Authentic treats are protected
The most authentic treats bear designations from European quality schemes
Pay attention to protected designation of origin, geographical indication, and traditional speciality guaranteed designations.
Over 20 products, foodstuffs, and dishes, which attest to the culinary originality of Slovenia, bear designations protected by the European Commission. Only Slovenian producers and processors provide them in their original form.
Flour dumplings withsauce with the lable of Traditional Speciality Guaranteed
Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
We love what we know well. When we taste the most authentic Slovenian dishes, foodstuffs, and drinks, when we can count on their origin, the manner of production, and prescribed recipe, when we see with our own eyes where they come from, it is easy to love them. Look for protected treats of Slovenia.
There's no place like home.
Slovenian proverb
Distinct special culinary features of individual regions and places bear the protected designation of origin
Four types of cheese, two types of honey, salt and olive oil boast the designation that proves their extraordinary origin.
Slovenia is among the most interesting beekeeping countries in Europe. Its honey treats include specially protected Kočevski gozdni med (Kočevje forest honey) and Kraški med (Karst honey). Excellent cheeses are produced particularly in Alpine Slovenia on mountain pastures. Try the easily spread spicy Mohant cheese from Bohinj, the Tolminc cheese from the milk of cows which pasture in the mountains above the Soča River, and Bovški sir cheese from the milk of sheep form this area. The protected Nanoški sir cheese is from Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia, which is also the home of Piran salt and extra virgin olive oil from Slovenian Istria.
Protected geographical indication promises quality which is most affected by production in a certain area
Meet eight meat products, pumpkin seed oil from Štajerska, onion from Ptuj, eggs from the Kamnik area, hops from Štajerska, and Slovenian honey.
Kraški pršut (Karst prosciutto) matures in the wind – the bora. Kranjska klobasa (sausage) and Prleška tünka (tünka from Prlekija) have had the same recipe for centuries. Zgornjesavinjski želodec (stuffed pig’s stomach from the Upper Savinja Valley), Kraški zašink (Karst pork neck), Kraška panceta (Karst pancetta) and Prekmurska šunka (ham from Prekmurje) are produced by special meat curing procedures. Štajersko-prekmursko bučno olje (pumpkin seed oil from Štajerska and Prekmurje) and Ptujski luk (onion from Ptuj) are the bases of Pannonian cuisine. Jajca izpod Kamniških planin (eggs from under the Kamnik-Savinja Alps) have more omega-3 fatty acids.
Carniolan sausage
Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
Štajerski hmelj (hops from Štajerska) with protected geographical indication, which gives flavour to many types of beer, may also be tasted in dishes
The easiest way to try beers produced from extracts of Slovenian hop varieties is at the first beer fountain in the world.
The Savinja Valley is among the largest hop producers in the world. In Žalec , you may learn about the special features of hops from Štajerska when you visit the Green Gold Fountain where you can pour yourself several types of beer, the Eco-Museum of Hop Growing and the Brewing Industry, while strolling around hops plantations, and at providers of culinary products with hops.
Hops Hop Plantations
Photo: Miran Orožim
Dishes bearing the Traditional Speciality Guaranteed label are prepared according to a precisely prescribed traditional recipe.
The most famous and distinctive specialities of Slovenia are potica, Prekmurska gibanica, idrijski žlikrofi, and belokranjska pogača.
Potica is a dessert made from leavened dough and a filling The most widespread is walnut filling, while potica with walnut and raisin filling, with raisin filling, with tarragon filling, and with tarragon and skuta (curd cheese) filling are also protected. It is accompanied by:
- prekmurska gibanica from layers of two types of dough and four fillings – poppy seeds, curd cheese, walnuts, and apples;
- idrijski žlikrofi in a hat shape and with a filling made from potatoes, minced lard or smoked bacon, onions, herbs and spices;
- belokranjska pogača – flat bread sprinkled with caraway seeds and thick salt grains;
Head to the famous island for some potica
Pick your preferred potica at Potičnica on Bled Island. Pre-booked groups can also see how potica is made.
Potica and žlikrofi holidays
Among culinary events, search for potica festivals in April, Potica Days in December, and the Idrija Žlikrofi Festival in August.
Why is it worth looking for treats that bear protection designations with pride?
Protected local production or processing procedures of authentic foodstuffs guarantee their uniform and high quality.
The quality of products with protection designations are strictly supervised by independent control authorities. All production or processing procedures of foodstuffs bearing protected designation of origin are carried out in prescribed geographical areas. By selecting these products, we support local producers and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Mohant cheese with protected designation of origin
Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
Pay attention to the national quality scheme designation which ensures that foodstuffs are produced in Slovenia
The Selected Quality – Slovenia designation also means that foodstuffs of local origin are subject to additional verifications.
Numerous providers of milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, and fruit, who meet specific requirements regarding production, growing and processing, storing, limited transport time, and similar bear the Selected Quality – Slovenia designation. The traceability of foodstuffs is guaranteed.
Typical dishes
Everywhere you go, you will discover how nature and culture have always been combined here on a plate with distinctive local dishes.
Taste local
We choose local produce at the marketplace, enjoy traditional flavours at events and go for lunch in the mountains. Experience local tastes of Slovenia.
