Inside the cooking class keeping Croatian recipes alive in Australia

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

Earlier this month, the Croatian Cultural Association of Geelong (CCA) in Victoria, Australia, hosted its annual Winter Cooking Class at the Croatian Community Centre in Geelong.

This special event not only celebrated traditional Croatian cuisine but also honoured the stories and memories that keep these traditions alive.

Established in 2004, the CCA was created to preserve and share Croatian heritage, especially its rich culinary traditions, with the wider Australian community.

Inspired by the legacy of Croatian great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers who carried their customs to distant shores, the Association continues to protect and promote these cultural treasures for future generations.

This year’s Winter Cooking Class was made especially memorable thanks to the generosity and expertise of Mr. Ivan Špoljarić, Mr. Antun Špoljarić, and Mrs. Lilly Špoljarić, owners of Funk Café in Geelong.

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

Volunteering their time and skills, the Špoljarić family shared beloved family recipes, memories of their late mother, and even donated a delicious homemade dessert, making the evening a true celebration of Croatian culinary heritage.

Mr. Antun and Mr. Ivan Špoljarić demonstrated two traditional dishes: beef paprikaš and zlevanka (also known as kukuruznica).

As they cooked, they shared cherished memories of learning alongside their mother, whose influence continues to guide their passion for preserving family recipes.

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

Their presentation was filled with practical tips and insights that home cooks of all ages found useful.

Mrs. Lilly Špoljarić delighted everyone with her preparation of žličnjaci, a traditional Croatian dish passed down through generations in her family.

Importantly, all attendees had the chance to taste each of the presented dishes, which were warmly received and thoroughly enjoyed by members of both the Croatian and broader community.

To encourage the continuation of these culinary traditions, recipes for all the dishes were provided in both Croatian and English to everyone in attendance.

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

The Croatian Cultural Association extends heartfelt thanks to Ivan, Antun, and Lilly for their dedication and contribution to the event. Special thanks also go to Mrs. Julie Marinović, the Association’s in-house photographer, who beautifully captured the evening while also assisting in serving food.

In 2025, the CCA proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over two decades, the Association has hosted food festivals, fundraising events, and cultural celebrations, all aimed at preserving and sharing Croatian culture in Australia.

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

One of the Association’s most significant achievements is its bilingual cookbook, “My Mother’s Kitchen / Kuhinja moje majke,” published in 2019. Featuring 169 traditional recipes and 495 photographs, the cookbook is a testament to Croatian culinary heritage.

The cover was designed by acclaimed Australian-Croatian artist Charles Billich.

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

The Association also wishes to thank the Croatian Community Centre of Geelong for their continued and unconditional support of CCA events.

(Photo: Julie Marinović)

Through events like the Winter Cooking Class, the Croatian Cultural Association of Geelong continues its mission of celebrating, preserving, and sharing Croatian culture, one recipe at a time.