Zagorski štrukli is a popular traditional Croatian dish served in households across the north of the country, composed of dough and various types of filling which can be either boiled or baked. In 2007, Zagorski štrukli was added to the list of Croatia's intangible cultural heritage maintained by Croatia's Ministry of Culture.

One unmissable culinary destination is certainly the iconic Le Bistro at Zagreb’s Esplanade Hotel. Each January this Chaîne-member establishment traditionally hosts the “Days of Esplanade Štrukli” for guests.

Le Bistro’s Manager said, “Guests simply adore our štrukli, which have become hugely popular over the years, even beyond the borders of Croatia. The štrukli are delicious and tasty, simply irresistible, and they find their way onto the menu of almost every important celebration and anniversary.”

Štrukli at the Esplanade are handmade needing just a few fresh ingredients, according to the same tried and tested recipe, one being over half a century old, which is why they are especially valued.

Made daily in the hotel’s pastry department, they are synonymous with the tradition and quality of the local gourmet offer. The dough is kneaded and stretched across the entire table until it becomes paper-thin. It is then filled with fresh cheese and the štrukli are shaped with a thin porcelain plate to then be steamed, carefully placed in a ceramic dish, topped with fine cream and crisped in the oven until golden brown.

Guests consume them as an appetizer, as a main course with a pinch of salt, or as a dessert with sugar. “We serve štrukli to our guests for breakfast along with other local products. They are the most delicious part of almost every important event, disappearing in no time. However, it is the iconic Le Bistro which has the strongest link with this speciality,” said Maître Rôtisseur Ana Grgić Tomić, Executive Chef of the Esplanade’s kitchen.

Making the journey from everyday home cooking to elite restaurants, this delicious dish has reached the very top of the offer thanks to the fact that it is handmade, its quality, fresh ingredients, and place within local tradition. The Esplanade’s štrukli have also been tasted by numerous famous guests, including foreign dignitaries, members of royal families, athletes, actors, singers and others, who were never left indifferent to this traditional delicacy.

With many thanks to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel for the information and photos used to prepare this article.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Mihanovićeva 1
10000 Zagreb

Tel: +385 1 45 666 66
Web: www.esplanade.hr