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10 Croatian words to describe the texture of food

Lasagna in Croatia
Lasagna at Pizzeria Galija in Spilt, Croatia

It is very common to be at a loss for words in Croatia as a foreigner when you’re not sure how to communicate your thoughts in Croatian. If you are a foodie like us, this can be very frustrating. But don’t worry – we are here to help!

In this post, we share 10 words you can use to describe the texture of the food, each with a few examples.

Dobar tek!

10 Croatians words to describe the texture of food

kremast

Meaning: creamy
Exclamation: Kremasto je! (It is creamy!)

Example:
English: This chocolate cake is so creamy that it melts in your mouth.
Croatian: Ovaj kolač od čokolade je tako kremast da se topi u ustima.

hrskav

Meaning: crispy, crunchy
Exclamation: Hrskavo je! (It is crispy!)

Example:
English: Can I get crispy french fries?
Croatian: Mogu li dobiti hrskaviji pomfrit?

gust

Meaning: thick
Exclamation: Gusto je! (It is thick!)

Example:
English: Thick tomato soup cures every hangover. Try it if you haven’t already!
Croatian: Gusta juha od rajčice liječi svaki mamurluk. Probaj ako već nisi!

sirov

Meaning: raw
Exclamation: Sirovo je! (It is raw!)

Example:
English: I asked for medium, but this steak is completely raw.
Croatian: Tražila sam srednje pečen, ali ovaj steak je potpuno sirov.

drobljiv

Meaning: crumbly
Exclamation: Drobljivo je! (It is crumbly!)

Example:
English: I prepared veggie steaks for my boyfriend, but they were crumbly. I didn’t use eggs.
Croatian: Pripremila sam vege odreske svom dečku, ali bili su drobljivi. Nisam koristila jaja.

suh

Meaning: dry
Exclamation: Suho je! (It is dry!)

Example:
English: My nightmare is dry pasta. I always put a lot of sauce on it.
Croatian: Moja noćna mora je suha tjestenina. Uvijek stavim jako puno umaka.

zagoren

Meaning: burned
Exclamation: Zagoreno je! (It is burned!)

Example:
English: The garlic bread is burned. I was not paying attention.
Croatian: Kruh od češnjaka je zagoren. Nisam obraćala pažnju.

gnjecav

Meaning: doughy, gooey, soggy
Exclamation: Gnjecavo je! (It is doughy!)

Example:
English: I overcooked the rice and now it is gooey.
Croatian: Prekuhala sam rižu i sad je gnjecava.

mastan

Meaning: fatty, greasy, buttery
Exclamation: Masno je! (It is greasy!)

Example:
English: I don’t like to go to that restaurant because the food is always greasy.
Croatian: Ne volim ići u taj restoran jer je hrana uvijek masna.

žilav

Meaning: chewy, stringy
Exclamation: Žilavo je! (It is chewy!)

Example:
English: This meat is chewy like leather.
Croatian: Ovo meso je žilavo kao koža.

[Read: 5 Croatian words to use when you’re (not) enjoying food]

Please note: Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.

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