Traditional Dishes Slovenia

Are you currently travelling to Slovenia and wondering which traditional dishes this diverse country has to offer? Below, we present some of the most well-known Slovenian specialities that you are likely to find in many cities and regions throughout the country.

Main Courses

Slovenian cuisine is strongly influenced by meat-based dishes in many regions. Hearty meals are typically served with flavourful side dishes, with meat often forming the central component. At the same time, there are also traditional options suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Kranjska klobasa – Carniolan Sausage

Kranjska klobasa is regarded as one of Slovenia’s most famous sausages and is often referred to as the national dish. To this day, its production follows a precisely defined method based on a recipe dating back to 1986. Typical ingredients include pork, ham, garlic, salt, and pepper. The sausage has a robust, well-seasoned flavour and is commonly served with bread and horseradish.

Ajdovi žganci – Buckwheat Dumplings

Ajdovi žganci is a simple traditional dish made from buckwheat flour, cracklings, and oil. It is often served alongside sausage, stews, or sauerkraut. Buckwheat is widely used in Slovenia and therefore appears frequently in traditional soups, porridges, and breads. For travellers with gluten intolerance, this dish can be a suitable gluten-free option.

Bujta repa – Turnip Stew with Pork

Bujta repa is a turnip stew with pork and is considered a nationwide speciality. The dish originates from Prekmurje, the north-eastern region of Slovenia. It is traditionally prepared using fatty cuts of pork, including parts of the head and skin, combined with fermented turnips. Historically, this stew was eaten as a midday meal during pig slaughtering. The ingredients are slowly and gently simmered; according to tradition, the temperature should be low enough to prevent visible steam.

Kmečka pojedina – Farmers’ Feast

Kmečka pojedina is a classic festive dish and is particularly popular on public holidays and special occasions. It typically consists of smoked pork, ham, sauerkraut, and cooked sour turnips. Boiled potatoes, beans, and mushrooms are often served as side dishes. Depending on the region, the meal may be supplemented with roasted pork, various sausages, or bacon.

Belokranjska povitica (Vegetarian)

Belokranjska povitica is a savoury pastry suitable for vegetarians. This traditional round cake made from egg dough rests for about an hour after preparation and is then rolled out as thinly as possible. The dough is shaped into a spiral and filled, commonly with ricotta and curd cheese.

Desserts

Slovenian cuisine also offers a wide range of sweet specialities.

Potica (with Walnut Filling)

Potica is one of Slovenia’s most famous desserts. It comes in many variations, with the walnut filling being the most traditional. The dough is rolled out thinly, spread with a nut mixture, and then rolled up. There are more than 80 different fillings, including chocolate, hazelnuts, and poppy seeds. Potica has a relatively firm texture and is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season.

Prekmurska gibanica

Prekmurska gibanica originates from the Prekmurje region and is traditionally filled with apples, walnuts, poppy seeds, and curd cheese. According to the classic recipe, this layered pastry consists of eight layers and is considered one of Slovenia’s signature desserts.

Alcoholic Beverages

Slovenia boasts a rich wine and spirits culture, with many regional specialities highly valued by locals and visitors alike.

Wine

Slovenian wines enjoy great popularity among locals. One of the most distinctive wine specialities is Cviček, a rosé wine protected by the EU as a regional quality product. Its flavour is often described as refreshingly tart. Compared to many other wines, it has a lower alcohol content and is therefore particularly popular during the summer months. Slovenia’s wine routes are also considered an attractive destination for wine enthusiasts.

Spirits

Slovenia also offers a wide variety of spirits. Popular examples include the plum brandy Slivovitz and the herbal liqueur Pelinkovac. Other well-known specialities include Pleterje—a bottle containing a pear grown inside and filled with pear brandy—and the so-called Monastery Spirit.