Croatia

Croatia's central location in Europe means its cuisine offers the best of many different regions. From the pristine Dalmatian coast, the food is Mediterranean, with many distinctly Italian influences. Further inland, what's known as continental Croatia is full of rich Austro Hungarian style dishes. The common factor in both regions is the emphasis on getting extended families together and devouring a delicious meal. Along the coastline, families get together especially in summer and cook in a bell shaped oven called a pekawhich (a peka). The peka steams the food in its own natural juices, which enhances the flavour. Devotees claim anything cooked under the peka tastes incredible, turkey and pork are favourites