that? We looove coffee and it was one of the thing we enjoyed the most while visiting the country.
And you’re right: don’t try to pay for the coffee if you’re invited by a Croatian!
What a helpful post! The cedevita drink sounds interesting
Veliki Macchiato please. Croatia sounds like my kind of place. But the question is, is it *good* coffee?
Yes Mama it is. Of course you come across a bad one here and there, but overall – YUM!