The history of arambaši can be traced as far back as to ancient Romans. The technique of wrapping minced meat and cooking it in a juicy sauce was passed down throughout centuries. Many nations worldwide have their own version or have added their own particular touch to the meal, and so has Croatia. In the region of Slavonia we call it sarma, the name resembling to the one Turks use for a similar dish. And in Sinj, the dish is called arambaši (tur. haram ‘rebellion’, başı ‘leader’). Arambaši is indispensable on the menu, especially for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Lady of Sinj and Alka of Sinj feasts. It is quite similar to sarma – minced meat is wrapped in sour cabbage leaves, only with arambaši the stuffing is roughly cut. It was created as a symbol of resistance to the Turkish invaders and has become widely known pride of the Cetina region’s cuisine. The method of preparation is also on the list of protected intangible cultural assets of the Ministry of Culture of Croatia.
The history of arambaši can be traced as far back as to ancient Romans. The technique of wrapping minced meat and cooking it in a juicy sauce was passed down throughout centuries. Many nations worldwide have their own version or have added their own particular touch to the meal, and so has Croatia. In the region of Slavonia we call it sarma, the name resembling to the one Turks use for a similar dish. And in Sinj, the dish is called arambaši (tur. haram ‘rebellion’, başı ‘leader’). Arambaši is indispensable on the menu, especially for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Lady of Sinj and Alka of Sinj feasts. It is quite similar to sarma – minced meat is wrapped in sour cabbage leaves, only with arambaši the stuffing is roughly cut. It was created as a symbol of resistance to the Turkish invaders and has become widely known pride of the Cetina region’s cuisine. The method of preparation is also on the list of protected intangible cultural assets of the Ministry of Culture of Croatia.
In 2005, Secret Dalmatia was started from pure love for Croatia’s heritage, its incredible diversity, and beauty. We have since remained faithful to our initial mission – and are still today a boutique travel agency dedicated to showing the true, wholesome Croatia to the discerning travelers who want to experience our country and all our riches, not just see it.
A bottle of Croatian wine or rose liquor will go far in telling stories, and so will some of the praised olive oils. Keep the memory of the Adriatic alive with salt from centuries’ old pans at Ston or Pag Island or with a sample of Istria’s famed truffles. Lightweight travelers should consider typical spices like lavender or rosemary, herbal teas or candied orange peels and almonds.
