Ljubljana, Slovenia’s enchanting capital, is a city that we had the pleasure of exploring. With each cobblestone street and historic building, we delved deeper into its culture and, of course, its cuisine. Ljubljana’s vibrant street food scene is something that can’t be missed.
On our street food journey in Ljubljana, we sought to unearth the essence of traditional Slovenian cuisine. The result? A curated list of the top five places to enjoy traditional Slovenian food in Ljubljana. These culinary gems offer a taste of the past that is deeply rooted in tradition and crafted with love.
Join us as we take you on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Ljubljana, revealing the flavors, stories and warmth of a city that welcomes you with open arms and a plateful of unforgettable meals. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking to savor the essence of a new culture, Ljubljana’s traditional eateries have something special in store for you on your next visit.
Burek Olimpija: A Savory Start to Ljubljana’s Culinary Journey
Upon our arrival in Ljubljana after an evening flight, our culinary exploration of this charming city began at Burek Olimpija. Located in the heart of Ljubljana, this unassuming eatery holds the key to a Slovenian culinary classic: burek.
Burek, often referred to as a “pastry of the Balkans,” is a beloved comfort food. It’s characterized by a flaky, golden-brown phyllo dough filled with a variety of savory fillings. At Burek Olimpija, we had the opportunity to savor two different Burek variations. Our first choice was a Pizza Burek. A delightful twist on burek combines the buttery layers of phyllo dough with a pizza-inspired filling. It’s a mouthwatering fusion of familiar pizza flavors encased in the signature burek pastry. The second one was Burek with Potatoes. This is a classic rendition of the dish, offering a comforting blend of soft, seasoned potatoes enveloped in the crisp phyllo layers.
One aspect that truly stood out was the affordability. Each burek we savored cost just 3 euros, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. On the advice of a friendly local, we discovered that Burek is not just a culinary gem, but also a late-night favorite, making it the ideal choice after a night of revelry in Ljubljana.
Klobasarna: A Sausage Haven in Ljubljana
Our culinary journey through Ljubljana led us to the delightful Klobasarna, a place that celebrates the essence of Slovenian cuisine, one sausage at a time. Located in the heart of the city, this eatery has become a mecca for those seeking to savor one of Slovenia’s culinary treasures, the Carniolan sausage!
Carniolan Sausage or Kranjska Klobasa is undoubtedly the star of the show. This traditional Slovenian sausage, is a culinary emblem of the country. We couldn’t resist trying it in two different forms. The halfie version of the Carniolan sausage offers a satisfying taste of this Slovenian classic. It’s perfect for those looking to sample its flavors without an overly hearty portion. For the full experience, the wholie, or whole sausage, is the way to go. It’s served with a side of mustard, horseradish, and a bread roll, allowing you to savor every aspect of this iconic dish.
While Carniolan sausages take center stage, Klobasarna’s menu offers additional treats. You could try the hearty soup and its flavorful variation with Carniolian sausage. Served with a bun, it was the perfect accompaniment to our sausage indulgence. Klobasarna also offers rolled pastry, a delightful treat sided with breadcrumbs, perfect for those who enjoy exploring beyond sausages.
Hot Horse Tivoli: Saddle Up for a Unique Culinary Adventure
After a refreshing walk in Ljubljana’s picturesque Tivoli Park, our appetite led us to Hot Horse Tivoli, a place that offers a distinct culinary experience: horse burgers. There, we explored not only the flavors but also the nutritional benefits of this unique meat. It’s worth noting that Hot-Horse is the only Slovenian fast food chain specializing in healthy, fast meals, backed by over a decade of popularity and a strong market presence.
One of the standout items on Hot Horse Tivoli’s menu is the Carniolan horse burger, a true Slovenian delicacy. The horse meat used in these burgers boasts several nutritional advantages, including low-fat content. Horse meat contains only 2 to 5% fat, with a significant portion of that being heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, known for their role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, it offers a favorable balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is nutritionally ideal. In terms of cholesterol, horse meat has notably lower levels compared to other commonly consumed meats.
Hot Horse Tivoli offers an array of horse meat cuts, each suitable for different culinary preparations. From stegno to pleče, bržola, hrbet, vrat, pljučna, rebra, prsa, and potrebušina, each cut presents an opportunity to explore various flavors and dishes.
Odprta kuhna: A Culinary Journey
Our exploration of Ljubljana’s diverse culinary landscape led us to the heart of Novo Mesto, where we encountered the captivating world of Odprta kuhna. This food event is a true celebration of flavors, offering a tantalizing array of traditional and international dishes, drinks, desserts and so much more. Whether you’re a devoted food enthusiast or a curious traveler looking to embark on a culinary adventure, Odprta kuhna caters to all palates.
Whether you’re a carnivore, a vegetarian, or a vegan, there’s something there to delight your taste buds. Seafood lovers and those seeking meatless options will also find plenty to satisfy their cravings. It’s an opportunity to explore diverse culinary traditions and taste the world, all in one place.
In our exploration of the culinary wonders, we discovered the irresistible combination of dumplings with chocolate and raspberry. These sweet treats provided the perfect ending to our culinary journey, with the rich, velvety chocolate complemented by the vibrant, fruity notes of raspberry.
More info for this event you will find here.
Donut Tell: A Sweet Secret Unveiled
This enchanting establishment revealed a treasure trove of heavenly pon de ring donuts, tantalizing beverages, and refreshing bubble tea. Join us in exploring this exclusive club, where each bite is an experience in itself.
We embarked on our tasting adventure with the Lychee Rose, a floral and exotic blend that marries the sweet lychee with fragrant rose and a dash of tangy raspberry. Priced at €3, this unique concoction was a delightful burst of flavors. For the chocolate enthusiasts among us, the Chocolate Glazed donut was a true indulgence. Priced at €2.5, this decadent pon de ring donut is coated in a silky chocolate glaze, a heavenly treat for lovers of rich, velvety cocoa.
Finally, the Salted Caramel donut offered the perfect balance of buttery sweetness with a delicate hint of sea salt. Priced at €2.5, this donut was a testament to the art of combining contrasting flavors, resulting in a delightful symphony of taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or venturing to Ljubljana for the first time, the culinary journey through this charming capital’s street food scene is bound to leave an indelible mark. As avid explorers ourselves, we’ve tasted our way through the bustling streets and tucked-away corners, discovering the flavors that define Ljubljana. We invite you to try our recommended street food spots and share your impressions.
