Different sarma, tripe burger, bakalar and more at Advent in Zadar

(Photo credit: Bojan Bogdanić)

Once again, this year’s Advent in Zadar kicks off on the Day of the City of Zadar and lasts until January 6th. 

The restaurateurs who have rented Advent booths in Pet Bunara and Petar Zoranić squares have already outlined the brief content of their menus in their applications. From these short announcements, it can be concluded that the gastronomic offerings might be the most interesting part of this year’s Advent.

The air around the 25 Zadar Advent booths at Petar Zoranić Square and Pet Bunara Square will be filled with the aroma of fritters, burgers made from quality beef and local game, codfish (bakalar) and sarma, calamari, and grilled meat.

(Photo credit: Marin Gospić)

(Photo credit: Marin Gospić)

At first glance, everything will seem ordinary – Advent in Zadar, like elsewhere, is a festival of street food, fast food, and finger food that can be enjoyed on the go or at high fair tables. However, a careful examination of the applications of the restaurateurs who secured their spots under the glowing canopies reveals some dishes that will have their Zadar premiere or have already won the hearts of fans of good winter bites, like last year’s star – Different Sarma. 

(Photo credit: Bojan Bogdanić)

One of the restaurateurs is taking it a step further this year, adapting traditional dishes to the fast-food concept and announcing a tripe burger. If no one else comes up with an even more ambitious gastronomic idea, this burger could be the most interesting bite in this year’s Advent offerings.

(Photo credit: Bojan Bogdanić)

Various classic variations of globally popular burgers still dominate the menu, and the competition will be fierce. The same goes for sausages. In previous years, we’ve seen how ‘ordinary’ burgers can be creatively composed, and for good sausages, some restaurateurs have sourced them from Slavonia and Istria. For Advent visitors who truly want to enjoy the best bites, the real challenge will be exploring the finest offerings.

(Photo: Marin Gospić)

It’s good to know that Advent will feature the preparation of some traditional dishes, such as lamb with chard, polenta as a side to good domestic sausage, and deep-fried small mixed fish. There will also be black cuttlefish risotto. 

Vegans will have options too, as many booths are announcing vegan dishes. Mexican food enthusiasts will also be pleased, as one booth’s food offering is based on tapas and tortillas.

(Photo credit: Bojan Bogdanić)

The sweet offerings this year are also intriguing. In addition to classic fritters and Spanish churros, pancakes, and meat pies, those with more refined tastes can indulge in Germknedl, Cronut, or slices of Italian panettone.

(Photo credit: Advent in Zadar)

The sweet Advent story continues with the variety of hot chocolates, just one of the many beverage options. In addition to the usual mulled wine, good Zadar bartenders will prepare imaginative hot winter cocktails, there will be heated brandies, liqueurs, and mulled gin, as well as plenty of beer and Zadar wines.