Meet Fritulinka: Fusion of Croatian classics fritula and palačinka a new hit

(Photo credit: Bojan Haron Markičević)

Advent in Zagreb has welcomed a new must-visit spot this year: the Fritulinka by Rougemarin stall on Ban Jelačić Square.

And with it comes what chef and Rougemarin founder Marin Medak proudly calls “the best product of my career”, the Fritulinka, Zagreb’s newest Advent sensation.

So, what exactly is a Fritulinka? In simple terms, it combines the best of two beloved Croatian classics: the fritula and the palačinka.

Rougemarin has fused them into one innovative dessert that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

A soft palačinka is filled, then gently wrapped in fritula dough, fried to a golden crisp and rolled in cinnamon sugar, a fragrance instantly associated with Advent in Zagreb.

The result is a warm, comforting treat with a surprisingly delicate texture.

Inside, visitors will find five different fillings, each offering a distinct flavour profile:

• pistachio with pistachio sauce

(Photo credit: Bojan Haron Markičević)

• plum jam
• chocolate cream

(Photo credit: Bojan Haron Markičević)

• apricot jam with caramel and mandarin
• apple with caramel and a hint of sea salt

(Photo credit: Bojan Haron Markičević)

Despite their differences, all versions share Rougemarin’s signature touch, warmth, softness and well-balanced sweetness.

“This is the most ingenious dish I’ve ever created. We wanted to make something new, something that doesn’t exist, yet feels close to everyone. Fritulinka is exactly that,” says Medak.

Rougemarin’s Advent stall has been designed as a small gastronomic laboratory in the heart of the city. Alongside the Fritulinka, visitors can also enjoy classic fritule, juicy hot dogs prepared in Rougemarin style and a few other festive surprises revealed on the spot.

The idea is simple: to create a place people visit on purpose, not just in passing – a destination for flavours found nowhere else.

Where to try it:

Rougemarin’s Advent stall on Ban Josip Jelačić Square, Zagreb.