Makovnjaca 500g - Strudla sa Makom

Makovnjača, also called Štrudla sa Makom, is a traditional Croatian poppy seed roll with a generous, fragrant sweet filling in soft, golden pastry.

What Is Makovnjača?

Makovnjača is one of Croatia's most recognisable festive bakes: a sweet yeast roll with a dark, aromatic spiral of poppy seed filling running through every slice. Its name comes from mak, the Croatian word for poppy seed, while Štrudla sa Makom simply describes the same much-loved poppy seed strudel.

It belongs on Croatian Christmas and Easter tables, where cakes are prepared generously so there is always another slice for family, neighbours and unexpected guests. Its gently nutty filling, tender pastry and hints of dried plum, lemon and cinnamon make it equally lovely beyond the holidays, whether served after a relaxed Sunday meal or alongside an afternoon coffee.

How to Serve Makovnjača

Makovnjača looks particularly handsome when cut into thick, even slices, revealing its deep poppy seed spiral. Serve it simply and let its comforting flavour do the work, or add it to a larger dessert spread when guests are around.

• Offer slices after a family lunch with strong coffee, black tea or a small glass of dessert wine.
• Set it out as part of a Croatian-inspired Christmas or Easter table with fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream and softly whipped cream.
• Serve with a spoonful of thick Greek yoghurt and poached plums for an easy but elegant brunch dessert.
• Pair it with Orahnjača, our Croatian-style walnut roll, to offer the classic choice of poppy seed and walnut fillings.
• Take it to a gathering or give it to a host as a generous, ready-to-share cake that needs no preparation.

Serving Tip

For the cleanest slices, use a sharp serrated knife and cut with a light sawing motion rather than pressing down. Bring the roll to room temperature before serving so the pastry softens and the filling's full fragrance comes through.

Where Does It Come From?

Our Makovnjača is made by Nándori Cukrászda, a family-run Budapest patisserie on Ráday Street. The business began in 1957, and László Nándori has carried its tradition forward since taking over in 1988.

Each roll is carefully hand-baked by skilled confectioners using a family recipe. A rich layer of freshly ground poppy seeds, dried plum, lemon peel and cinnamon is enclosed in soft yeast pastry, then baked until the crust is glossy and gently crisp while the centre remains tender and full of flavour.

Although it is baked in Hungary, Makovnjača follows the much-loved Croatian poppy seed roll tradition and was selected for our range as a fitting part of our Croatian food collection.

Delivery & Storage

Each Makovnjača has a best-before date of 30 days from the date of purchase, making it practical to keep for a celebration, a planned visit or several leisurely servings. We send it in protective packaging to help it arrive ready to slice and share.

It also makes a thoughtful Croatian food gift for anyone who enjoys traditional poppy seed baking or would appreciate a familiar festive cake. For a ready-to-give Croatian selection that includes Makovnjača with Kulenova Seka, Vegeta Natur and Kraš Griotte chocolates, choose our Croatian Gift Hamper.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.

Ingredients & Allergen Information

Ingredients: Wheat flour, ground poppy seed, lard, sugar, biscuit crumbs, egg yolk, water, vanillin sugar, lemon peel, cinnamon, ground dried plum, yeast, salt.

Allergy advice: For allergens, see ingredients in bold. May contain traces of milk, sesame, soy, sulphites and other tree nuts.

Country of Origin: Hungary.