Croatia Increasingly Opening Up to Tourists from Islamic Countries: Zadar Gets First Halal Restaurant

Among the still few Croatian restaurants that offer gastronomy meeting halal quality standards is the Zadar restaurant "Pašta&svašta," writes Zadarski list, reports the BH News Agency Patria.

This catering facility is currently the only one in Zadar, and also in the wider Dalmatian region, to have received a certificate for the application of halal standards, about which the restaurant owner Ivan Čapeta, an economist and food and beverage specialist, says:

- The reasons why we decided to introduce the halal standard to our offer are primarily market-driven, as we recognized the need for this type of culinary offering - said Čapeta.

- In addition, we want to provide all guests with the best possible service and keep pace with global trends and standards in hospitality. In this regard, we plan to introduce the kosher standard in the preparation and serving of food, as observed by Jewish people, in the foreseeable future. Our cuisine is generally international and Mediterranean, and the part of the menu that will have halal quality does not significantly differ from other dishes on the menu, adds Čapeta, explaining that these are not specialities of Islamic cuisine, as the uninformed might misunderstand, but exclusively dishes that this restaurant already offers, which are simply prepared in a halal manner, with ingredients that are also halal.

This means they must meet halal standards, which, among other things, excludes pork and alcohol. Also, animals whose meat is consumed must be slaughtered according to prescribed religious rules, with all blood completely drained.

- Halal food actually does not differ from other food except in the method of preparation, so alcohol or wine is excluded during preparation or cooking, and certain regulations regarding the receipt and storage of goods must also be met, says Ivan Čapeta further, emphasizing that most ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and fish, are halal anyway.

Food prepared in a halal manner is acceptable to everyone, it does not conflict with any religion or culture, but rather represents an added value and quality, which is the goal of this restaurant that aims to raise the level of service quality by introducing halal.

The certificate for the application of halal standards, which will be officially presented to this restaurant on March 19, is approved by the Islamic Community in Croatia, which established the Center for Certification of Halal Quality in 2010.