The gastronomic event "We love winter as long as the hood is on!" brings a unique celebration of Istrian culinary tradition, located in the magical winter ambiance of central Istria. This festive dedication to sauerkraut will be held from January 15th to 31st, 2025, and will include a variety of menus in hospitality establishments that are part of the Central Istria Tourist Community. The event offers the opportunity to enjoy the richness of local cuisine flavors while simultaneously connecting with authentic traditions and local producers.

Innovative Gastronomy in Winter Attire

Aiming to promote Istrian cuisine and revive the tourist offer during the colder months, the event emphasizes the blend of tradition and modern culinary trends. The main feature of the menu is sauerkraut – a symbol of winter in the Istrian region, whose taste and nutritional properties contribute to the richness of local cuisine. Guests will be able to enjoy three-course menus that include an appetizer, main course, and dessert, all at promotional prices ranging from 20 to 30 euros. The offer will be especially attractive to lovers of homemade dishes, as well as those who prefer innovative interpretations of traditional recipes.

Offer Details and Participants

The event gathers six Istrian hospitality establishments, each offering a unique menu based on sauerkraut. Here is an overview of the participants and their menus:

• Agrotourism Stara štala (Borut, Cerovlje): Traditional jota with dried meat, sausages with roasted potatoes and boiled sauerkraut, and homemade cake for dessert – price 20€.


• Konoba Dišpet (Zajci, Pićan): Hearty Težak's piyat with sauerkraut and imperial crumble as dessert – price 25€.


• Konoba Doma (Kranjci, Sveti Petar u Šumi): Bruschetta with hood and pancetta, sausages with beans and mustard, and dessert with olive oil and paprika – price 23€.


• Konoba Marino (Gračišće): Jota, ombolo with hood, and pancake with homemade jam – price 20€.


• Restaurant & Pizzeria Tinjanski Vijulin (Tinjan): Shank with hood and cream of cooked wine on roasted fruit – price 30€.


• Tomažova konoba (Vošteni, Sveti Lovreč): Gnocchi with prosciutto, ombolo with hood, and homemade cake – price 30€.

Connection with Local Producers

One of the key objectives of the event is to connect restaurateurs with local family agricultural farms (OPGs). Such cooperation contributes to the development of sustainable tourism and the promotion of domestic products, while providing visitors the opportunity to taste dishes prepared from fresh, locally grown ingredients. Sauerkraut, a traditionally fermented product, is one of the trademarks of Istrian cuisine, and its cultivation and preparation symbolize a deep connection with nature and the cultural heritage of the region.

Broader Perspective: Sauerkraut as Part of European Cuisine

Sauerkraut is not only a part of Istrian tradition; it is a key ingredient in many European cuisines, from German sauerkraut to Slavic variations like bigos in Poland. Its popularity is based on its nutritional values and long shelf life, making it a perfect choice for the winter months. This event further emphasizes the universal appeal of this simple yet exceptionally versatile ingredient.

Organizers and Support

The event is organized by the Central Istria Tourist Community in collaboration with the Pazin Crafts Association. Key support is provided by the Istrian County and local crafts, ensuring the successful realization of this event. Financial support enables the promotion of the event as well as the long-term development of central Istria as an attractive destination for lovers of authentic gastronomy.

Invitation for an Unforgettable Experience

All enthusiasts of authentic food and culture are invited to visit central Istria during the event and enjoy unique flavors. This is an opportunity for an experience that combines the past and the present, tradition and modernity, all in an idyllic winter setting.