Istrian pasta is a unique culinary tradition featuring distinct shapes and names, such as fuži, pljukanci, and krafi, often served with rich meat sauces or local ingredients like truffles.
On their way from the Italian regions to Istria, names and shapes of pasta gradually changed until they became uniquely Istrian.
Lovers of Italian pasta would be surprised at what Istrians call lasagna: it is not large flat noodles with layers of sauce and cheese, but any dish that uses the flat noodle. Their simple form makes them ideal for many dishes, including a lithesome nest for white truffles. Besides the large lasagna, there are also thin lasagna for soups and the slightly larger ones for maneštra.
Ravioli, or filled pasta, plays an important role in the Labin area where krafi are filled with a cheese, walnuts and raisins, cooked and then browned with a sweet sauce. The most common pasta during Lent were the pasutice or posutice in which the dough is cut in cubes, cooked and tossed with warm olive oil and salted sardines or salt cod.
Makaruni, žbirići or pljukanci, spindle-shaped pasta, are gaining popularity and the most popular by far are fuži - tubes of thin pasta 3 to 5 centimeters long. The smooth dough is made from wheat, salt, eggs and water, kneaded and rolled into a thin sheet before being cut into 4x4 centimeter cubes. Opposing corners are folded toward the middle and pressed.
Like lasagna, fuži also have a wide use but are generally smothered in homemade sauces (žgvaceti), or Istrian goulash - a thick, dense meat sauce. Poultry sauce (žgvacet) is highly prized and can be made from poultry or beef, before robust wild game is added.
The Istrian Pasta Festival in Žminj is a celebration of traditional Istrian pasta, featuring workshops, food shows, and local culinary heritage under the chestnut trees of Zad Kaštela.
Grubić is a renowned Istrian olive grower based in Bale, known for its award-winning extra virgin olive oil and a historic oil mill renovated in 2006. The estate manages 8 hectares of olive groves with 1,700 trees, producing high-quality oils recognized in the Flos Olei guide.
Anđelini is a winery in Central Istria specializing in local and international grape varieties, located at 440-474m altitude with a 14-hectare vineyard. The estate offers wine tasting for up to 45 guests and produces honey alongside its wines.
Clai Terre Bianche is a renowned Istrian olive grower located in Krasica, offering high-quality organic olive oil produced in their own oil mill. The estate features 1,500 olive trees, a tasting room, and additional amenities including a restaurant and accommodation.
Agro Millo is a renowned olive grower located in the Baredine area of Buje, North Istria, offering high-quality olive oil production and tasting experiences.
Subotina is a centuries-old Buzet folk festival featuring a massive truffle omelette, while 'Subotina in an old fashioned way' transforms the old town into a historic stage showcasing traditional crafts and customs from the turn of the 20th century.