Tourists and travelers and all of you who are visiting our lovely country, don’t get me wrong! It is nothing radical and it is definitely NOT DANGEROUS, but just...you know, do your own shit and don’t expect to be understood.
So, this post is meant as a little guide for vegans in Zagreb. Here we go!
Open-Air Markets
The best places to buy your fruit and veggies are definitely open-air markets that you can find all over the city. They are full of fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes and other divine stuff: some organic, some not, Croatian or Spanish being presented as Croatian (be careful if you care about that!). However, the great thing is that you can argue about the price and due to your skills get away spending somewhat less money. I’ve never considered myself good at haggling, I am too embarrassed to, like, get in the fight about the price with the person who sells (like my Mum successfully does!), but I discovered some other ways to save up little money when buying in these places. It helps if you are female and the seller is male and then you just try to act a bit stupidish and all sweet, like: “20? Hmm I don’t know...” (watching the thing you wanna buy), then looking up and making a few secs eye contact and he’ll be like: “Is 17 fine?” “Uhmm...” “You know what, I’ll give you it for 15!” It is just so random, but it actually always works for me. I don’t know if I look that poor or lost that they pity me, but whatever - I still get things for cheaper! | List of fruit&veggie markets near the center DOLAC (behind the main square) BRITANAC (tram station Britanski Trg) TREŠNJEVKA (Trešnjevački trg 2) |
Shops For all the other vegan stuff: grains, seitan, tofu, tempeh, non-dairy milks, cosmetics, superfood and so on, we have 2 major chains of pretty amazing shops: Bio&Bio and Garden. They have several locations throughout the city and Garden even has the option to order stuff online and have it delivered to your place within 24 hours. +even “regular” supermarkets offer some vegan options, but make sure to read the labels! |
Green Point
Green Point offers vegan and vegetarian “fast food” meals and juices. It is affordable and quite fast prepared and therefore ideal if you are in hurry and don’t want to spend too much time eating. You can have your meal there or have it packed to go.
WHERE? Varšavska 10
OPEN? Mon-Sat, 9-22
Vegehop
This was the first vegetarian/vegan restaurant I've been to once moved to Zagreb. Prices are reasonable, food really amazing and waiters nice and welcoming. You may want to remember this place, because they also have delivery for when you don't feel like going out. They opened another restaurant near Arena Shopping Centre recently, so you can find them on two locations now.
WHERE? Vlaška 79 and Remetinečki gaj 2G
OPEN? Mon-Sat, 12-21
Nishta
I don’t know whether it's food, beautiful interior, atmosphere, nice and smiling waiters, the fact that you can design your own salad in the Salad Bar (!) but I really love this place and am always eating there with my parents when they’re in town. Menu is full of tasty and delicious cruelty-free food, some raw and gluten-free options, soups, deserts... Everything you could possibly wish for! Highly recommended!
WHERE? Masarykova 11/1
OPEN? Tue-Sun, 12-23
Zrno
Nice, peaceful atmosphere and yummy food. It is located on the half way between the faculty of Design and that of Architecture which may be completely irrelevant piece of information to you, but it just may be the reason I started to avoid it a bit (when you’re constantly surrounded with that many architects and designers, it may get a bit overwhelming listening random people around you talking about architecture while you’re eating). However, definitely give it a try, you may really like what it has to offer!
WHERE? Medulićeva 20
OPEN? Mon-Sat, 12-21.30
Šumski Kuhar
I haven’t tried this one yet, but heard some pretty amazing stuff about it tho!
They have 3 types of menus available: raw food, fast food and veggie food, so even the choosier vegans can enjoy this place. Check it out and let me know if it's good!
WHERE? Tkalčićeva 7
OPEN? Mon-Sat, 12-23
SPECIAL NOTICE IF YOU’RE COMING TO ZAGREB IN SEPTEMBER!!
If you’ll be here in September, you don’t want to miss ZeGe Vege Festival - the biggest (ok, the only, but sounds better when I put it that way) vegan festival in Croatia. I volunteered last year and it was an amazing experience! Lots of activities, like-minded people, music, food, food and some more food...
You can get all the information on this year’s edition here.
If you’d like to volunteer at the festival send your applications here.
Lots of love,
Maja