One of the highlights of my time in Slovenia was joining Ljubljananjam for a walking food tour of Ljubljana. I was excited to work with this particular company because they partner with smaller establishments rather than typical tourist spots.The company itself is a small company, established in 2013. The owner is in fact the founder, guide and manager!
I honestly had no preconceptions or expectations about Slovenian food before I arrived, but I was happy to learn about the phenomenal and varied food the country has to offer.
As we made our way to the tour’s first stop, our guide, Iva, explained that the country has 24 distinct gastronomic regions. In addition, we learned that a Slovenian, Ana Ros, had won the 2017 winner of the World’s Best Female Chef, as determined by the prestigious San Pellegrino competition. Her victory had brought a lot of focus to Slovenian cuisine, and I was eager to learn more.
Our first stop was at one of the city’s most popular restaurants, where we sampled a light dish to prepare our appetites for the day of eating we had ahead.
This dish was as delicious as gorgeous- the crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, combined with a raspberry sauce and sage syrup, perfectly complemented the red trout. I could’ve eaten much more, but I didn’t want to start out by eating to much and missing out on the rest of the day’s opportunities.
As we walked along, Iva explained a bit of the history of not only the city, but the country. For instance, did you know that the world’s oldest wheel and oldest musical instrument, a type of flute, were both found in Slovenia?
Interesting facts like these are another reason I love to enjoy a city by taking a walking food tour. I cherish the ability to learn a city’s history while trying authentic local dishes and avoiding tourist traps.
Next we visited the local farmers market, where we sampled local meats, cheeses and pastries.
Some of the choices were quite new to me!
We also tried an award winning cheese from the nearby Pustotnik farm.
While this cheese may not look different than most others, it was delicious– a creamy, just-salty-enough blend of sheep and goat milk. No wonder it took the silver medal at the Basque Food Festival.
Outside the indoor market, friendly vendors were selling fruits and vegetables.
We were lucky to come when we did- it seemed everything was in season.
Iva grabbed a small sampling of different fruits for us to snack on as walked to the next stop. Everything we tried was crisp, delicious and straight from the farm.
On the way, we saw a machine dispensing milk, and I asked about it. We learned that raw milk is a very popular local drink, and machines dispensing it can be found almost anywhere!
Looking for where to eat in Ljubljana? Check out my guide to the best Ljubljana restaurants here!
Our next stop was at a gorgeous venue that served as an art gallery, work space, and studio. They actually sold their art by the pound, which I found very interesting.
The shop owner prepared us a deconstructed sandwich paired with local wines and craft beers.
Although the sandwich looks simple, it was full of the highest quality ingredients- flavorful and delicious.
The sandwich was also served with a pumpkin seed oil. While it wasn’t an ingredient I’m familiar with, it was delicious. I literally dipped my sandwich into it.
The oil has a rich, nutty flavor and can be used in everything from dip to salad dressings and even desserts!
The wines and beers we had with the sandwich were also delicious. Slovenia’s wines have been famous for some time now (the country shares a border with Italy!), but they have only recently been recognized for their beer production.
Slovenia is actually the world’s fifth largest producer of hops and exports much of their production to Belgium.
After we finished our drinks and strolled around the gallery appreciating the artwork, we exited to the fish market.
The market smelled very strongly of seafood, but it was interesting to see the variety of fresh catches. It reminded me of when I visited my favorite fish market back home. I asked one of the vendors how he could work in that smell all day. “It smells like money,” he told me.
Next we stopped for a traditional Slovenian lunch- a variety of stews paired with home style sausage.
For this meal, we were served ričet, a barley stew and jota which a sauerkraut soup. They were both delicious, but my favorite was the barley stew.
They came with a side of homemade sausage you could add into the stews. I thought the sausage was a great addition.
We sampled more local wines and craft beers with the hearty lunch, including an IPA that, surprisingly, I didn’t hate. It also has an interesting name: Human Fish.
Growing full, we strolled through the old part of Ljubljana toward our next stop.
As we passed through the main square, we learned more about the city’s history. The area used to be where people would sell vinegar, loudly advertising their products. To this day there’s still a local saying, “you’re yelling as loud as a vinegar salesman!”
Our next stop was (thankfully) our last for actual food. It was perhaps my favorite stop of the tour.
The chef at this popular local restaurant sent several trays of food out for us to enjoy.
The first was pork tenderloin, freshly grilled anchovies with a fresh squeeze of lemon, a gorgeous charcuterie platter, and one of the best potato salads I’ve ever had (sorry Mom!).
I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed the sardines.
I typically eat them in dishes where that concentrate the fishy flavor too much, but grilled and with lemon, they’re amazing- a bit salty and tangy. The perfect dish to pair with beer!
We were also able to try the wine a few of the restaurants produced themselves. For the most part, I had tried local whites, but this restaurant also had a flavorful red wine.
Ending on a sweet note, we made our way to the local gelato shop.
This shop had many flavor options and combinations I had never seen before. They even took advantage of some of the unique local options by incorporating the same pumpkin seed oil I mentioned above.
Other options included Bailey’s Irish coffee, chocolate with coffee, Earl Grey, and more!
The shop prides itself on using traditional Italian techniques but fresh, local ingredients and Slovenian flavors.
Even though I don’t typically enjoy sweet foods, I found several flavors I really enjoyed- especially this salted chocolate scoop.
On our last stop before we finished for the day, we visited Ziferblat, a coworking/community space for tea and coffee. I was impressed by how integrated Ziferblat was into the community and the awesome work they’re doing. Definitely stop by and check out their calendar when you’re in town; they’re always arranging some type of event. If you work while you travel (like me), this is the perfect place to spend the day working.
Full to the point of needing a nap, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. No one needed dinner that night!
I was so impressed with this tour that I sent three people on it in the following few days I was in town, just by raving about it to them. If you only have a limited time in this city, I suggest you definitely do this tour along with Open Kitchen — the once weekly gourmet street food event that happens every Friday.
Practical Information: To book this tour for yourself visit Ljubljananjam’s website by clicking here.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Ljubljananjam for having me as a guest on their tour. All opinions remain my own, as always.
Which dish from the Walking Food Tour of Ljubljana looked best to you? Let me know in the comments section below!
I love food tours like this. They are such a great introduction to a culture. Both the scallops and the gelato look seriously tempting.
Kathryn Burrington recently posted…Saint John, a vibrant city where continents collide
Me too! I try to take them in as many cities as possible. It’s a great way to learn about the history and try the best foods!
I was so impressed with the unique flavors of the gelato! So many flavors I’d never seen before.
This looks like a fun tour. Going to a farmer’s market in Slovenia – how cool. Where else could you get bear salami. I have a personal goal today to use the phrase “Smells like money” five times.
Jenn and Ed Coleman recently posted…Is Angels Landing The Best Hike In Zion?
So- how did it go? How many times did you get to use the phrase?
OMG. My mouth literally watered! They all look delish!
It was even better in person!
I love food tours and it looks like you tried a wide variety of foods. I have no idea of what Slovenian is like so it would be fun to try lots of different items and learn about history along the way too.
Lara Dunning recently posted…Escape to a Castle by the Sea – Alexander’s Castle at Fort Worden in Port Townsend
I didn’t know much about the food or the history either so this tour was perfect!
Food tours are such a great way to gain insight into the food culture of a new city or country. I love Slovenia and especially Slovenian food. My wife and I actually made special trip to Hisa Franko to sample the food from Ana Ros, and that was just before she appeared on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. It was a great experience. We were really impressed as well with the markets in Ljubljana, overflowing with beautiful produce.
I would love to try her food! I’m so jealous you went. It looked so amazing on Chef’s Table!
Very interesting, I love food walking tours. Never really had a clue about Slovenian food – especially the vegetables in rasberry sauce look super yummy!
I love them also! I try to do as many as possible. And the raspberry sauce was excellent for sure!
I love taking food tours when visiting a city, especially ones like this where you not only learn about and enjoy plenty of different foods, but are also given a great historical and cultural insight into the city, country and people. Looks really delicious throughout!
Kavey Favelle recently posted…Golden Kiwifruit, Pineapple & Turmeric Smoothie Recipe
Me too! It’s my favorite way to get to know a new city. This one was a really great one.
This tour looks like a great idea! The first dish looks delicious, as does the cheese, fruits, sandwiches and the ice cream, wonder what the earl great ice cream is like. You are making me hungry! Next time I’m in Slovenia I will book this tour!
You should! I recommend it. And yes, that opening dish was the perfect start to the meal!
I been to Ljubljana three times and was totally surprised how outstanding the food was out there from the taste to the presentation. I would so totally do a food tour here when I get back here again (I am sure I will, I love Slovenia, totally amazing country).
Danik recently posted…Amazing day trip from Amsterdam – De Haar castle
I agree- I loved Slovenia. You should definitely check this tour out when you visit. I’ve sent so many people on it already- it’s really great.
I am a big fan of food tours, they do history, culture and food all at the same time. I think it’s one of the must do in every city.
Same for me- it’s my favorite way to get to know a new city. Food and history!!
Well dang, I don’t know anything about Slovenian food! I think whenever I visit Ljubljana, I will definitely find myself on a tour like this. I really like that they take you to places that are local, rather than touristy places! Also…bear salami? Is that legit bear meat, because that’s freakin awesome.
I didn’t know much about Slovenian food before my visit either but I walked away loving it! Definitely book this tour when you go. And yes– real bear meat!!
I have heard such good things about the food in Lijubljana and your post just confirms that. Btw, that cheese looks like the Indian paneer hehe. Love farmer’s market – how would you compare this to say a Dutch one? All that meat looks delicious.
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I’ve never actually been to a Dutch farmers market but I’d love to go. I do love Indian paneer though! I really recommend this tour when you visit!
This seems like a must do tour when in Ljubljana! I hope to cross it off my bucket list soon, Nathan. How many days would you recommend are enough for exploring Ljubljana?
I love food tours, especially when they also discuss the history of the area as well! This looks like a great option for Ljubljana–you had a ton of great food options and everything looks delicious! I’d love to try the barley stew and I always like checking out markets too. It’s great that they focus on smaller establishments instead of tourist spots, too!
This sounds like quite the tour! I would love the craft beer, that sandwich with the pumpkin seed oil and the award-winning cheese. I would pass on the seafood and the bear salami though. I would love to check this tour out when I get to Ljubljana eventually!
“It smells like money.” totally made me chuckle! I love food tours though, such a variety and it’s great to taste the local cuisine and local businesses!
This made me miss my time in Slovenia! I think I need to go back though, it looks like I missed a few dishes.
Another wonderful food tour. Just love Slovenia but don’t remember ever seeing bear salami when I was there. Very interested to learn that they export hops to Belgium of all places. I seem to have an ever increasing love of hops in beer! Would definitely love to do this tour if I was back in Slovenia.
I absolutely love food tours and this one looks amazing! Thanks for sharing – bookmarking 🙂
Carmen Edelson recently posted…Visiting the Site of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster: Chernobyl, Ukraine
I always think food tours are such a great way to get a taste of the local culture. I had no idea bear salami was a delicacy. Sounds like you got to try some cool foods!
I honestly think that Slovenian cuisine is great! Tourism begins with good food and wine there. Jota is my favorite dish.