Dalmatinska Marenda

A series where we will explore the best flavors of Dalmatia through eight episodes!

The Dalmatian marenda series uncovers the tradition of marenda, connecting it to the cultural, social, and gastronomic aspects of life in Dalmatia. Over eight episodes, host Lada Bonacci takes you through various places—Split, Jesenice, Brač (Supetar), Hvar (Stari Grad), Kaštela, Sinj, Makarska, and the Imotski region—where, in conversations with long-time restaurateurs and chefs, she discovers traditional “marenda” dishes such as tripe, tingul, gregada, cod, and pašticada, which once nourished Dalmatian families. The series doesn’t just explore marenda as a meal but delves into the very concept of the Dalmatian way of life—the moment of relaxation between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. when people take a break from work and enjoy a simple, yet nourishing meal.

Watch all episodes on HRTi

Episode #01 – Stari Grad na Hvaru

The island of Hvar, known for its abundance of sunshine and liters of top-quality wine and olive oil, is an idyllic place to sample a Dalmatian marenda (light meal or snack). We headed to the sunniest corner of Croatia, where our host, Damir Čavić, a long-time restaurateur, greeted us in the town of Stari Grad. On the menu were marinated anchovies and octopus salad, a bit of bevanda (wine mixed with water), pašticada, octopus with vegetables, and cod.

Episode #02 – Imotska krajina

Imotski is a destination that attracts nature lovers and those seeking an active holiday, especially due to the Red and Blue Lakes. In addition to its natural beauty, we also checked what the locals eat for marenda during their work break. With host Jurica Grbavac, we tried pivca and pura, a specialty of the Imotski region.

Episode #03 – Makarska
We discover the charms of Makarska, a picturesque place where the Biokovo mountain meets the sea. At the restaurant of Mario Tomaš, we tried “utisno” shark, a local specialty influenced by Venetian cuisine. We also tasted njokada – a version of pašticada seasoned with cinnamon.
Episode #04 – Jesenice
Our journey took us to the village of Staro Selo Jesenice, a hilly place offering a stunning view of the central Dalmatian islands. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, in Jesenice, you’ll encounter picturesque stone houses, a bocce court, and a true Dalmatian tavern, the doors of which were opened by Ante Bajso. On this occasion, Bajso prepared one of the most famous dishes of Dalmatian cuisine – meat cooked under a bell-shaped lid (peka).
Episode #05 – Sinj
Bravery, tradition, and hospitality come together in Sinj, a town where heroism is reflected even in the cuisine. Edo Crljen, a restaurateur and owner of an agricultural household (OPG), served us tripes, a dish he says ‘you either love or hate.’ Meanwhile, hostess Ankica Vlastelica prepared a dish you simply must try if you visit Sinj. Of course, we’re talking about arambaši (stuffed cabbage rolls).
Episode #06 – Brač (Supetar)
We explored Brač, an island known for cattle farming, white stone, the world’s most beautiful beach, Zlatni rat, and Vidova Gora. In Supetar, restaurateur Teo Dragičević prepared traditional specialties: šporka juha (a rustic lamb and vegetable soup), mišanca (a seafood medley), and vitalac (a traditional lamb dish).
Episode #07 – Split (Firule)
We headed to Split, to the Firule neighborhood, known for its tennis courts where Croatia’s best tennis players began their careers. Besides world-class sports, Firule is also a place where you can enjoy great food. We spoke with Hrvoje Zirojević, a world-renowned chef, about preparing a traditional Dalmatian dish – pivac na tingul (young rooster in a braised stew).
Episode #08 – Kaštela (U masliniku)
Kaštela, a town made up of seven settlements near Split, boasts a long tradition of winemaking. In the setting of olive groves and vineyards, winemaker Mladen Kuzmanić introduced us to local specialties – cuttlefish and broad beans (sipa i bob), pancetta, goat cheese, and homemade sausage, paired with a glass of local wine varieties.

Crew

Author of the series
Tamara Babun Zovko
Screenwriters and directors
Una Radić, Tamara Babun Zovko
Director of photography
Robin Pretković
Editor
Danijel Brlas
Host
Lada Bonacci
Producer
Ivana Vladović
8 ep x 10 min
Language: Croatian
Production
Turistička zajednica Splitsko – dalmatinske županije

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