Mirela Blagojević in front of Viski cvit (Photo: Nikola Zoko)
By Paulina Mlinarić
VIS, CROATIA – Visitors come to Vis for its crystal-clear sea, hidden coves, rich history and renowned wines. But a distinctive scent of anise is now giving travellers another reason to stop and explore the island.
That aroma leads to Viški cvit, a small family-run gastro destination in the town of Vis where a traditional island sweet bearing the same name is made.
This year, Viški cvit received the prestigious Croatian Island Product designation, awarded by Croatia’s Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds to products made on the country’s islands that follow traditional recipes or help preserve island heritage.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
The recognition confirms the authenticity and quality of the product, which is increasingly becoming part of Vis’s distinctive gastronomic identity.
Viški cvit is a traditional dry cake with a distinctive flower shape and a strong anise aroma.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
It is prepared using old family recipes and finished with meštra, an aromatic spirit flavoured with anise and fennel, or with anise oil, before being coated in granulated sugar.
It is this final touch that gives the sweet its characteristic aroma and flavour.
For visitors, a trip to Viški cvit is about more than simply buying a cake. Owner Mirela Blagojević also shares stories about life on Vis, local customs and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Her own journey to preserving the island’s culinary heritage was unexpected.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
Blagojević originally worked in healthcare before moving in a completely different direction. Life on Vis, its slower pace and rich food traditions gradually changed her plans, while her mother-in-law became an important teacher, passing on recipes and techniques used in traditional Vis cooking.
During the pandemic, she decided to pursue a new path and opened Viški cvit on 1 July 2023 in the ground floor of her family home.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
The small gastro destination now attracts both Croatian and international visitors during the summer season. Outside the main tourist season, Blagojević also prepares homemade specialities, including children’s meals, pancakes and sweet buns, keeping the business active throughout the year.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
The story behind two famous island pies
Viški cvit is not the only traditional speciality associated with the island.
Visitors can also try Viška pogača and Komiška pogača, two traditional savoury pies prepared by Blagojević during the season.
Viška pogača originated as a simple but filling fishermen’s meal. Flour, onions, salted anchovies or sardines, olive oil and yeast were enough to create a nourishing dish for fishermen spending long days at sea.
Later, after tomatoes arrived on the island, the Komiška version emerged. Tomato sauce was added to the filling, creating a different flavour and a dish that became equally popular.
Asked which one is better, Blagojević has a simple answer: the one served hot, straight from the oven.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
For those unable to visit Vis this summer, she has also shared a traditional recipe for both versions.
Recipe for Viška and Komiška pogača
Ingredients:
• 600–650 g plain flour
• 150–200 g salted anchovy or sardine fillets
• 4–5 large onions
• 150–200 ml olive oil
• Half a cube of fresh yeast
• 150–200 ml lukewarm water
• A pinch of salt
Method:
Slice the onions thinly and slowly cook them in olive oil until completely softened. For Komiška pogača, add a ladleful of sieved tomatoes or tomato pulp towards the end and cook briefly.
Make a soft dough using the flour, lukewarm water, yeast and salt. Divide it into two pieces, with one slightly larger than the other, and leave to rest for around 15 minutes.
Roll out the larger piece and place it in an oiled baking tray, covering the base and sides. Add the softened onions and salted fish, and, for the Komiška version, the tomato filling.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
Cover with the second piece of dough, seal the edges and prick the surface several times with a fork.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
Bake at 220°C for around 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, cover with a clean, lightly damp tea towel and leave for several minutes to soften.
Serve warm, as it has been enjoyed on Vis for generations.
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
(Photo: Nikola Zoko)
From a traditional anise-scented sweet to two iconic fishermen’s pies, the island’s food heritage continues to find new ways to reach visitors while remaining rooted in recipes and stories passed down through generations.
