EAT IN ASIA / Destinations / Other destinations / Europe / Croatia
Grilled whole squids or a squid salad?
Seafood is a must try in Croatia. Fresh, full of flavor and so well prepared. We have already tried mussels served in two different ways - Mussels in a tomato sauce - Dagnje na Buzaru - Mussels alla buzara (red) and Mussels in breadcrumps - Mussels alla buzara (white). Now, it was time for squids. Two of all we ate in Croatia, were the best for us. That is why we would like to share with you our impressions.
So, let’s go! Let’s start with the squid salad.
Grilled squid salad - Hvar – Jelsa
Hvar Island, located in the Southern part of Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea, is a tourist top destination, no matter how old you are. You can easily get their either by a car and touristic ferry from Split, or by a car one directly from the pier in Drvenik. We chose the second option, that gave us the possibility of crossing the whole Hvar Island while heading to the Hvar city and to Stari Grad and Jelsa.
Our pit stop in Jelsa for a lunch was a good idea. Apart from the fact, that it was raining, and we were running from one restaurant to another and checking menus, it was a great time. We decided to eat in a restaurant close to the harbor and to the main square. Thanks to that, we could observe the local life by sitting outside the restaurant under an umbrella and enjoy our meal.
The menu was full of different kinds of seafood. Squids, mussels, prawns, fish, etc. As one of the dishes, we chose a grilled squid salad. It was described by the waiter as a refreshing but satiating one. Actually, as the weather was not so good, we would prefer something more warming, but that squid salad was so tempting.
The whole set of meals was prepared in a reasonable period of time. The salad came on a round plate, what was composing perfectly with the shape of a cut squid.
The bottom layer was created by different, green salads. Rucola, Italian and ice lettuce and sunflower sprouts. It was mixed with halves of cherry tomatoes and small, red, bell pepper chops.
On the salad mix were grilled squids. They were cut into narrow rings and well grilled on both sides. Darker, more grilled squid parts were still tender and aromatic. They were neither too hard nor overloaded with the grilling flavor.
The whole salad was garnished with a tomato cherry on top and with balsamic cream patterns. This salad, what was surprising for us, comparing to some others we had in Croatia was seasoned. Salt, pepper, garlic and herbs were definitively used. All was served in an olive oil, light dressing, that was highlighting squids’ aroma.
Squids were super tender. Their flesh was so delicate. Slightly crispy due to the grilling process but also a little bit chewy. Just as it should be.
The mix of fresh and crunchy salads with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and squids’ juice was so aromatic. A perfect composition of flavors, tastes and textures.
So glad about this dish, we couldn’t, not try it in another place. Grilled, fried or boiled. Whole or in rings. Served in a salad, alone or as a meal.
We had some tries during the whole stay, but there is one more squid meal that we loved so much. That were grilled squids only served with lemon and a dressing made of olive oil and garlic.
Whole grilled squids – Dobra river
These squids we had in a motel restaurant located at the Dobra river. The motel had its own restaurant, that was dominated by local people. Locals were coming there for a coffee, lunch, glass of wine or for a bottle of beer. The silent atmosphere, a relaxing sound of flowing river, sun and nature. That all you could get while enjoying your meal at the terrace.
And then comes the meal. Aromatic, beautiful and so tempting.
Grilled squids were served on a squarish, black plate, that was creating a nice visual composition with bright, yellow lemon parts and golden-white grilled squids. It came with a small white bowl with an olive oil and garlic dressing. The sauce was so aromatic! The olive oil had its characteristic taste, but garlic flavors were dominating.
Squids were served as whole. They were small, young and tender. Every part of them was well grilled. They were both crispy from the grilling and soft. One side of each squid was more grilled than another. golden, but not dry. The second side was pale, white and rose. The flesh was juicy, delicate and aromatic. Well composed with the garlic dressing and lemon. The rear part of each squid was more grilled than the rest of it. Thanks to that, it was tender, crispy and crunchy.
The meal consisted of nine squids, garnished with some greens. The juicy lemon and the garlic dressing were highlighting the naturalness of squids.
Both meals were great. Different in the serving form, different in tastes and look. But so tasty. Fresh, full of aromas and perfectly prepared!
