Zagreb: A Tasty Visit to Fuego Fresh Latin Food

At the start of my recent visit to Croatia, while I was in the capital city of Zagreb, I wanted to check out Fuego Fresh Latin, at Zelinska Ulica 7, which is owned by Chef Richard Gruica. I'd previously interacted with Gruica online, and I was intrigued by his big personality and passion. And as my hotel was located relatively close to his restaurant, it made it even easier to stop there for lunch. 

Gruica is an American-Croatian and possesses over twenty years of experience in preparing Latin cuisine. He largely grew up in Miami, and his first job was working in a French restaurant owned by his uncle. Over the years, he's worked in some of the top Latin cuisine restaurants in the Miami area. Around 2016, he also started running tours to Croatia, which would take a hit when the pandemic struck. Gruica saw the pandemic as an opportunity though, and opened Fuego Fresh Latin at the end of last year.

I got to meet Gruica in person, and chat a little bit, and he was very personable and nice. It's clear that he loves Croatia, and is passionate about food and wine. 

The restaurant is a tiny storefront, and there's some counter seating outside although you can also get take-out or delivery. Their menu has changed a little since my visit, but it still showcases both authentic and inspired Latin dishes, from countries including Mexico, Peru, Cuba, and Venezuela. This is comfort food, from tacos to empanadas, cuban sandwiches to nachos. And it's inexpensive, with everything basically under $10 US. 

When you order at the window, you see directly into the kitchen, watching them prepare your food. The Menu is broken down into three main sections: Light Bites; Tacos, Sandwiches & More, and Fuego Bowls, although they also have Desserts. They also serve Margaritas and Pina Coladas, in case you want a cocktail with your food. The hardest part may be deciding what to order as so much on the menu sounds delicious.

I began with the "Real" Corn Tortilla Chips with Mama's Tomato Salsa Fresca, fresh, fried corn tortillas with a tangy tomato salsa. A relatively simple dish but such dishes can be indicative of a restaurant's quality. The chips were sturdy and tasty, with a rich corn flavor, and great for dipping. The salsa had a nice freshness and tang to it, with a pleasant blend of flavors. A good start to my lunch.

I also decided to try the Fuego Empanada Combo, and get a Meat Empanada (filled with beef, pork, corn & more) and a Cheese Empanada (filled with creamy cheese, corn and seasonings). I enjoyed the flaky pastry for both empanadas, and each had plenty of tasty and well seasoned fillings. The Cheese one was probably my personal favorite of the two. 

Inside the Beef Empanada. 

Inside the Cheese Empanada.

I also opted for one of the Fuego Bowls, Ita's Aji de Gallina Bowl, which is named after Gruica's mother-in-law. It's based on a famed Peruvian dish, and includes shredded chicken breast in a creamy chili sauce atop rice. I've enjoyed this dish at a few other Peruvian restaurants before and I was pleased with Gruica's unique version. It was a hearty bowl, with plenty of tender and flavorful chicken, and a slightly spicy kick. A nicely balanced blend of flavors and textures.

For dessert, I got the Suspiro Limeno (which is not on their current menu), a Peruvian-inspired dessert which was basically dulce de leche topped with a type of meringue. It was absolutely delicious, such great flavor and it wasn't overly sweet. It seems such a simple dish but it impressed nonetheless. 

If you visit Zagreb, I recommend you stop at Fuego Fresh Latin, Enjoy their tasty, inexpensive Latin comfort food. And support this worthy small business.