Slovenian customs -
Three Meals a day

The slovenian customs concerning meals adhere to the typical three meals a day philosophy. Lunch (kosilo) is the most important meal of the day in Slovene culture.

Breakfast (zajrtek)

Zajrtek (breakfast) is typically a simple affair, featuring kava (coffee) or tea and rolls, particularly the Slovenian hard roll "zemlja" being commonly seen. These rolls are served with butter and jam, with salami or cheese. The occasional boiled or fried egg as well is making an appearance at the breakfast table. Many Slovenes forgo breakfast and just have coffee � children will have hot chocolate instead.

Snack Time around 10 a.m.

Mid-morning in Slovenia is snack time; usually around 10 a.m. This may include street foods such as hot dogs or sandwiches, or stew or soup from a restaurant. Those with more time on their hands may opt for pastries. At snack time, juice (sok), coffee or tea are the most popular drinks.

Lunch (kosilo)

Lunch may happen anywhere between noon and three in the afternoon and will begin with soup. Also on a typical lunch menu will be some form of starch (generally pasta, dumplings or potatoes), a salad (often fancoska solate, or diced potatoes and other vegetables in mayonnaise) and a meat dish. The salad bowl is often communal, as are serving bowls quite often � each diner helps themselves using their own utensils. Bread will almost always be seen at lunch and dinner both. At a restaurant, diners are expected to report the amount of bread eaten during the meal before the bill is calculated. Drinks at lunch or dinner usually include wine or beer, fruit juices and malinovec (a raspberry drink). Younger people may choose soda instead of these more traditional beverages.

Dinner (vecerja)

Dinner tends to be a lighter version of lunch. Leftovers from lunch are often had for dinner along with salads and yogurt.

When invited to dine in another�s home, Slovenian custom dictates bringing small gifts along for the host or hostess. These would include wine and flowers for the host or hostess, with candy being offered to children.

Slovenes consider it impolite to refuse offers of food; keep this in mind and bring your appetite!

Dining Out only at special occasions

Slovenes eat at restaurants much less often than Americans and Western Europeans and dining out is more of an activity for special occasions or holidays.

That said, a special slovenian custom is that a lot of Slovenes will often have a meal at their local pub (or gostilna). These meals will generally feature traditional foods and sweets. For example, Sunday lunch at one�s gostilna might be something like beef or chicken noodle soup, roast veal or pork, potatoes, salad and either strudel or potica (a Slovenian cake) for dessert.

Young people in Slovenia often enjoy eating at fast food restaurants or going for pizza.