• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Food, Dining, & Drinks in Slovenia

Culinary Influences

Slovenia's foods are almost entirely unoriginal; however this is because they wisely borrowed foods from their neighbors, then made slight adjustments to cater to local tastes.

Surrounding Slovenia are Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. In many ways, Slovenia has simply adopted Italian Food, Austrian Food, Hungarian Food, and Croatian Foods. While Slovenia maintains a few local dishes, many restaurants' menus appear to be a "best of Europe" menu, with pasta, pizza, schnitzel, and goulash all widely available.

Staple Foods

Slovenia's cuisine is extremely varied, particularly considering its size, giving the country as a whole no true staple. In areas where the diet is influenced by the Austrians, potatoes and meat are typically served, while in Italian influenced areas pastas are more common.

Regional Variations & Specialties

Potica: a pastry filled with ground walnuts or poppy seed, then rolled and baked

Dining Etiquette

Slovene Food - Gibanica
Gibanica

As you arrive at your Slovenian host's home you should have some flowers or wine in hand, but the Slovenes are forgiving enough to let you by without a gift. They are not as forgiving to those who arrive late, since punctuality is quite important in Slovenia.

Leave your shoes at the doorstep if other shoes are there and greet everyone personally; it's considered polite to shake hands and individually greet each person at the house, typically greeting women first and men second.

Once the food arrives, Slovenia follows many regular dining customs, such as eating in the continental style (knife in the right hand, fork in the left). Also, keep your hands on the table at all times so they can be seen and follow the lead of others when in doubt.

If you're at a business dinner, don't discuss business unless your host approaches the topic first. Meals are meant to be a time to socialize and get to know each other, not to weigh the conversation down with discussions about money or a looming deal. In these business situations, the inviter is expected to pick up the bill, however in more information situations, the bill is divided evenly.

Many sit down restaurants include a service charge, but if not, when eating out you should tip about 10% of the bill.

Drinks

Slovenia has nearly every beverage available including juices, teas, coffees, and milk. There are also soft drinks, including all popular international brands.

Slovenia has found itself in between a number of great alcohol-producing countries so has had little need to produce their own drinks. High quality beers from Austria and wines from Italy are popular, however the locals have still found a few great locations to produce their own wine, but not at the same quantity as a country like Italy. International wines, beers, and hard liquors are also widely available.

Generally speaking, the tap water is safe to drink in Slovenia, but check with locals for any particular regional differences. Also, many people may have troubles adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be different from what your system is used to.

This page was last updated: March, 2013