Croatia’s first dedicated fritule place is proving a hit

(Photo: Balina)

Last summer, the Croatia’s first ever fritule-only shop has opened in Trogir.

Balîna was opened with the aim of making the Croatian favourite available throughout the year, not only during festive seasons and local celebrations.

The concept combines traditional recipes with a modern, customisable approach, allowing visitors to build their own fritule with a wide selection of fillings, toppings and sauces.

Fresh batter is prepared daily and the use of natural ingredients, with no preservatives, artificial colouring or additives is emphasised.

Alongside fritule, the shop also offers specialty coffee, matcha and locally produced juices.

Balîna has also developed a curated menu of 20 signature flavour combinations.

Each was created through extensive experimentation and is designed to offer balanced taste profiles rather than random pairings.

Getting combinations right (Photo: Balina)

Among them is “Trogir”, inspired by the town itself, combining almonds, orange and honey.

Other popular creations include a pistachio and chocolate spread inspired by the global “Dubai-style” dessert trend, as well as an “A la Germknödel” version influenced by Alpine skiing trips, featuring flavours reminiscent of the traditional Austrian dessert.

“Belgium” focuses on rich chocolate blends and hazelnut crunch inspired by Belgian chocolate traditions, while the seasonal “Wimbledon” variation brings together strawberries and cream, reflecting the famous London tennis tournament.

One of the best-selling options is “Cheesecake”, combining cream spreads, raspberries and biscuit crumble, which has proven particularly popular among both locals and tourists.

“All fruit combinations are highly popular,” owner Ana Slade-Šilović tells us. “Likewise, chocolate lovers most often choose the Belgium fritulas, which combine three rich chocolate spreads with a topping of toasted and chopped hazelnuts.”

(Photo: Balina)

Since opening, Ana says the response has exceeded expectations, with strong interest from both domestic and international visitors.

“I think combining this pastry with a modern approach to spatial design and branding is a total hit; young foreign tourists love hearing the story of something traditional, while simultaneously feeling comfortable in a modern ambiance,” Ana says.

While the current menu will remain unchanged this year, future expansion is being considered.

(Photo: Balina)

“Since that market is changing quite a bit on the global scene, we have decided to visit some world cities and research what is being offered by prestigious global brands so that we can stay ahead of the trend. We are very satisfied with how we set up the menu because everyone finds something that catches their interest. 

And a parting message from Ana. 

If you find yourself walking through the magical streets of Trogir, let your steps take you to Balina. It is our personal story, woven with the desire to inject our own character into a basic, traditional recipe and refine Trogir’s gastronomic offer in a contemporary way. Because tradition is best preserved when we breathe new life into it and ours awaits you on Šubićeva 18,” Ana concluded.