Cooking with Tatjana

Learn the secrets of Dalmatian cuisine!

Where better to discover the secrets of the Dalmatian cuisine than with one of the most creative, charismatic and charming chefs in the region? One of our most popular experiences, cooking alongside Tatjana Ciciliani in her 13^thcentury palace home in Trogir reveals the art of loving food from end to end. From the market to the plate, your host Tatjana will lead the way, sharing with you her passion for both the local traditions and the contemporary style of food preparation. Her charm and wit rival her exquisite talents in the kitchen so get ready for an upbeat day of heartfelt cooking with one of Croatia’s top chefs.

This tour is fully private and on request only.
Tour includes hands-on cooking experience, market visit, shopping and lunch with wine.
Please advise if you have any dietary restrictions.
Afternoon classes are available but excluding the market visit.
Secret Dalmatia’s Cooking with Tatjana is one of our most requested programs, hence we advise that you book early so to avoid disappointment.
OPTIONAL: Collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation by our professional English speaking chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van can be organized. Available at additional cost.

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Tour description

What you'll see on this tour

Your hostess Tatjana will bring the philosophy of food and the essence of Dalmatia to life as she takes you on a journey of discovery and indulgence of your senses. Everything in Tatjana’s kitchen is made with love and her infectious enthusiasm for her craft will rub off on you for sure! Expect much more than a cooking class, today is about learning how life is lived in a historic town.

Your culinary tour starts with sourcing the ingredients as the freshness is key to the Dalmatian table. No sterilized supermarket products can be found here and the seasonal availability of nature’s gifts determines what you’ll enjoy on your plate. Join Tatjana at the farmer’s market, fish market and local butcher’s shop (depending on your preference) to purchase the core ingredients of your meal straight from the source. Fully in her element, Tatjana will teach you how to see, smell and choose the freshest produce as the vibrant life of an outdoor market happens around you.

The cooking class is a hands-on introduction to every stage of the Dalmatian food preparation process, ranging from making homemade pasta, cleaning fish, preparing traditional Dalmatian entrees, side dishes sauces and marinades. Preparation in the local style, with local ingredients, in the company of locals! By the time you have finished your lunch you will feel like a true Dalmatian!

If you wish to spend more time with Tatjana, it is possible to book a homestay for up to 2 guests in her 13^thcentury town palace home.

Quick Info

Trogir

Split

Šibenik

Meet Tatjana

Tatjana Ciciliani is one of the most unique and original home chefs in the region! Many have witnessed and tasted her creative cooking, Bernie Ecclestone and Caroline of Monaco, to name just a few. But Tatjana shares her knowledge and charm with everyone attending her cooking class or just stumbling into her 13^thcentury town palace courtyard in UNESCO-listed Trogir historic center. A well-known and welcomed face in the markets of Trogir, Tatjana was chosen as the face of Croatian cooking in the 2014 April’s issue of Saveur magazine and was also featured in the Bizarre Foods episode on Croatia.

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If you want to know more

What makes the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ experience among the top Dalmatia cooking classes?

A charming immersion into Dalmatian culinary traditions, the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ tour is not just a class, it’s an indulgent gastronomic adventure. What truly distinguishes this experience among other Split Croatia food tours is its holistic approach, guided by one of Croatia’s finest home chefs, Tatjana Ciciliani. From the vibrancy of local markets to the preparation of traditional dishes and finally, to the delight of tasting your culinary creations, every step is an immersive journey into the heart of Dalmatian cuisine. Plus, the chance to cook in Tatjana’s historic 13th-century palace home adds a unique charm to the experience.

How is the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ tour different from other cooking classes in Split?

Unlike many other cooking classes, ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ is more than just a lesson in food preparation. The tour starts with a visit to local farmers markets, fish markets, and butcheries. Here, you’ll learn to select the freshest seasonal produce, a key aspect of Dalmatian cuisine, under Tatjana’s expert guidance. You’ll then prepare a variety of traditional dishes, including homemade pasta, Dalmatian entrées, and local marinades, experiencing firsthand the joy of crafting a meal with love and fresh ingredients. The day culminates in a shared meal, where you can savor the fruits of your labor. This end-to-end process, coupled with Tatjana’s infectious passion for her craft, makes this tour a standout among cooking classes in Split.

What culinary skills can I learn from the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ tour?

In this culinary adventure, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of Dalmatian food culture. You’ll learn to make homemade pasta, clean fish, prepare traditional Dalmatian entrées, side dishes, sauces, and marinades under Tatjana’s guidance. But more than technical skills, you’ll absorb the philosophy of food as embraced in Dalmatia – that cooking is an act of love, influenced by the rhythms of the seasons and local traditions.

Can I customize the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ experience based on my dietary restrictions?

Yes, you can extend your culinary journey by booking a homestay for up to 2 guests in Tatjana’s historic 13th-century town palace home. This unique opportunity allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture and lifestyle, enriching your overall experience.

Are there any additional features I can opt for as part of the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ tour?

Absolutely! We can arrange for a professional English-speaking chauffeur to pick you up from your hotel, villa, or private accommodation in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van. This service is available at an additional cost.

Who is Tatjana Ciciliani?

Tatjana Ciciliani is one of the region’s most original and charismatic home chefs. She’s a well-known and welcomed face in the markets of Trogir, and her creative cooking has been enjoyed by many, including international celebrities. She was chosen as the face of Croatian cooking in the 2014 April’s issue of Saveur magazine and featured in a Bizarre Foods episode on Croatia.

Is this ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ tour suitable for people with no prior cooking experience?

Definitely! The ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ experience is about much more than just technical culinary skills. It’s about exploring the philosophy of food, appreciating the freshness of local produce, and celebrating the joy of cooking. So whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete novice in the kitchen, this tour has something to offer you.

What is the duration of the ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ tour?

The ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ experience is a half-day tour. This includes time for sourcing fresh ingredients from the local markets, hands-on cooking lessons with Tatjana, and a leisurely lunch where you can savor the dishes you’ve prepared.

Why should I choose ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ as my Split Croatia food tour?

Choosing ‘Cooking with Tatjana’ as your food tour in Split gives you the opportunity to experience Dalmatian cuisine in its most authentic form. You’ll not only learn about traditional food preparation techniques but also get to understand the cultural significance of these dishes. You’ll be part of the entire culinary process – from choosing fresh, seasonal produce at local markets to enjoying the meal you’ve lovingly prepared. Tatjana’s expertise, charm, and passion for her craft make this an unforgettable experience.

Are there any additional features I can opt for as part of this coulinary tour?